Welcoming a dog into your home is one of the most rewarding and exciting things that you can do, but that doesn’t mean that you want them to have free reign of the entire house right away.
Dog gates for stairs can come in handy when you want to restrict access for your dog who isn’t allowed upstairs just yet. It’s also a great way to separate two animals or keep a new baby away from your excited furry pet.
In addition, people use dog gates for stairs differ slightly. Some owners like to use them for training purposes, and others prefer not to have their dogs upstairs where they cannot keep an eye on them. Gates can be very helpful safety features as well when you have potentially dangerous items upstairs.
So, you’ve decided to get a dog gate for the stairs. Sounds simple enough, right? Well, the pet gate needs to be durable, safe, and strong enough to outsmart your dog so that they cannot escape it. Picking the first model you see is not advised here, which we’ve done a ton of research to help you choose.
Below are the five best dog gates for stairs and a buyers guide to help with the mission.
In a hurry? Here are the Top 3 Picks!
Best Dog Gates for Bottom Stairs Reviewed
If you are desperate to install a new dog gate for your stairs, we understand that you might not have enough time to read our entire article just yet.
In the meantime to tide you over, we’ll give you a glimpse into the best dog gate for stairs that we found. Make sure to come back and read the rest later!
The best dog gate for stairs on the market right now is the Regalo 2-in-1 Extra Tall Easy Swing Stairway Baby Gate. Here are a few reasons why we love this gate so much:
- It is the tallest gate on our list, suitable for any breed of dog.
- You can adjust the width to suit your individual stairways.
- The permanent fittings are more stable than pressure-mounted alternatives.
- It’s extremely affordable
- Pros
- Extra tall at 38 inches
- Permanent fitting which offers great durability.
- Adjustable width.
- Durable and long-lasting.
- Cons
- Instructions might not be the easiest to read.
Beginning our list is the Regalo 2-in-1 Stairway Gate, which also happens to be the tallest gate on our list. The height reaches up to 38 inches, which will keep almost every dog contained provided they don’t have super long Great Dane legs and can’t jump high. You can use this dog gate at either the top or bottom of your stairway. We recommend that you install it at the bottom of your stairway so your dog won’t trip running up and down the stairs.
The pet gate hardware is permanent and screws right into your wall or banister. The mounts are very durable and easy to attach to your wall so it shouldn’t take you too long to set up. Permanent fixtures are also much more stable than pressure-mounted gates, so you can trust this gate will withstand the weight of your dog. Some dogs like to try to push at gates or knock them over, but this one won’t budge.
The gate is also extra wide, with an adjustable width from 24 to 40.5 inches. This is a great range that is sure to fit into any stairway but make sure to measure your home beforehand. The permanent fixture of this gate is ideal for people looking to grow their family, either with more dogs or children.
- Pros
- Plenty of size options.
- Durable and portable safety gate.
- Non-toxic material is used to ensure chewing dogs are safe.
- Cons
- The latch might be a little temperamental.
LEMKA offers a number of different sized dog gates for you to choose from to ensure that you get the best fit. There is a 31 to 33 inch, 31 to 41 inch with extensions, 36 inches wide, 38 inches wide, and a 41-inch wide option for you to pick from. Each of these size options is 30 inches in height which should be plenty high for a dog.
The gate is made from steel which is one of the most durable materials for your dog gate to be made from. This helps to ensure that your dog won’t chew through this pet gate. You can attach the gate to your stairway with pressure mounts so that there is no need to damage your walls with permanent fixtures.
The door has an automatic close feature that allows it to close behind you so that you don’t forget to do so and find out after it’s too late. It’s also great if you’re carrying items and need a hands-free way to close the dog gate behind yourself. The finish on the metal is non-toxic and lead-free, so it’s safe for your dog to chew if they’re so inclined.
- Pros
- Impressive height for large and small dogs alike.
- Durable steel material.
- Pressure mounts are incredibly quick to install.
- Cons
- Not the best customer service.
The Cumbor safety dog gate is impressively large with a height of 30.5 inches, ensuring that even large dogs won’t be able to jump over it. The width can be adjusted from 37.8 to 43.3 inches to allow for easy fitting for many doorways and stairs, so you can use this gate wherever you need it most.
