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Last updated: 29 Apr 2022
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Best Gate for Small Dogs

Top Choice
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Internet's Best Freestanding Dog Gate
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Runner-up
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Home District Freestanding Dog Gate
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Top Contender
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Bundaloo Freestanding Dog Gate
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Honorable Mention
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Etna Freestanding Dog Gate
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Also Consider
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Hoovy Freestanding Dog Gate
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author-image
By Editor
Published 29 Apr 2022
Show contents
  • 1 Internet’s Best Freestanding Dog Gate
  • 2 Home District Freestanding Dog Gate
  • 3 Bundaloo Freestanding Dog Gate
  • 4 Etna Freestanding Dog Gate
  • 5 Hoovy Freestanding Dog Gate

Owning a small dog can be fun, but keeping them out of certain rooms can be difficult. For example, doors don’t always work, since a dog could scratch or bark at the door until you open it, and they could squeeze through as you do. If this is a problem for you, this article is here to help!

We’ll cover some of the best small dog gates available, chosen for their design, durability, and ease of use. There are many factors to consider when buying a small dog gate, and we’ve listed some of these at the end. We hope this information will help you find the best dog gate for your needs!

Best Gate For Small Dogs

1

Internet’s Best Freestanding Dog Gate

– Top Choice
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THE SCOOP

The minimalistic yet elegant design of this gate is appealing, and it has options for three or four panels.

Pros
  • Four panels
  • Durable
  • Folds easily
Cons
  • Must sit in a slight zig-zag formation
  • Slides on smooth flooring
2

Home District Freestanding Dog Gate

– Runner-up
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THE SCOOP

This blue-gray gate has a swirled design, making it look nice while still allowing your dog to see through it.

Pros
  • Easy to move
  • Beautiful
  • Easy to step over
Cons
  • Frame sometimes falls apart
  • Finish is underwhelming
3

Bundaloo Freestanding Dog Gate

– Top Contender
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THE SCOOP

This three-panel wooden gate is perfect for any doorway. It simply unfolds in your desired location and acts as a barrier between your dog and a no-go zone.

Pros
  • Sturdy
  • Appealing design
  • Easy to move
Cons
  • Inner edges need more paint
  • Can be knocked over
4

Etna Freestanding Dog Gate

– Honorable Mention
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THE SCOOP

This beautifully designed wooden gate has three panels and four different options, each with a unique color and design.

Pros
  • Fits well
  • Durable
  • Stylish
Cons
  • Can be slid or knocked over
  • Heavy
5

Hoovy Freestanding Dog Gate

– Also Consider
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THE SCOOP

This gate has two design options: a diamond pattern and a paw print design and a dog bone pattern. This, alongside the fact that it’s freestanding, makes it an adorable choice for any location.

Pros
  • Easy to step over
  • Lightweight
  • Cute
Cons
  • Hinge pins fall out
  • Screws come loose

Buying Guide

When considering a dog gate, a pressurized baby gate is an obvious choice. However, it isn't always the best choice. They can be difficult to step over and are often visually unappealing. There are many gates designed for small dogs to be considered instead, and the following factors should help you choose the best one for your household:

  • Location: Where will you be using the gate? An indoor gate isn’t designed to handle being rained on or potential temperature fluctuations. Its paint will begin to fall off, and the gate may collapse. An outdoor gate is built to handle all of this but may be unsuitable for indoor use for this very reason.
  • Decor: There are so many options that you’ll be sure to find a gate to match any room. There are gates with dark colors, light colors, intricate patterns, simplistic patterns, and more. So no matter how your room looks, there’s a gate to match it.
  • Dog: A small dog gate isn’t built to hold back a large dog. A curious or intelligent pup may be able to outsmart the gate either through trial-and-error or by watching you use it. Keep in mind your dog’s size and personality. If your curious dog will try to push it over or jump over it, a heavy or taller gate is necessary. Maybe try a pressurized gate if your dog continues to push or knock over a freestanding one.
  • Maneuverability: If you need to move the gate often, this should be a large factor. You need a gate that is small enough to carry and easy to step over but tall enough to prevent your pet from jumping over it. It’ll also need to be heavy enough to prevent being moved or knocked over but light enough that you can carry it.
  • Material: The desired material is dependent on the location, maneuverability, and the dog’s personality. A plastic or metal gate will work better outside, but there are drawbacks. Plastic gates can be flimsy, and a metal gate may weigh enough that if it falls on you or your dog, it will cause injury. A plastic or wooden gate would work well indoors, but a plastic gate could be too light and easily pushed around, and a wooden gate could be too heavy to be properly moved. Consider your needs before determining your preferred material.

FAQs

Q: Does the gate require installation?

A: It depends on the type of gate. All of the gates on this list are freestanding, meaning they don’t require installation. They stand on their own, either due to how they are bent, the feet, or both. However, some gates are designed to sit in the doorway against the walls, and these may require some basic installation.

Q: Can the gate be used outside?

A: Quite a few dog gates are designed primarily for indoor use and are unsuitable for the outdoors. Read online descriptions or tags to see where the gate is designed to be. If it says “indoors,” then the gate won’t last long outside. If it mentions “outdoors,” it should be able to withstand the elements.

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By Editor
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