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Are you looking for the best dog playpen to give your furry friend a safe and secure place to play? We’re here to help! After combing the dog pen competitors, we’ve found our favorites that fit all your needs. Whether for indoor or outdoor use, training puppies, or just giving adult dogs a safe place to chill, this list has you covered.
We’ve included pens of various materials that each offer something unique or serve a different purpose. But one thing you can bet, each of the dog pens we’ve selected offer quality, durability, and above all else, safety. Before we get to our list, though, let’s answer your top questions about playpens for dogs and discuss which factors to consider when making your choice. Ready? Let’s go!
FAQs About Dog Playpens
Are dog playpens a good idea for dogs and puppies?
Yes, playpens are great for furry friends as they provide a safe place for dogs and puppies to play and rest while protecting your home from dog-inflicted damage. And unlike a crate, pens give dogs more room to stretch out and play while still giving them a dog-proofed environment. The larger space and easier ability to see surroundings afforded by playpens can also help dogs with anxiety. And when it comes to puppies, playpens give your little one a safe space to explore and aid in potty training.
And while playpens and exercise pens for dogs are a great aid in canine care, there are some safety issues to keep in mind:
- Stability – Ensure the playpen is securely anchored to the ground if used outdoors, or tether the pen to walls indoors. If not using tethers, ensure the pen is set up on even flooring and can’t be tipped over by a dog bent on escape or in the throes of serious play.
- Secure Door Latch – If you choose a dog playpen with a step-through door, ensure it has secure locks and latches that dogs can’t manipulate.
- Chewing –Avoid thin plastics and wide-spaced metal bars if your dog or puppy chews at their pen. Consider mesh-walled pens or steel options with close-set bars instead.
- Climbing – Some dogs will scale the walls of pens to escape. To keep your pup inside, pick pens with taller walls or ones that include covers.
- Bar Distance – If you’re penning a puppy or small dog, make sure the distance between the bars isn’t wide enough for them to wriggle free.
- Safe Toys – Toys are a must in dog playpens, but be sure anything you put in your pup’s pen is safe and intact to avoid mishaps. Never place anything in a playpen not designed for dogs, as this can lead to harm.
How long can a dog stay in a playpen?
This is a tricky question to answer, as playpens allow you to leave your dog for extended periods of time. But how long is too long? Can you leave a dog in their playpen while at work? Some experts advise not leaving puppies unattended for more than two hours or adult dogs alone longer than a few hours at a time.
Depending on your work schedule, that might be unrealistic. If you have to leave your dog in their playpen for longer stretches of time, ensure the area inside offers enough room for a potty spot in addition to space needed for play and rest. You’ll also need to leave dry food, water, and comfy bedding in the pen.
If the playpen setup is large enough, dogs and puppies should be able to stay in it overnight comfortably or while you’re at work. And if you’re worried about your pup, set up a camera to monitor them while you’re out.
Also, a good rule of thumb, take your dog for a walk or have a good play session before putting them in the playpen. This helps burn some energy and will help them settle into their pen more easily.
How big should a dog playpen be?
Playpen manufacturers often provide size recommendations based on height, weight, and breed. Take your dog’s measurements to find the size you need. And if it’s a puppy or full-grown escape artist in that pen, don’t underestimate their ability to find a way over the walls of a shorter pen. To ensure your dog doesn’t climb out or jump over the top, look for enclosures with taller panels or one with a top.
And if you want to give your dog even more space, look into dog playpens that connect to crates. This way, they’ve got the room in their familiar nest with extra room to stretch those legs and toss around their favorite toys!
How do I keep a dog playpen from sliding or moving?
Many dog playpens come equipped with anti-slip feet made of rubber or plastic. But if they aren’t included with your pen, anti-slip furniture pads or carpet tape can help stick the playpen to the floor. You can also secure pens to the wall or furniture with straps or brackets for extra stability.
If you’re trying to protect your floors from dog pens that slide and scratch, look for dog playpen mats to keep the floor beneath the pen covered. Area rugs are also a great solution for protecting the floor. Both mats and rugs provide a softer play spot for your pup too.
How do I clean a dog playpen?
Most playpens for dogs are made to get messy, so they’re usually pretty easy to clean. A hose and some dish soap will often do the trick. Before cleaning, though, check the manufacturers’ information for cleaning instructions.
What to Consider When Purchasing the Best Playpen for Your Dog
Size
This is probably the most obvious thing to consider when choosing the best dog playpen. The point is to give them plenty of room to do their dog thing, so you’ll want to have your furry one’s measurements handy when shopping to ensure you choose a pen that’s just the right size. Check manufacturer specs for size recommendations as well. Also, consider the area of your home and yard. Buying too much pen for too little space would be a real pain.
Material
Dog playpens are typically made of steel or plastic and come with panels that can be connected to form a circular or rectangular yard for dogs to play in. These paneled pens can also be used as an extended fence-type barrier and typically stand up well to active dogs. Other playpens are constructed of sturdy mesh and nylon-type fabrics that “pop up” for easy use. The mesh walls allow your dog a view of their surroundings and can deter those who tend to chew the bars of slatted or barred playpens.
Each of these materials creates a sturdy pen for dogs and puppies, but your individual pup’s needs will dictate which pen material works best in your home.
Portability
If you’re not planning on leaving a playpen up at all times, you’ll want to choose one that can easily be folded down for storage and is lightweight for moving. If you plan on traveling with the playpen, consider one-piece pens that pop out or unfold. Some enclosures come with carrying cases or bags that help with portability.
Cost
Because of the durability of materials needed to produce a quality dog playpen, the cost can get a little expensive. But on the other hand, if a price seems too good to be true, most likely it is, and you’ll wind up with a flimsy product. In the end, don’t make your choice on cost alone.
The 6 Best Playpens for Dogs
#1 – Best Playpen for Dogs Overall
- Secure double latch step-through door
- Available in 5 sizes to accommodate dogs of all sizes
- Each panel measures 24"W x 36"H
- Includes ground anchors for outdoor use
- Can be connected to a crate
An overall winner, The MidWest Wire Dog Exercise Pen with Step-Thru Door is one of the best indoor dog playpens, but it also does excellent outdoors, too, thanks to eight included ground anchors that can be sunk in soft ground. It features a heavy-duty, all-steel construction, eight panels, and a double-latch door for added security. The rust-resistant, black e-coat finish will stand up to time and use while being easy to clean. Choose the perfect size from five options: 24-inch, 30-inch, 36-inch, 42-inch, and 48-inch.
Pros
- Step-through door latches securely
- Includes 8 ground anchors for outdoor use, 8 corner stabilizers, and 4 thumb-snaps
- Durable, rust-resistant coating
- Easy assembly, no tools required
- Folds quickly for portability
- Covered by a one-year warranty
Cons
- May not be suitable for high-energy dogs
#2 – Best Dog Playpen for Indoors
- Automatic gravity-actioned locking mechanism
- Completely customizable size options
- Ideal option for indoors or travel, especially camping
- Powder-coated metal protects from rust
- Stands up to dogs who chew at their pens
Not only can you choose from five sizes, but the FXW Rollick Dog Playpen also allows you to select the number of panels you need to customize the area size of the pen. Whether it’s one dog or a herd of frisky puppies, this best dog playpen offers added sturdiness thanks to thicker bars and deluxe feet to protect floors and prevent sliding. An automatic gravity-actioned locking mechanism creates extra security so your dog can’t open the door and escape. A great indoor option, this dog playpen also serves well for travel and camping, as the pen rods can be sunk into the ground. It Assembles in less than five minutes and breaks down just as fast.