The gate is made from steel, which is very durable and sturdy. In fact, this pet gate can take the weight of up to 150 pounds, which is more than enough stability to defend against even the largest of dog breeds. The dog gate comes with a walk-through gate that you can open and close easily. It’s the perfect wide for stairs for either a human or dog to walk through.
This safety gate for your stairs is installed with pressure mounts. You’ll be able to add the gate to your stairs within a matter of minutes, so don’t worry about leaving your dog alone for too long. Cumbor states that they offer 24/7 online help for their customers should you need it. We think it’s easy enough to install in your own, but it’s great to know they have a reliable customer support system.
- Pros
- Large enough to hold back any breed of dog.
- It can withstand 210 pounds of impact.
- The door can close itself.
- Cons
- The latch on the gate might not be very durable.
The Lemon Tree dog gate is adjustable and can fit in stairways between 30 to 40.2 inches wide. The height is 30 inches tall and is ideal for small, medium, and large-sized dogs, so you can rest assured that your dog will remain in only the areas that they’re allowed.
The pet gate is made from sturdy metal and can withstand up to 210 pounds of impact, which is incredibly impressive. This gate will not budge under any pressure! Moreover, the pressure mounts are so easy to use that you can set the dog gate up within minutes, which is great for travelers.
The dog gate allows you to walk through it easily, and the door will close itself if you open it less than 90-degrees. Don’t worry about struggling to close the gate behind you if your hands are full, the Lemon Tree gate has you covered with an automatic closing mechanism. The door also swings both directions.
- Pros
- Durable mesh material to keep your dog’s out.
- Adjustable height and width.
- Very easy to attach to the stairway.
- Cons
- The adhesive hooks might damage painted walls.
The last item is a different approach to a dog gate for stairs, as it is actually a durable strip of mesh that is retractable to get through. The gate is incredibly easy to install without any tools thanks to adhesive hooks.
This gate is incredibly lightweight and easily transportable for anyone who likes to travel with their pets. The only downside to this retractable dog gate is that your dog might be able to push their way through if they tend to be on the more aggressive side.
The width can extend up to 40.5 inches and the height is 29.5 inches. The high-density nylon fiberglass fabric mesh is incredibly durable to prevent it from tearing due to your pet’s paws. Dog claws tend to be thicker than cats so they won’t be able to penetrate this fabric.
You can install the gate within minutes and you can even attach it to the walls at any height you please, so if you have a larger dog you can increase the height of your gate by moving it up the wall. Just make sure that your dog cannot shimmy themselves underneath the gate!
Best Dog Gates for Stairs Buying Guide
All of the above dog gates for stairs are considered high-quality and reliable, but there are still some factors to consider before opting for one model.
Opting for the wrong stair dog gate will render it useless if your dog can get past it without you knowing. Make sure that you consider all of the below points before committing to a purchase of one gate. Doing so will help you to get the best possible dog gate to give you peace of mind that you know exactly where your dog is at all times.
Height of the Dog Gate
The height of the dog gate needs to be substantial enough so that your dog won’t outsmart the gate and learn to jump over it.
Depending on the size of your dog, you’ll need to choose a gate height accordingly. For example, smaller dogs won’t need to be kept in by such a tall gate.
Having said that, there are some exceptions to this rule. For example, a very athletic dog can be very small but still be able to jump over a shorter gate with a run-up. So, you’ll need to determine how high you think your dog can jump.
It’s often advised to get a gate that is as tall as possible to avoid your dog learning how to jump higher, or injuring themselves by trying to jump over the gate and getting stuck. However, this is not always attainable due to the banister height that you’re working with.
Speaking of which, make sure that you measure the banister to find the maximum height that your gate can be.
Width of Your Stairway
You will also need to measure the width of your stairs before choosing the ideal dog gate for your bottom stairs. Most stairs follow a similar width pattern, but some houses like to adopt a slightly different approach. It’s best to measure the width of your stairs before committing to purchase just to be safe.
There are some dog gates on the market that are adjustable in width so that you have some leeway in your measurements.
However, you’ll still need to measure roughly to get an estimate of the width you’re going for. The wrong width could compromise the gate’s safety and render it useless, so don’t miss this step out.
Safety
Some dogs like to jump over gates and other obstacles, so don’t be surprised if you see your puppy trying to get over your stair gate.
While this is funny to watch and sometimes cute, it can also be rather dangerous for your dog if they land on the metal too harshly.
