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The best direction for a gate to swing depends on its location and purpose, but swinging inward is the general rule. An inward swing is often considered safer, prevents the gate from opening into public spaces like a sidewalk, and may be required by local building codes.

There are exceptions and specific considerations. If your property is on a slope, an inward swing might not be possible. For a deck gate, it's safest to have it swing away from any steps. In a backyard, the direction can be a matter of preference, though an inward swing can be helpful when carrying heavy items like a wheelbarrow into a garden.

Regardless of direction, ensure the gate can open fully without hitting any objects or blocking spaces. While an inward swing is standard, a gate that can swing both in and out offers the most flexibility if your setup allows for it.

Your dog might be able to slip underneath chewable, flexible fabric gate covers. When you have a wayward woofer, using wooden panels that come within an inch or two of the ground is the most secure option. You may need a metal defense barrier dug into the soil to keep your dog from digging under your fence or gate.

Security doors are not limited to standard sizes, and you can customize them to fit your needs and entryway dimensions. That's one of the fantastic things about security doors—they can be tailored to match your home. Keep in mind that a custom-sized security door will likely cost more than a standard size. 

Thieves can open almost anything with enough time and the right tools, but they also prefer easy targets that are unlikely to get them caught. Forcing open gates is loud and difficult, and to be able to open one electronically requires extensive knowledge of the system, which most thieves don't have. Electric and other security gates are great deterrents because the thief will move to an easier target. If the thief is determined to enter your property, they will most likely find a different entrance point.