With dogs being the number one pet owned in America, it’s no wonder they’ve become a part of our family.
Some of us even think of them as our kids, and like children, they tend to get into trouble when we’re not watching.
One of the best ways to have your furry friend confined, but still with enough room to move around and play, is by using an indoor pet gate.
However, there are a few things to consider when deciding which gate is right for your dog.
What Types Of Dog Gates Are There?
There are three types of dog gates:
Free-standing gates: If you have a well-trained dog, a free-standing gate may be enough.
However, for dogs who tend to jump, a pressure-mounted or even hardware-mounted gate may be needed, depending if the dog is a small or large breed.
Pressure-mounted gates: These gates need to go in between doorways or two walls. They’re widened in small increments until there’s enough pressure on each side to hold them against the surface.
These can easily be moved to other locations in your home, or even traveled with if necessary.
Hardware-mounted gates: An hardware-mounted gate require hardware to be mounted onto walls or doorways.
The drawback of these types of gates is they cannot be easily removed, and they leave permanent holes in the walls or doors where they were mounted.
Best Dog Gate For Persistent Jumpers
1. Dreambaby Chelsea Extra Tall Security Gate
This pet gate combines the many needs of a pet owner, as it’s never enough to have a tall gate, you need a sturdy one as well.
It’s made with high-quality steel and is one of the tallest dog gates at 39.5 inches. Also, the company can provide optional extensions to extend the gate to as large as 188 inches!
With this in mind, it’s perfect for apartments, rental properties or temporary housing. It’s a pressure-mounted system, providing for easy installation and removal.
The door opens in both directions and has an auto-close feature. It also locks on the bottom, giving added security, and include an electronic indicator that tells you if it’s locked or not.
Furthermore, it gives you the option of keeping the gate open if necessary.
Inside the package, you’ll find one pre-assembled pet gate panel with a door, two optional extension panels and mounting cups for optional use.
PROS
- Gate door opens both ways
- Auto-close and double locking features
- Lock indicator
- Can be pressure or hardware-mounted
CONS
- The latch can be hard to use sometimes
2. MidWest Homes for Pets Steel Pet Gate
This pet gate is a great way to keep dogs contained, not just to keep them from traversing your house from one area to the next, but also as a training tool.
It’s made with tubular steel and a non-edible graphite finish. At 39.1 inches tall and 29.5 to 38 inches wide, it will fit most doorways and stairwells and will stop even the largest frisky dog from jumping over it.
The gate can be pressure mounted or hardware mounted to give that extra added strength. Plus, the door opens both ways and has an easy self-closing latch which you can use with one hand.
Inside the package, you’ll find a chew-proof, lead-free pet gate, hardware for installation, two three-inch extensions and a one-year manufacturer warranty.
PROS
- Can be pressure or hardware-mounted
- Gate door opens both ways
- Easy self-closing latch
- Chew-proof and lead-free
- Auto-close feature
CONS
- Plastic latches/springs on the door are fragile
3. Munchkin XL Metal Baby Gate
This is an ideal dog gate not just for jumpers, but for heavy dogs as well. With its sturdy steel frame, it’s a must-have among large breed owners.
It’s made with high-quality steel to provide strength and stability, and can withstand even the most rambunctious dog jumping against the frame, whether it’s pressure mounted or wall mounted.
As for the dimensions, the gate is 36 inches tall with the ability to expand up to 51.6 inches wide.
Although, you should be aware that the wider it is, the more strength it will lose, so consider using the wall mount for greater stability if you need to span that wide gap.
The door can be opened both ways for maximum convenience, and it also has the option to only open one way or even locked completely.
Additionally, keep in mind that this is not a lightweight pet gate. It boasts a total of 21 pounds fresh out of the box, which means you may want to have someone to help you install it.
However, with its weight comes that sturdy durability.
Inside the package, you’ll find one pre-assembled gate panel, along with two additional extensions and a one-year limited warranty.
PROS
- Should withstand a 220-pound dog
- Sturdy steel frame
- Can be pressure or hardware-mounted
- Expand up to 51.6 inches
- Extra-wide walkthrough
- Gate door opens both ways
CONS
- A bit difficult to install
4. Safety 1st Décor Easy Install Tall & Wide Baby Gate
This is a pressure mounted pet gate, so it’s particularly suitable for your more medium size dogs or well-behaved large dogs.
It’s made with sturdy steel, and at the dimensions of 36 inches high and 29-47 inches wide, it fits most hallways, doors and passages.
But again, though the height is enough to keep most dogs from jumping over, be aware the longer the gate, the less strength it has.
In addition, it’s easy to install with its pressure mounted feet, and no tools are required. Unfortunately, it can’t be hardware-mounted for added stability.
Therefore, it’s best not to use it in some places, such as at the top of the stairs.
Moreover, it has an indicator that tells you whether the door is locked in place or needs more adjusting, and a unique safety mechanism where you have to use two fingers in order to open the gate door.
Inside the package, you’ll find one pressure-mounted baby gate, two extensions and a one-year limited warranty.
PROS
- Suitable for medium size dogs
- Extra-wide walkthrough
- Easy to install
- Lock indicator
- Two-finger safety mechanism
- Gate door opens both ways
CONS
- Can’t be hardware mounted
How To Pick The Best Dog Gate For Jumpers?
Choosing a dog gate which suits both you and your pet’s needs is key. Before anything, you need to consider the purpose of the gate to determine the best size and type to purchase.
For example:
- Will it go between rooms or at the top or bottom of the stairs?
- Is it meant to be temporary or permanent?
- Do other pets (like your cat) need access to one of the rooms?
Keep in mind, you need a gate that can both contain and withstand your pet as he grows. You may have a small puppy now, but you want the gate to last as he goes into adulthood.
Other things to consider when buying a dog gate for jumpers are the quality of the materials, what type of locking mechanism the gate has and how easy the gate will be to install and break down.
Many pet gates even have an auto-close system and a door that swings both ways. This assists in keeping track of your dog.
Remember the safety of your dog is important when buying a gate, but having a gate that can withstand your dog jumping on it without collapsing or injuring him is also important.
How to Train Your Dog to Stop Jumping?
Training your dog not to jump is just as important as any sit, stay or down command.
You start by rewarding good behavior with high-value treats. If your dog jumps, have him sit and stay on command.
Why sit and stay instead of learning the down command?
Because the sit and stay require the dog to focus his attention back to you.
Once your dog has learned to sit and stay, if he jumps at the gate, you tell him to sit and stay. If he stops jumping and does as told, he gets a treat. If not, he gets ignored and told to sit and stay again.
If it’s your dog’s first time, you may have to show him. This process is repeated until he can sit and stay for an extended period.
With time and a little patience, he will eventually stop jumping.
Bottom Line
There are many reasons why you’d want to keep your dog from entering a specific part of the house.
You could be training a new puppy, or you simply want to make sure he doesn’t go up or downstairs or greet people at the door.
Overall, dog gates can be a great addition to the life of both you and your pet. Whether you need one to be temporary or permanent, there are several choices you can make.
Of the four gates, Munchkin XL Metal Baby Gate stands out as the best dog gate for jumpers.
Ensure you understand the purpose of your gate, so you know what height to get and what the gate will have to endure. Also, measure the needed space accurately so you know if you’ll need extensions.
Once you have all the moving pieces put together, you can enjoy your gate and your pet with enthusiasm.