Dachshunds are brave, curious, and love to follow you everywhere. Whether you’re cooking dinner, doing laundry, or just trying to sneak in a bathroom break, you’ve probably had a long-bodied shadow right behind you.

As a mini dachshund breeder based in California, I use pet gates daily to keep my pups safe, especially during the puppy stage. Dachshunds aren’t just small—they’re also prone to spinal issues like IVDD, which makes boundary control and safe spaces a must.

In this article, I’ll walk you through the best pet gates for dachshunds, what to look for, and how I use them both in my home and with puppies I send nationwide.

Why Pet Gates Are Important for Dachshund Households

Dachshunds love to explore, dig, and wiggle into places they shouldn’t. Gates help you control access while giving your dog freedom in safe areas.

🏠 When a Gate Makes All the Difference:

  • Blocking off stairs (especially important for IVDD prevention)
  • Separating rooms during potty training
  • Creating calm zones during mealtime or cleaning
  • Managing introductions with other pets or guests
  • Giving recovering pups space to rest without full confinement

One of my puppies, Scout, once managed to sneak into a laundry room and chew a cord—thankfully unplugged. That incident was the reason I started recommending gates to every new puppy owner.

What to Look for in a Pet Gate for Dachshunds

Not every gate is a good fit for dachshunds. These little sausages are low to the ground, persistent, and surprisingly strong-willed.

✅ Ideal Gate Features:

  • Height: 18–24 inches is usually perfect (dachshunds can’t jump high)
  • Sturdy frame: No wobbly or lightweight plastic gates—go for wood or metal
  • Small spacing between bars: Prevents heads or paws from slipping through
  • Walk-through access: So you don’t have to step over every time
  • Pressure-mounted vs. hardware-mounted: Pressure is great for renters, hardware is more secure for stairways or determined climbers

Avoid accordion-style gates or ones with wide slats—they’re just asking for trouble with a curious dachshund.

My Top 5 Pet Gates for Dachshunds (Breeder-Tested & Approved)

Here are the gates I use and recommend to families bringing home one of my puppies. Each has been dachshund-tested and holds up great in real homes.

🥇 1. Carlson Extra Wide Walk-Through Pet Gate

  • Best For: Busy areas or doorways
  • Why I Love It: Built-in small pet door for easy access when you want it
  • Material: Metal
  • Mount: Pressure-mount with optional wall cups

This one is a go-to for almost every adopter I work with. It’s strong, simple to install, and blends well with most home styles.

🥈 2. Regalo Easy Step Extra Tall Walk Thru Gate

  • Best For: Extra determined pups or taller areas
  • Why I Love It: Durable, easy to open with one hand
  • Material: Steel
  • Mount: Pressure-mounted

While dachshunds aren’t known for jumping, this tall option is great if you also have other pets or a climber in the house.

🥉 3. Richell Freestanding Pet Gate

  • Best For: Stylish homes and flexible room dividers
  • Why I Love It: No drilling, wide base for stability
  • Material: Wood
  • Mount: Freestanding

We use these between our puppy nursery and kitchen. They look great and are easy to move when needed.

⭐ 4. Cumbor Auto Close Safety Gate

  • Best For: Multi-use homes with kids and pets
  • Why I Love It: Auto-closing and double-lock system
  • Material: Heavy-duty metal
  • Mount: Pressure or hardware

This is great for homes where safety is a priority, especially if you have kids and dachshunds sharing space.

⭐ 5. Summer Infant Decorative Wood & Metal Gate

  • Best For: Stylish spaces or long hallways
  • Why I Love It: Elegant design, great for open concept homes
  • Material: Wood + metal
  • Mount: Hardware

One of our families in San Diego has this in their living room—it looks like part of the décor and holds up to their two energetic dachshunds.

Tips for Introducing a Pet Gate to Your Dachshund

Dachshunds are smart—and a little stubborn. That means adjusting to a pet gate may take a bit of patience.

🐶 Make It Positive:

  • Let them explore the gate while it’s open at first
  • Use treats and praise to build a calm association
  • Never use the gate as a punishment tool
  • Add familiar items (blankets, toys) to the gated area

If your dog starts barking at the gate, stay calm and ignore the behavior. Once they settle, reward with a treat or release. It doesn’t take long for most to catch on.

How We Use Pet Gates in Our Breeding Program

In our home and breeding setup, pet gates are used daily for structure and safety. Here’s how they help us:

  • Keep puppies in designated safe zones during the day
  • Block access to stairs or slippery floors
  • Create calm spaces during nap or feeding time
  • Separate moms from pups for short breaks during weaning
  • Manage group play without full confinement

We also use freestanding gates to slowly introduce pups to new rooms. They get to see and smell the space without free rein just yet.

Adopting a Dachshund? We’ll Help You Set Up a Safe Home

When you bring home one of our puppies, you’ll receive a full care guide that includes recommendations for:

  • Gate type based on your home layout
  • Puppy-proofing common areas
  • Safe zones for potty training and sleeping

👉 Visit Our Online Pet Shop to browse our available puppies or contact us for gear tips before your dachshund arrives!

Final Thoughts

Pet gates are one of those items you don’t think you need—until you wish you had one. For dachshunds, they’re not just convenient; they’re essential for safety, training, and peace of mind.

Whether you’re blocking off stairs, setting up a puppy play zone, or just need some space to cook dinner without a shadow, a well-placed gate can make life easier for you and your dachshund.

dachshund safetyNeed help picking the right size, brand, or style for your home? I’m happy to help—just reach out! 🐾🚪