Use a window roller shade for a pet gate??

Question

Has anyone in Hometalkland tried this?? It seems like it would work - the retractable gates they sell are basically sideways window shades, aren't they?

Looking for a new way to corral the dogs in the kitchen when we don't want them out and about (like during meals!), but would like something retractable and easy. I thought about a pocket door, but don't want to hassle with carving out the space, and there's electrical running in that wall, anyway...

Taf · Answer

It does look nicer than the standard pet / baby gates. If you have compliant dogs this might work. My two however would barge right thru.... They have no manners... LOL

Moxie · Answer

Clever!  I used a window secuirtiy decorative panel, put hinges on on it and a stop with velcro

MN Mom · Answer

As long as they don't  crash through it,  give it a try

Kimberly A · Answer

That was my same thought. I have had to use reinforced gates for everything from puppies to bunnies. They would have all crashed through or eaten through  a roller shade. It is definitely worth a try though and if it doesn't work then you have the other option.

Kimberly A · Answer

Oh all of my openings are over 3 feet and usually closer to 4 or more feet wide as well. Even with the security gates I had to search for and order extra wide and extra tall things. If it works for you, please post and let us all know.

MN Mom · Answer

Wondering if the edges are sturdy enough to not sag. Normally they'd just be the flexible sides as a shade but by using it horizontally instead they'd be the flexible top and bottom??

Johnchip · Answer

I wish I had thought of the pocket door idea years ago. But the roller screen is a great idea, but you must have some pretty woosy dogs, mine would take that out in a New York minute. ;)

Judy Roberts · Answer

Sounds good.... I use a fireplace screen to block off a room.

Susan Caswell · Answer

I think it would work if your dog has been conditioned to not crash the object in front of him. Also re-enforce the edges with duck tape or stick on interfacing maybe. Great idea, though. Thanks. I might try it.

Bonnie · Answer

Clever idea if you have small dogs or ones who won't jump on it.

Anncool77 · Answer

I'm trying to come up with gate idea for our 3 semi large dogs also. We have a pocket door and if they keep jumping up with enough power, they are able to open it! As far as the roller screen goes (when hung on a window) sometimes after a few uses it gets jammed and doesn't pull down easily. I'm worried about your sideways gate giving you trouble trying to shut it. In the meantime, I'm still trying to come up with an idea for my 3 furry friends :)

Jo · Answer

My daughter found a way to keep her 18mo old out of the kitchen when she was cooking. Don't know if it will work for dogs. Her opening to the kitchen was too wide for a baby gate. She took two tension shower curtain rods and used them in the door way . I have thought that if you take canvas and cut and sew a casing on each side and slip the rods into the casing then put in doorway it would probably keep pets where you want them.

4jh310157 · Answer

Our two standards just needed a barrier. I repurposed an old window screen. Made a fabric covering for it.

KatAych · Answer

I supposed I could use any shade that rolls up - maybe even one of those wooden ones? Not sure - I'll have to take a look the next time I'm at Target or Walmart. The opening is about 5 feet wide, and we go in/out of it often. That's why I was hoping to get something retractable - just for aesthetics, really. (And the cats have to be able to get over it as well.) Thank you all for your wonderful ideas!!! If I try the roller shade route, i will definitely post about how it goes. I have a dacschund/pit mix and a husky, plus 3 cats so we'll see!!!

Lynn · Answer

hmmmmm. trying to figure out how to attach it to the other side......

Johnchip · Answer

I actually made what is like a wooden 'fireplace screen' with a brass handle on the front and a broader based board on bottom for stability. I pick it up and put it to the side or in place in the door way or foot of the stairs. She (my bouvier) can push it aside if she wants, but doesn't. It is decoratively stained and I made it in a half circle as tall as wide to fit the door space which also fits the stair well. It works, is pretty, convenient and easy to use.

Donna Cranmer Aldridge · Answer

I have three of these and they are great. Open and close easily.

Donna Cranmer Aldridge · Answer

I believe you can get them at Target. I've had mine for years and honestly don't remember but pretty sure I've seen them recently at Target.

Mikki · Answer

Just wondering how it would be mounted.. ideas?

Sharon · Answer

Ah I don't thinks so... most dogs will stand and lean on the gate, they are made out of wood and some with plastic.

Tammi McCord · Answer

Did you install it yet? Curious how it worked... I stumbled onto this site by asking google that question. :)

Danielle · Answer

Hi KatAych. Did you try the blind n its side idea? Im looking at doing this also. :)

Use a window roller shade for a pet gate??

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