Are you among the millions of pet owners in the world that has an unruly pet that just keeps traveling into unwanted areas of the home? Maybe your pet keeps dirtying up the carpet, or perhaps he or she keeps jumping up and down on guests. Well, you will be happy to learn that there is a solution to your problem, and that solution comes in the form of a pet gate.
However, choosing the right pet gate is not as quite as easy as it sounds. You would think just measuring out a doorway space, and choosing a gate would be easy, but throughout your tribulations, you will find that there are thousands on top of thousands of different gates available on the market.
I wholeheartedly understand that a lot of consumers want to own a dog. Dogs are friendly, kind, and incredibly loyal. Unfortunately, I will admit upfront that owning a dog can be an enormous responsibility.
If your home isn’t ready for a dog, you’re going to have a lot of troubles on your hands. Before bringing a dog home, you should set up a dog-friendly environment. If you have a two-story home, you’ll need to prevent your dog from trying to climb down the stairs.
This is where the dog stair gate will prove to be exceptionally helpful. Within this guide, you will learn all about pet gates for stairs, their basics, and more.
6 Best Pet Gates For Stairs Listed
1. MidWest Homes Indoor Puppy Gate
Keeping your pets safe may mean keeping them confined to one location. However, many homes do not have doors installed in the most crucial areas. This leaves you no other choice, but to rely on pet gates, which is a great option alternative.
MidWest Pet Gate is a great product that is designed to offer a safe and secure method of seclusion. The gate is constructed out of heavy-duty steel, so it will endure the test of time, with a powder coating that is safe for pets and children.
Notable Specifications
- Easy installation process
- Pressure mounted hardware
- The one-handed open release mechanism
- The swing door is 19: wide
- Fits openings 29-1/2” to 38” in length
- Includes 2-3” extensions, plus additional extensions are also available
Overall Assessment
The MidWest Pet gate is suitable for small and medium-breed canines. The gaps between the bars on the door are 2-1/4” apart, but the gaps on the extensions are 2-1/2”. This may present a problem for toy breeds, since they may be able to stick their head through both of these openings. Just keep these measurements in mind, when you are considering purchasing this brand.
2. Safety 1st Nature Next Bamboo Gate
Safety 1st might be in the baby business, but I can tell you from experience that the company’s gates are also compatible with pooches. This is definitely the case with the Nature Next Bamboo Gate. The gate’s bamboo frame is very attractive and surprisingly durable.
The panels are manufactured from entirely recycled plastics, so this makes it very attractive for those looking for an environmentally friendly solution. The gate is pressure mounted, so it can be installed without any hand tools. The product weighs less than 5 pounds, so it can be toted around and installed by almost anyone.
Notable Specifications
- Attractive and durable bamboo frame
- 100% recycled plastics
- Can extend from 28 to 42 inches
- Works in all doorways and openings
- 24 inches tall
- Convenient installation
- Pressure mounted
Overall Assessment
I sincerely love the Safety 1st Nature Next Bamboo Gate. The gate is incredibly affordable, yet it easily parallels and even exceeds the performance of many of its more expensive competitors. The width and height of the gate make it suitable for the majority of dog owners. If it suits your needs, you’ll love the Nature Next Bamboo Gate.
3. North States MyPet Pet Gate
While some dog owners will need something tall or wide, many will be content with a basic gate. For those that want something simplistic, I recommend the North States MyPet Gate. This specific gate is incredibly affordable, yet it is more than capable of satisfying the needs of most consumers.
In fact, this is easily one of the best dog gates for the house. The gate can be installed without any tools whatsoever. Although the gate’s design is very basic, it is still attractive enough to elevate your home’s aesthetics, while complementing your current interior design. The rubber bumpers help to protect your walls from damage while ensuring the gate remains secure at all times.
Notable Specifications
- Gate is 23 inches tall and can expand between 26 to 42-inches wide
- Pressure mounted
- Rubber bumpers on the side protect your wall
- Can be installed without any tools
- Available in several colors to accommodate your dog’s gender
- Weighs less than 5 pounds for easy portability
Overall Assessment
All in all, the North States MyPet is fairly basic, but it still works exceptionally well. I have experimented with lots of dog gates, but few can match the sheer value of the North States MyPet. The price tag makes it reasonable for everyone and the gate’s performance ensures it can accommodate almost anybody. I highly recommend it!
4. Summer Infant Multi-Use Walk-Thru Gate
Although this specific gate is designed for children, I can tell you from experience that it works tremendously well for the majority of dogs as well. The beams are placed close enough together that a dog will not be able to slip through the cracks. And of course, the gate is downright gorgeous.
No matter what type of interior style your home features, this gate will fit in perfectly.