Pros
- Choose sizes and panel numbers needed
- Protects floors with deluxe feet
- Great dog playpen for camping
- Easy to assemble and transport
- Excellent pricing
- Stands up to busy dogs
Cons
- Not for small dogs or animals who could slip through bars
#3 – Best Dog Playpen for Puppies & Small Dogs
- Features sturdy twist-lock door for extra security
- Made of durable molded plastic in the USA
- 5 size options and 2 color choices
- Choose from 4, 6, or 8 panels
- Easy snap-together assembly
The IRIS USA 24″ Exercise 4-Panel Pet Playpen with Door makes our list of the best dog playpens thanks to its durable molded plastic make and secure step-through door. Plus, this pen is easy to grow with your pup because you can add more panels as needed to create a larger area as your dog needs. The distance between bars is 1.7″ to keep small animals in and help prevent chewing. Assembly is easy; just snap the panels together to create a secure place for puppies and small dogs to play or rest. Stores flat and travels easily too.
Pros
- Ideal small dog playpen
- Secure molded plastic
- Available in multiple sizes
- Choose black or white color
- Easy setup and take down
- Non-skid rubber feet protect floors
- Made in the USA
Cons
- May not be suitable for extra rowdy pups
#4 – Best Dog Playpen for Large Dogs
- 48" tall to deter climbers
- Pass-through door with double-latch lock
- Double-latch locking system for enhanced security
- Includes 4 plastic ground stakes
- Folds flat for easy storage
The Precision Pet 48″ Universal Exercise Pen keeps your dog safe with forty-eight-inch-high walls and a pass-through door with a double latch lock system for enhanced security. This exercise pen is a great solution for dogs who like to climb pen walls with its tall panels. A rust-resistant black electro-coat that protects it from the elements and included ground stakes to hold the pen securely in place also lines up this choice as an ideal outdoor dog playpen.
Pros
- Great dog playpen for dogs who climb
- Can connect to dog crate
- Configures into multiple shapes or fence
- Easy set up with no tools required
Cons
- Unconnecting walls for reconfiguration may prove difficult
#5 – Best Dog Playpen for Travel
- Dimensions: 62" W x 26" H
- Reinforced mesh walls for easy cleaning
- Highly portable and lightweight
- Steel frame construction
- Zip-closure door for easy access
Whether you need a dog playpen for travel or want to solve crate and exercise pen chewing issues, the Carlson 8-Panel Portable Pet Pen has you covered. All-steel inner construction, sturdy canvas material, and reinforced stitching make this exercise pen strong enough to stand up to wild puppies or large adult dogs. The durable mesh also allows for visibility so your pup can watch the world around them. The pop-out style and water-resistant materials make it another ideal dog playpen for camping or traveling. Plus, cleaning is as simple as wiping the pen down with a damp cloth and soap. And if your dog can’t keep their mouth off wire bars, the strong mesh walls might prevent them from chewing.
Pros
- Durable all-metal frame and reinforced mesh walls
- Easy to pop out and fold down
- Water-resistant and easy to clean
- Includes a carrying bag
- Great for travel and camping
Cons
- Expensive option
#6 – Best Collapsible Playpen for Dogs
- Covered top for safety and shade
- Easy zip on/off screen cover with storage pocket
- Large roll-up doors
- Washable floor cover
- Easy set-up and great for travel
The Deluxe Pop-Up Playpen sets up and folds away with unbelievable ease! Give it a twist, and out pops the pen. To put it away, fold, twist flat, and store in the convenient storage bag. This easy-to-tote dog pen also features a removable, washable floor mat and top screen cover that easily zippers on or off. Thanks to the soft design and foldability, you’ll find it’s one of the best dog playpens for travel. With its mesh walls, this option also serves as a good choice of playpens for dogs that bite or chew at bars. As for cleaning, simply rinse with water and wipe dry.
Pros
- Folds flat for easy storage and transport
- Choose from medium and large sizes
- Floor mat and top cover zip on and off
- For indoor or outdoor use
- Included storage bag
Cons
- Doesn’t offer as much room for play as other pen styles
- Pricier option for pop-up style
Are you penning puppies? Or taking your dog camping? Perhaps your little puppy has become a big dog who needs more room. Maybe it’s time to upgrade your furry one’s exercise pen. Whatever you need in a pen, our list of the best dog playpens will help you find the perfect choice to round up your hounds!
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