I, too, LOVE THOSE BABY GATES!!! We have three movable baby gates in our small house that we shift around depending on where we need to corral Chloe at any given time. Since they don't alway 'fit' the doorways they sometimes CRASH on the wood floors - thus Chloe has a great deal of "respect"
for the gates! We have tried to give Chloe special blankies and mats, but she still chews them. It is quite frustrating - I assumed by now (16 months old) she would be over that chewing stage. Plus it is scary since I worry about her consuming stings and fabric hunks...I made her a fleece 'bed' but she ate a hole in it and pulled out the stuffing...
so now she sleeps on just a plain, empty, cotton pillowcase.
Anyway, I really like the suggestions for preventing 'door rushing' as Chloe comes unglued when we have guests - barking and rump wagging - general carrying on until she is adequately acknowledged. I realized not everyone appreciates this enthusiastic behaviour and we need to do 'something' about it. Chloe does pretty well with our "stay" exercises so I will work more on that approach!
And, Barbara, I will add my compliments on your beautiful front porch! What a lovely way to incorporate style and 'safety'!
Margo