The gate is 29-inches in height, so it can prevent dogs from leaping over. It is also expandable. Users can easily adjust the gate’s width from 29.5 to 40.5 inches. The versatility of the gate is unparalleled. Although I use it on a stairway, it can easily accommodate doorways and hallways.
Notable Specifications
- Beautiful dark cherry finish
- The convenient door makes entering and exiting easy
- 29 inches in height
- Can accommodate spaces from 29.5 to 40.5 inches
- Hardware required for stairway installation is included
- Door automatically closes
- Protected by a one-year manufacturer’s warranty
- Extremely versatile and can be used almost anywhere
Overall Assessment
The Summer Infant Multi-Use Walk-Thru Gate is great in many aspects. The dark cherry finish is beautiful and the gate’s versatility ensures it can be used nearly anywhere in the home. I can also tell you that the door will remain in place, regardless of your dog’s behavior. As long as it is tightened firmly, the gate will not budge. I highly recommend the Summer Infant gate for those that demand luxury!
5. Carlson Extra Wide Walk Through Gate With Pet Door
Pet gates for stairs are fantastic for creating perimeters for your pet inside of your home. Pets can cause a disastrous mess if they are left unattended for any period of time. There are various pet gate brands on the market, so it will require a little thought when it comes to shopping for the right one.
The Carlson Extra-Wide Walk Through Gate is capable of expanding up to 44”, with a 4” and 6” extension included in the package. The Carlson Gate is suitable for extra-wide openings and stairways, plus it has a small pet door for convenient access.
Notable Specifications
- Constructed out of 100% heavy-duty steel
- Lead-free and non-toxic overcoating
- Attachments offer a wall safe installation
- Large lever latch handle for easy usability
- Expands from 29” up to 44” in length
- 1.5” Gap between interior bars, 3” gap from wall and the first bar
- Swing-through action
- Built-in door for small breed canines and felines
Overall Assessment
The Carlson Extra Gate is one of the best brands on the market. If you truly want to confine your pet to a specific area in your home, you should definitely consider this model.
The wall attachments are very strong and capable of withstanding a lot of force, so large breed canines will not be able to knock it over.
6. Evenflo Easy Walk Thru Top Gate
Canines have a habit of following their master around just about everywhere they go in fact. The only way to keep them confined to an upstairs compartment in your home is with the Evenflo Easy Walk Through Gate.
This gate is constructed out of solid metal, with a non-toxic overcoating. The installation hardware is very durable and capable of securing the gate to the wall, even when a substantial amount of force is to push it. The lever is childproof, so your small children cannot open it to let the dogs go free.
Notable Specifications
- Constructed of heavy-duty metal
- The lever latch is embedded with a green/red lock indicator for security purposes
- One-hand release design, which is a necessity for parents with small children
- Expands up to 42” in length and measures 30” in height
- Easy installation process
- Gate opens in both directions
Overall Assessment
Evenflo Easy Walk Thru Gate is one of the best brands on the market. It is suitable for small and large breeds, but not for tiny puppies and toy breeds canines. The Evenflo brand tells you a lot of these gates because the company only produces premium products that are safe for pets and children.
Setting Up An Environment For Pet Gates For Stairs
Before bringing your pooch home, it is vital to create boundaries. Where can your dog travel without getting into harm’s way or causing trouble?
I highly recommend creating boundaries inside and outside of the home, since you will eventually want to housebreak him or her. Stair gates for dogs are a good way to prevent your dog from entering a location, which is considered off-limits.
A fall from the stairs could be devastating and could result in a broken limb. By blocking off the stairs with a gate, this worry will be completely eliminated. Alternatively, I highly recommend installing a wireless dog fence outside to control where your dog can and cannot go.
The combination will guarantee that your dog’s movement is always restricted to safe zones.
How Pet Gates Work
Stair gates come in a variety of styles, but I can tell you honestly that they’re all very similar. The mass majority of gates utilize tension to ensure the gate remains in place at all times. The gate will feature turn knobs on both sides.
When the knobs are turned, the place holder will be extended outward or brought inward. With the gate set in place, the knob should be turned until the place holder is firmly secure against the wall. The gate will not budge an inch, once the knob is turned with maximum force.
Although some gates will require you to physically step over the barrier, others feature doors. For stairs, I highly recommend choosing a gate with a door, since a misstep could result in a devastating injury!
Using Multiple Gates For Maximum Control
Some homeowners reside in big houses. For these individuals, I highly recommend investing in multiple indoor pet gates. Two or more gates will give you additional control and make it possible to seal off areas without doors.
Just think of the possibilities. With the appropriate gates, you will be able to keep your pooch confined to the living room or kitchen, while you’re outside of the home. This will allow you to continue about your day, without having to worry about your pooch running wild, getting hurt, or causing trouble. Also, remember that there tall, extra-wide, and stair gates. This makes it possible to cordon off almost any area in your home.
Benefits And Uses Of Indoor Gates For Dogs
As a pet parent, it is your responsibility to ensure your dog remains safe and sound. Oftentimes, you will find that your pet will always try his or her best to get themselves into trouble.
To prevent this from happening, it is vital to use aids around your home to keep your pet confined to one area. Indoor gates for dogs can prove to be very helpful for this precise purpose. With these gates, you will be able to achieve a great deal for a low price. The benefits and uses will be explored in greater depth below.
Prevents Roaming
When you’re away from home, you can guarantee that your dog is going to roam. They’ll attempt to venture into rooms that are normally off-limits. This could result in your possessions getting chewed up or scratched to shreds. Generally, it is best to keep your pet confined to the kitchen.
The best way to achieve this goal is by using a portable gate for your pooch. With one of these gates, you will be able to prevent your pooch from venturing too far. While you’re away at work, school, or that crucial business meeting, you will know with certainty your furry friend is safe and staying out of trouble.
Stops Dangerous Encounters With Stairs
Big dogs may eventually learn how to climb and descend the stairs safely. Nevertheless, there is a risk involved. This is why a lot of dog owners prefer carrying their pets up and down the stairs. When you’re away from home, you will not be able to prevent your dog from trying to tackle the stairs on its own. This is why you should consider investing in an indoor gate. With one of these gates, you’ll be able to completely block off the stairs and make them inaccessible to your pooch.
Make sure the gate is secure, before leaving home. Do this and you’ll be able to keep your worries at bay.
Effortless Setup
One of the biggest benefits of indoor gates is the fact that they’re nearly effortless to install. In fact, you can generally get most of these gates installed in a matter of minutes and without any tools whatsoever. Usually, they’ll use a pressure mounting system to keep them upright and pinned between two walls. Just position the gate where it needs to be and turn the four knobs on the side. Be careful about overtightening the gate, as this could cause damage to your walls. Otherwise, indoor dog gates are completely safe and convenient.
Portability
Another great thing about these products is the fact that they’re portable. From time to time, you may decide to move your pooch to a new area. Or perhaps you’re in the process of moving to a new home? With a portable indoor pet gate, this will not be an issue. Simply loosen the knobs and the gate will come free in a matter of seconds. From there, you can reinstall it anywhere you desire with little to no trouble.
Understanding The Types Pet Gates That Are Used Indoors
Pressure mounted gates- pressure-mounted gates are gates that are held in place by applying pressure against a wall or doorframe. They usually include stoppers or rubber pads to prevent any damage to the wall or doorframe.
The hardware mounted gate- a hardware-mounted gate will have to be physically attached to the wall or doorframe by using hardware. This means that there will be screw holes in the wall or doorframe if the gate is ever removed.
Freestanding gates- freestanding gates are pretty much just like their name suggests. They do not attach to anything and just simply stand on their own.
Pet gates for stairs – installs in front of the stairs to prevent the animal from falling or accessing the steps.
Which Indoor Gate Works Best For Your Situation?
When most pet owners look for a pet gate they are looking for pet gates for stairs. This is one of the most common places in the home to install a gate. If you are looking to prevent your dog from traveling up or down the stairs, you want to make sure that you go with a hardware-mounted gate.
This will ensure that there is absolutely no chance of your dog jumping on the gate and knocking it down. This could potentially be dangerous, especially if the gate is located at the top of the stairs. However, if the is gate is located at the bottom of the stairs you could potentially use any type of gate that you wanted, depending on the dog’s size and activity level.
If you live in a small home, apartment, or have a small dog the freestanding gate is usually your best option. Not only can you remove it at any time for quick and easy storage, but also it can pretty much install anywhere to prevent access into certain areas. In addition to this, there is no damage to the walls or doorframes after removal.
How To Deal With Big And Small Pets
It is very common nowadays for pet owners to have pets both small and large in the same home. This can sometimes be frustrating if you constantly have to lift the small dog up and over the gate. A good solution to this problem is to look for a gate that swings open like a door or has a pass-thru door built into it.
Doggie gates Indoor installation
When you’re first introduced to doggie gates, you’ll probably be a little taken aback by the basic design. The gate will normally be a simple panel, which is constructed from durable wood or metal. So, how does it work? What keeps the gate panel in place? I must say that the setup couldn’t be easier.
Although there may be a few rarities out there, most indoor dog gates are held in place by tension. Once your gate has arrived, you’ll want to stick it in the desired location. Grab the knob on one side and begin turning in the appropriate direction. Within seconds, the gate’s arm will extend and touch the wall. Repeat the process for the remaining knobs.
Although you’ll want to secure the gate tightly, it is essential to do so cautiously. If you use too much force, your drywall might be damaged. Nonetheless, the setup process can be completed within a matter of minutes.
