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Best Dog Gate For German Shepherds

Best Dog Gates for German Shepherds

Dog gates and other types of barriers are incredibly useful when you have pets at home. But when your dog is 24 inches tall and weighs 80 pounds, you need to choose these products wisely. Otherwise, your pup can easily jump over it or topple it over.

When choosing barriers for your GSD, consider the reasons why you need one, where you’ll use it, and what others say are the best dog gates for German Shepherds.

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Reasons Why You May Want to Get a Dog Gate for Your German Shepherd

German Shepherds are wonderful dogs, but they are undeniably a handful. Temporarily confining them to one area or restricting their access to certain areas of your house without isolating them completely can be a useful option.

Here are some situations where a dog gate might help you manage more easily when you have a GSD at home:

Keep children separate

Even though properly socialized German Shepherds are good with kids, it’s always a good idea to keep an eye on their interactions.

When you have babies or very young kids, it may not always possible to supervise them closely in the presence of your German Shepherd. Having a dog gate will enable you to keep children safe and separate from your undoubtedly large and energetic dog.

Keep guests comfortable

German Shepherds are often friendly, even to strangers. However, they might be picky with the people they welcome into your home.

German Shepherd on Sofa

Similarly, not all people are comfortable in the presence of large, imposing dogs. Having a pet gate at home can keep dogs separated without feeling isolated, and can keep guests more comfortable in their presence.

Leave dogs unsupervised

Having a pet gate allows you to leave your dogs unsupervised and confined to an area of your house where you’re confident they won’t destroy things or get into an accident.

This might include areas with electronic equipment or breakables. These barriers can also help block unsafe areas, such as the kitchen when the stove is running.

Focus on certain activities

Pet gates are also useful to keep your dog out of the way when you want to engage in certain activities.

For example, you can sweep and vacuum without them getting in the way. You’ll also be able to exercise or take on video calls in your home office without getting interrupted.

Types of Dog Gates

There are several types of indoor dog gates. While all kinds offer the same basic function, the best option for you would depend on the space you want to confine and how you can install a barrier.

Here are the most common types of pet gates for you to consider:

Free Standing

Free-standing dog gates are panels held up by their own legs. They aren’t attached to walls or doorways, so it’s easy to move and use in any part of your home.

They’re also convenient for rental properties that keep you from drilling holes in the walls.

Retractable

Retractable dog gates are useful if there’s an opening in your home that you want to block off often but not necessarily all the time.

These are installed onto one side of the opening and then pulled across when you need a barrier. The barrier retracts into the mainframe and stays out of the way when not in use.

Wall Mounted

Wall-mounted dog gates are installed using common hardware to make sure they stay in place and are not easily toppled over. These are best when you need a more permanent solution that you don’t need to take down often.

Foldable

Foldable pet gates are useful when your need for barriers is only temporary.

These are easy to set up when you need them and then easy to fold down for storage. These are also convenient to bring on vacations with your dog.

Tension

Tension pet gates are pressure-mounted and stay upright by pressing on to the wall on both sides.

These are perfect for doorways and relatively narrow openings. These are especially useful to keep from damaging walls using screws and other hardware.

Walk Through

Walk-through pet gates have doors that allow humans to walk through easily. These doors swing open and are typically locked by a safety lever.

Without such a door, people would have to climb over barriers or move them aside in order to pass.

Things to Look for in a Dog Gate For German Shepherds

A pet gate should withstand your German Shepherd’s build and athleticism. But apart from that, you need to be able to set it up and use it safely and conveniently.

Here are some of the most important things you should consider when buying a dog gate:

Application

Think about why you want a pet gate and where you will use it. Also, think about whether you want something to keep in place or something you can move around. These will determine the best type of pet gate to get for your home.

Size

Finding the perfect size for your pet gate means making sure it will fit the entire length of the opening you want to block. Make sure you measure it properly.

You’ll also need something tall enough to keep your German Shepherd from jumping over.

Keep reading for advice on the best height for GSD pet gates.

Durability

Since German Shepherds are strong, active dogs, you want to make sure you choose a pet gate that keeps up with them. A flimsy barrier can easily be destroyed or knocked over. Find something that’s made of sturdy materials and built to last.

Installation

Examine the location where you want to use the pet gate. You’ll also need to determine whether or not you can bore holes into your walls. These will help you select the best type of pet gate for your situation.

Pressure-mounted or free-standing barriers will require minimal effort for set up while wall-mounted and retractable ones might need more work.

Locking Mechanism

If you decide on a walk-through dog gate, consider the type of locking mechanism that’s most convenient for you without compromising safety. Locks should be effortlessly used by humans but not easily manipulated by intelligent dogs.

Price

Although price should not be your primary consideration, it will definitely play into your decision. Thankfully, durable pet gates suitable for German Shepherds are available at various, reasonable price points.

Depending on the size of the opening you want to block, you can get good dog gates anywhere from $40 to $100.

Reviews of the Best Dog Gates for German Shepherds

Apart from choosing the right type of barrier with all the right features, it helps to know the products that other people with large dogs recommend.

To help you out with your decision, here are some of the best dog gates for German Shepherds:

Carlson Pet Products – Extra Tall Walk Through Pet Gate

The Extra Tall Walk Through Pet Gate by Carlson Pet Products is 36 inches tall and is suitable for doorways between 29 and 36.5 inches wide.

