[Nairb]

We have three gates on our chain link fence. I'm curious what others use to ensure that:

1. Gates stay closed.

2. Dogs can't open them.

We have two kids under the age of 10, and I want to address this before we pick up our puppy. I've seen some gate closing springs, and various latches, but am wondering what works the best. Thanks!

 

[missmarstar]

Do people regularly go in and out of the gates or would putting a lock on the gates work for you?

 

[missmarstar]

Our old house had a gate in the backyard that, after a couple times the dogs got out of the gate, we just had to make a decision never to use it. We had to go in through the house to the front to leave the yard. Yea it was more effort, but it ensured that the dogs never were able to slip out of the gate, or the gate accidentally left unlatched.

Not sure if that solution would work in your situation though.

 

[bioteach]

We had two gates on our dog run fence and we had the latches installed really high up where only human adults could reach them. Brewer was able to open many doors and turn on the shower but he never could get the gates open.

 

[Nairb]

Do people regularly go in and out of the gates or would putting a lock on the gates work for you?

There is a gate on both sides of the house, and one leading to a very large park. I could lock one on the far side of the house, but the other two would create huge inconveniences. I'll lock the one to the park if necessary, but would prefer not to.

 

[FeatherRiverSam]

What you might want to try is some small carabiners. These can be used instead of locks so it's much easier to get in and out, no key required, yet the dogs can't get out.

Pete

 

[Deber]

When we put up our chain link fence DH put the latches at eye level just so the dogs could not reach. For our small yorkies who might be able to push the bottom enough to get out, we installed a large carabiner that is easy to remove if we need access to the gate. Never had a problem in the years we have used this. Both are easy to remove to gain access to which ever gate we need to open.

 

[flykelley]

We have always used spring clips, as my first two Goldens learned how to open the latch with their nose.


Mike

 

[LibertyME]

we have to deal with sudden daily frost heaves this time of year when the gate latch may work fine one morning and not so well 6 hours later.
So we use a chain and carabiner at eye level as a backup...

 

[Aislinn]

I also use a clip on my gates as both Dakota and Katie will use their nose to open them.

 

[cgriffin]

I have three chain link gates with the regular latches in my chain link fence and actually never had a dog try to open it.

 

[cubbysan]

I just want to warn you that we had a chain link kennel and gate that was heavy duty. My GSD was frightened from firecrackers, and actually was able to break and pull back the chain link on the gate from the frame and escape. It was so heavy duty that I was not strong enough to bend it back - have no idea how a 50 lb dog was able to do it.

 

[Amberbark]

What you might want to try is some small carabiners. These can be used instead of locks so it's much easier to get in and out, no key required, yet the dogs can't get out.

Pete

Carabiner is what we use on our gates to the kennel. :wave: