Freestanding Pet Gates – My Dog Would Easily Knock It Over
Sponsored linksThe most popular new dog gates in the market are the freestanding pet gates, but do they really provide an effective barrier for dogs?
For the most complete answer we will need to compare the t-bar freestanding pet gate and the zig zag freestanding pet gate.
The t-bar gates will have t-bars, or feet on each end of the gate that are perpendicular to the gate. These pedestals are usually from 15 inches to 18 inches in length (depending on the width of the gate.) The wider the gate, the longer the feet.
Instead of requiring feet on the gate for stability, the zig zag gates utilize a “w” pattern where the multiple (2 to 5) panels zig zag in an offsetting direction to create the stability.
Okay, we can see how these freestanding gates are stabilized, “but are they stable enough to withstand the efforts of my dog?” No two pets are the same, so it is very hard to predict the outcome when it comes to large determined pets. Even though these gates have rubber cushions on the bottom, It is more probable that a large pet would push the gate aside vs tip it over.
With the t-bar gate, if the dog pushed on the top of the gate or pulled on the top of the gate, the gate would tend to tip in that direction. Once the dog stopped the pushing or pulling motion, the gate would tip back in the opposite direction.
The returning movement of the gate as it rights itself, in my experience frightens the pet. The old saying of once bitten, twice shy, comes into effect here.
My advice would be to let your dog experience this new barrier while you are at home and on the opposite side of the gate. The first few hours should tell the tale.
Now, with the zig zag style of freestanding gate, we see a very different reaction from most pets. The zig zag pattern tends to confuse most dogs. There is no obvious place for them to concentrate their efforts and if they push or pull on any panel, the other panels work in the opposite direction to keep the gate stability.
Just the sheer volume of dog owners that are choosing these freestanding gates over the pressure mounted gate options is proof in itself that these freestanding pet gates are working effectively in most situations.
At our pet store over 50% of pet owners are purchasing the freestanding pet gates over the pressure mounted or fix-mounted pet gates.
Freestanding pet gates, like any other product, will still have a small percentage of situations where the gate may not be effective. If you feel that your pet likely puts you in that small percentage, use your gut feel to make your buying decision. You know your dog the best.
Until another new design hits the pet gate market, I believe that these freestanding pet gates will continue to dominate.
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