You should also look over the gate to ensure that there are no splinters or sharp edges that could potentially harm your dog. Most high-quality dog gates for stairs won’t have any hazards, but it doesn’t hurt to check and make sure that your gate is safe for your dog to come into contact with.
Durability of the Dog Gate
Of course, the gate has to be durable enough to withstand your dog’s behavior. If they like to paw at things and chew, then you might want to opt for a more durable model to avoid them breaking your new gate.
Moreover, a durable gate for your stairs will last you for a long time which allows you to save money in the long run.
Some dog gates are also useful with babies and other animals, so if you’re planning to expand your family in the future you can opt for a durable model and keep it for many years to come.
The hardware also needs to be durable enough that it cannot snap under the pressure of your dog. Whether it’s screws and wall fixings or pressure mounts, make sure that they’re durable enough to withstand the weight of your dog.
Material of the Dog Gate
The majority of dog gates are made from metal, wood, or plastic. The option that you go for will often depend on your personal preference and how you want to use your gate.
Metal is very durable, wood is often less expensive than metal alternatives, and plastic is very easy to transport.
On the other hand, metal gates come with higher price points, wood is not as sturdy as metal, and plastic is not stable enough for larger dogs. All of the materials have their advantages and drawbacks, so the option you go for is up to you and what you think will work best for your dog.
Mounts or Screws
Dog gates are mounted to stairs so that they don’t budge even with the weight of your dog. These mounts keep the gate in place and you need to be able to trust the hardware enough to allow your dog access to the gate without worrying that they’re going to get past it.
There are two types of mounts that are commonly found on dog gates, one of which is permanent and the other not so much. Let’s look at these below.
Permanent Dog Gate Mounts
Permanent mounts are screwed into the wall or banister and allow you to use the gate without worrying about the mount budging or coming loose. These are best for people who plan to keep the gate in one area only without moving it around.
Permanent mounts are great for stability as the mounts will not allow the gate to move, provided that you’ve attached it correctly.
Pressure Dog Gate Mounts
Alternatively, if you’re renting an apartment or don’t want to permanently place a hole in the wall or banister, you might prefer to use pressure mounts that can be removed and repositioned as many times as you’d like.
The issue with pressure mounts is that if they’re low quality, it’s very likely that they’ll come loose and need to be fixed multiple times. There also won’t be that anchor that will keep the gate stable.
Stability
The gate needs to be as stable as possible to withstand the weight of your dog if they were to try and get past the gate.
If you have a large, burly dog that has a lot of muscle power, you’ll need to ensure that the gate is stable enough to put up a fight.
Permanently fixed gates are more stable than pressure-mounted gates and therefore is the better option for larger dogs.
Conclusion for Best Dog Gates for Stairs
Dog gates are great at separating your dog from the rest of the house. However, you need to take into account several different factors for finding the best dog gates for stairs like height, width, safety, and durability. In addition, you’ll want to figure out if you want a permanent dog gate or one that is simply pressure mounted. We recommend that you put the dog gate on the bottom of your stairs to avoid your dog tripping as they go up and down stairs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is it okay for dogs to climb stairs?
Stairs are generally not a hazard for large dogs with long legs, but they can potentially pose a threat to smaller dogs and puppies.
Walking up the stairs is easy for most dogs and they actually like to bound up the stairs two at a time, but walking back down can be rather daunting and scary.
Small-legged dogs can easily trip and fall down the stairs, which is not only painful but can also require a trip to the vets. Stairs can also cause premature joint wear in dogs, making them more susceptible to arthritis and pain in their older age.
Is it safe to put a stair gate at the top of the stairs?
It is safe to put a permanently fixed gate at the top of the stairs, yes.
However, a pressure-mounted gate should not be placed here because your dog could easily jump onto the gate and knock it off the banister. Before they can stop themselves, they’re falling down the stairs along with the stair gate.
So, if you want to place your stair gate at the top of the stairs make sure that it’s permanently fixed to the wall and incredibly stable before allowing your dog to go anywhere near it.
Garrett loves animals and is a huge advocate for all Doodle dog breeds. He owns his own Goldendoodle named Kona. In addition, he volunteers at the Humane Society of Silicon Valley, where he fosters dogs and helps animals. Garrett enjoys writing about Doodles and believes that dogs can teach humans more about how to live than humans can teach a dog.
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