How to Use Pet Gates

A pet can be a wonderful addition to your household. Whether it be a cat, dog or an iguana, introducing a pet into your home can be both exciting and stressful. When left alone, a pet can find a way to get into all kinds of mischief; occasionally, their mischief will result in the destruction of your property. It is important to establish boundaries within your home. In some cases, closing a door isolates a room from the rest of the home. If you don't want to do that, a pet gate is a great way to restrict access to certain rooms in the house.

Things You'll Need

  • Tape measure or yard stick
  • Pet or child gate
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Instructions

    • 1

      Measure the length of the space that you want to put the gate in. Use a tape measure or yardstick to determine the length of pet gate you will need. Start at one end of the space and hold the measuring tape tight as you stretch the tape the entire length of the space. Write down your measurement.

    • 2

      Find the right gate for you. While a gate that is designed specifically for pets is preferable, you can use a baby gate as well. If you choose to use a baby gate, make sure you get one that is high enough that your pet can't jump over it easily. If your pet is a large dog, make sure that the gate is sturdy enough that it won't be pushed over easily if the dog nudges it or puts its paws on it. There are several different options. Some baby or pet gates are fastened directly to the wall, while others are held in place with a locking spring mechanism that makes the gate easy to move from room to room. Once you find a gate that suits your needs, take it home and set it in place.

    • 3

      Introduce the gate to the pet. Set boundaries. Let your pet know that the gate is there to keep them out and tell them "no" if they go near the gate. A pet gate may have a mechanism in it that lets it swing open on a hinge. Tell the pet to "stay" while you walk back and forth through the gate. If the gate doesn't have a hinge, you will have to step over it to clear it. Either way, reinforce to your pet that while you may go back and forth through and over the gate, it is not permissible for your pet to do so.