Carlson Extra Tall Gate for German Shepherds

It also comes with a 4-inch wide extension kit for larger openings. Its safety lock latches on automatically and is easy to unlock to swing the gate open.

A smaller pet door is located at the bottom of the barrier for the convenience of cats and other smaller animals.

This dog gate is perfect for German Shepherds because it boasts a durable steel construction with a black, non-toxic coating.

For temporary or damage-free installation, this barrier can be set up using tension. However, it also comes with all the hardware you need should you decide to mount it permanently.

What I love:

  • Durable steel construction
  • Small pet door
  • Easy installation
  • Includes 4-inch wide extension kit
  • Easy-to-use, secure lock

Possible downsides:

  • Walk-through door might be too narrow for larger humans.

Carlson Pet Products – Extra Tall Adjustable Free Standing Pet Gate

The Extra Tall Adjustable Free Standing Pet Gate by Carlson Pet Products is 28 inches tall and can block openings from 41 to 70 inches wide.

Extra Tall Carlson Adjustable pet gate

It is made of a combination of steel and pinewood for the perfect balance between design and durability.

This freestanding dog barrier comes with two feet to keep it upright.

Each foot has a built-in stopper that presses onto the wall to keep it from toppling over even when dogs push or lean against it. It is easy to set up and just as easy to take down for storage. It also folds down flat for easy transport.

What I love:

  • Steel and pinewood design
  • Slides to expand up to 70 inches
  • Easy setup
  • Built-in stopper for extra stability
  • Folds down flat for storage or transport

Possible downsides:

  • The lack of a walkthrough gate might be inconvenient for humans.

Regalo Store – Super Wide Adjustable Baby Gate and Play Yard

The Super Wide Adjustable Baby Gate and Play Yard by Regalo Store is for blocking off large or irregularly shaped spaces.

Regalo super wide play yard

It comes with eight panels, each measuring 28 inches tall and 24 inches wide.

It can be configured to block off openings up to 192 inches wide, but can also be shaped in several different ways

This pet gate has a wide walk-through door and features a one-touch safety lock. It is made of steel covered with a non-toxic powder coat for durability. For stability, it is meant to be wall-mounted and every purchase comes with all the tools you need for easy installation.

What I love:

  • Suitable for large spaces
  • Multiple configurations
  • Wide gate for humans
  • One-touch safety lock
  • Usable for irregular spaces

Possible downsides:

  • Might be too low for GSDs that like to jump.

Regalo Store – Easy Step Extra Tall Walk Through Baby Gate

The Easy Step Extra Tall Walk Through Baby Gate by Regalo Store is a pressure-mounted barrier that stands at 41 inches tall.

Regalo walk through baby gate

It is expandable and useful for openings that are anywhere from 29 to 36.5 inches wide.

It also includes a 4-inch extension kit that enables you to further expand the width.

This pet gate is made of steel and features a convenient walk-through gate. It easily swings open and stays closed using its easy-to-use lever handle safety lock.

Because it’s so easy to install and take down, it’s perfect to use as temporary barriers to bring out before guests arrive or take with you to family vacations.

What I love:

  • Extra tall at 41 inches
  • Convenient walk-through gate
  • Easy-to-use lever lock
  • Durable steel construction
  • Simple installation

Possible downsides:

  • 16-inch walk-through gate might be too narrow for larger adults.

Arf Pets – Free Standing Wood Dog Gate w/ Walk Through Door

The Free Standing Wood Dog Gate with Walk Through Door by Arf Pets consists of 4 panels that can cover openings as wide as 80 inches.

Arf Pets free standing dog gate

The panels are 31.5 inches long and are held up by two sturdy feet. Because of the interconnected design, it can be used as a free-standing barrier or as a playpen for young GSDs.

Adding more panels, which can be purchased separately, can also extend its width or make a larger pen.

This pet gate is best for German Shepherds that don’t jump or lean on barriers. It is made of durable wood painted in a rich espresso color.

It has an elegant vertical-line design with cute dog bone accents at the top. One panel swings open and locks using a latch, so humans can easily pass through.

What I love:

  • Set up anywhere
  • Can be used as a puppy playpen
  • Sturdy wooden construction
  • Expandable with additional panels
  • Cute yet elegant design

Possible downsides:

  • Could fall over easily if your GSD likes to push, jump, or lean on the barrier.

How Tall Does a Dog Gate Need to Be

Because of their height and athleticism, German Shepherds can jump over high obstacles. In fact, many GSDs excel at jumping sports like dock diving.

Even so, well-mannered dogs can generally be taught to respect barriers and refrain from jumping over them. So, the ideal height for your dog gate really depends on your specific dog’s behavior and the reasons why you need the barrier in the first place.

If you want to use a dog gate as a matter of safety (e.g. to separate your German Shepherd from young kids or guests), opt for products that are at least 36 inches tall.

But if it’s just a matter of convenience (e.g. to keep dogs away while you clean up an area), barriers that are at least 28 inches high should work fine, especially if you have a disciplined dog that won’t challenge the barrier.

Final Thoughts

German Shepherds thrive best when they’re part of the family and are able to participate in daily activities. However, there will be times when it’s more practical or safer to keep them confined to an area.

In these cases, it would be useful to have a reliable dog gate made specifically for large breeds. To keep them on their best behavior while alone, leave them with indestructible dog toys or engaging puzzle toys suitable for GSDs.

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