A playpen is a must-have for puppy owners. If you let puppies wander all over the house, you can’t avoid trouble. And in the playpen, your new friend will be safe and can’ t destroy things in your home.
In this article, I have compiled many ideas for puppy playpens. You will learn how to choose a puppy pen and set it up.
Contents
Which is the best puppy pen?
There are several types of playpens for dogs: metal, soft and plastic. Next, I’ll tell you about each material.
Some tips for buyers:
- It’s a good idea to buy a playpen with a removable roof and floor so you can use them when needed. But you can also buy these accessories separately.
- Better look for adjustable playpens that you can enlarge over time.
- Portability is also important to easily fold up/down the entire construction.
- Pay attention to the compactness of the playpen so that it will not take up much space in the house.
Metal playpens
Metal playpens are suitable for large breeds of dogs. They will last you for many years. This option is more suitable for outdoor use, but you can use it indoors too.
I don’t recommend pens with thin wires, because they can cause injury if your pet tries to get out. Owners of large, hyperactive pups should be especially careful.
Choose playpens with sturdy bars and ideally with durable finishes like e-coating to prevent rusting.
Examples of good metal dog kennels:
Last update on 2022-09-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Last update on 2022-09-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Plastic playpen for puppies
Some people don’t like the look of metal playpens. Also, they may not fit in the interior of the house. Therefore, as an alternative, you can choose plastic. But the product must be made of molded, heavy-duty plastic.
I liked the IRIS USA playpen because it is sturdy and stable. The lock on the doors is also trustworthy. The seller offers different sizes for small and large dogs.
Last update on 2022-09-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Soft Playpen
A soft playpen is suitable for small dog breeds that behave calmly and are not prone to disruptive behavior. Otherwise, your purchase won’t last long.
You will have to try hard to find a really good soft playpen. Pay attention to the material and the quality of the seams and zippers. I liked this one –
Last update on 2022-09-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
What to put in the playpen?
To make your puppy love its pen, you need to set it up properly. There should be a lounge area, a game area and a dining area. Below I’ve listed all the things you need for this.
Crate
I recommend putting a crate in the playpen to provide a shelter and resting place for your puppy. Leave the crate door open so the pup can get in whenever it wants.
This way your puppy will get used to its crate and this habit will make life a lot easier for you in the future. You may need the crate for transporting the dog to the vet or when traveling.
Bed
Soft beds are NOT safe for puppies. For the littlest fur babies, it’s best to make a crate den and put a chew-proof crate bed inside.
You can put a soft bed for pups over 1 year old. It can be a tent/hut-shaped bed. Dogs like to snuggle in a quiet place, hidden from prying eyes.
Last update on 2022-09-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Last update on 2022-09-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
If you want to set the playpen in the backyard, I advise you to choose a special outdoor dog bed. It is not afraid of dirt and water.
Toys
Put a few toys there to keep your puppy from getting bored in its pen. Puppies need to chew toys because of teething. Also, chewing has a calming effect on dogs.
One of my favorite toys is the Kong. You can put peanut paste or other treats in it.
Last update on 2022-09-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Also, a good idea is an interactive treat ball. Such toys can keep your puppy occupied for a long time.
Last update on 2022-09-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
I recommend using the toy from the first days of the puppy’s acquaintance with the playpen. The toy will help to create positive associations.
Better to have unique toys for the playpen that you will only give your puppy there. One of my articles has many good ideas about the best dog toys for the crate. They will fit in the playpen too.
Food or water bowls
You should only leave food in the playpen if you leave your dog alone for a long time (more than 1 hour). Otherwise, you only need a bowl of water.
I like the non-spilling bowls and the slow-feeder bowl.
Last update on 2022-09-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Last update on 2022-09-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Other
There are a few other things you can use, but it’s optional:
- diffuser with calming pheromones (to help calm your pet);
- a pet camera (to keep track of what’s going on in the playpen).
I would like to recommend the PETCUBE BITES 2 LITE camera. With this camera, you can even talk to your puppy and treat him:
 Petcube Bites 2 Lite – $124.95 Smart HD pet camera with treat dispenser, 160 lens, and 2-way audio |
What do you put on the floor of a puppy pen? To protect the floor in the house, you can use piece of plywood or a no-slip mat. And outside, you can use a playpen with a waterproof floor.
Puppy playpen ideas photo and video
I’ve picked up some photos showing how you can make a puppy playpen.
FAQ
Is a crate or playpen better for a puppy?
It is better to have both of these pieces, as they serve different purposes. A playpen is just a safe place for a puppy. And a crate can be used for transportation and create a daily schedule for a puppy. A playpen can only replace a crate at home.
Where to put the playpen in the house?
It should be a quiet corner in your house with no constant traffic. But do not put it in an isolated room. Instead, you should periodically go to the playpen and check on how your fur baby is doing.
Should you put potty or pee pads in the playpen?
It is better not to put the potty in the playpen. After all, your mission is to teach your puppy to go to the toilet outside. It’s better to take it out for a walk before closing it in the playpen. Only use the potty in the playpen as a last resort when you need to leave your pet for a long time.
When do I start using the playpen?
Use a playpen from the first days your puppy is in the house. This way you will prevent a lot of accidents.
Summary
A puppy playpen is a great idea for puppy owners:
- it keeps little troublemakers from moving freely around the house and getting in where they shouldn’t;
- helps them learn to go to the toilet in the same place;
- helps puppy to get used to the crate;
- a puppy learns to spend time alone.
You can use the playpen when you have chores or work to do or when you need to calm an overly-excited puppy. In general, I recommend having this stuff for all dog owners!
Send us pictures of your playpens! We would love to see what you do.
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