I'd like to know options on how best to build a baby gate for my mischievous dogs we'd like to have them out in the family room with us but there is no door and they often wonder into other rooms and tear up stuff, get into things, etc...
what is the best way to build something to block off an approx 48 inch wide area...something that is somewhat nice looking and does not have holes like real baby gates do as my dogs can climb those like ladders...I'd also like something that is easy to put away when we are not using it.
can you please recommend materials that would suit this situation the best? how would we make the gate/partition stay up? what's the best solution?
thank you!!! :)
H2012-02-24T00:09:50Z
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They actually make gates specifically for dogs. Also, you could just go to any store and buy baby gates in the baby section. You can get wooden ones for under 20 bucks. The dog ones are more expensive but they are more durable.
For your situation, the gate must have vertical stiles with no horizontal rails. Dogs can climb over the gate by using the rails. The stiles should be 1" x 1" no more than about 2" apart for strength. The height will be dependent upon the size of your dog - 36" to 42" high.
Since dogs are strong, I would put a hinge on each side and attach the gate to the wall. I would make the gate into two 24" sections so that you can open it without the full width of the gate extending into the room. Use a simple latch to keep the gate closed when needed.
Similar to this design. http://www.cabelas.com/kennels-carriers-richell-expandable-walk-thru-pet-gate-1.shtml?WT.tsrc=CSE&WT.mc_id=pricegrabber&WT.z_mc_id1=1327517&rid=40&mr:referralID=ef638bbe-5ef1-11e1-ac63-001b2166c2c0
Find a baby gate and sheet 1 side with some quarter inch plywood( the sides the dogs will be on. double check the thickness on the ply to make sure it won jam. If it is too thick u might try some panelling.
They sell balcony railings and small fence panels at Home Depot & Lowes. You could put some wheels or castors on the bottom to make it easy to open. You may want to tie, or bungee cord it to the existing rails.