A playpen is a must-have for puppy owners. If you let your puppy run 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’ve put together lots of ideas for puppy playpens. You’ll learn how to choose a puppy pen and how to set it up.
Contents
What is the best puppy pen?
There are several types of playpens for dogs: metal, soft and plastic. Below, 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.
- Look for adjustable playpens that you can enlarge over time.
- Portability is also important, so you can 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 also use them indoors.
I don’t recommend pens with thin wires, because they can cause injuries if your pet tries to get out. Owners of large, hyperactive pups should be especially careful.
Opt for playpens with sturdy bars and ideally with a durable coating to prevent rust.
Examples of good metal dog kennels:
- Solid Structure: This outdoor dog kennel is made with a metal frame and sprayed with...
- Lockable Door: Keep your dog secure and secure in this pet pen with the lockable...
- Roof Cover Included: Use this medium sized dog crate indoors and outdoors. Includes a...
- Large Dog Kennel: This dog fence with run is made with 10 panels for a large space...
Last update on 2025-06-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
- Includes 6 panels wide：27.5 inches high：31.5 inches.Due to manual measurement,the...
- The dog playpen design allows a variety of configurations to meet your needs, such as...
- dog playpen Pet fence Bunny fence easy to install without any tools.Foldable and easy...
- Exercise Pen / Pet Playpen designed with a walk-through door with safety locking...
Last update on 2025-06-18 / 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, you can choose plastic as an alternative. But the product must be made of molded, durable 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.
- MADE IN USA: The IRIS USA playpen with door for dogs is excellent for dog play yards,...
- IDEAL FOR SMALL DOGS: Perfect for extra small to medium breeds such as chihuahuas,...
- DURABLE: This playpen is made with durable, heavy-duty plastic and ready for playtime...
- EASY ASSEMBLY: Built with convenience in mind, the pet playpen can be put together by...
Last update on 2025-06-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Soft Playpen
A soft playpen is suitable for small dog breeds that are calm and not prone to disruptive behavior. Otherwise, your purchase won’t last long.
You will have to work 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 –
- Ideal Size for Large Dogs: Measuring 45.5" L x 45.5" W x 28.5" H, this playpen is...
- Portable Design: This large dog playpen comes with a carrying bag for easy transport,...
- Excellent Ventilation and Stability: Featuring eight breathable mesh panels and two...
- Easy Care and Comfort: The waterproof bottom keeps accidents from soaking your floor,...
Last update on 2025-06-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
What to put in the playpen?
To make your puppy love his pen, you need to set it up properly. There should be a lounge area, a play area, and a dining area. Below I’ve listed all the things you’ll need for this.
Crate
I recommend putting a crate in the playpen to give your puppy a shelter and a place to rest. Leave the crate door open so your puppy can get in whenever he wants.
This way, your puppy will get used to his crate and this habit will make your life much easier 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.
For puppies older than 1 year, you can set up a soft bed. This can be a tentor hut shaped bed. Dogs like to snuggle in a quiet place, hidden from prying eyes.
- PLUSH PET HOUSE: We’ve designed these indoor houses for dogs and cats using high...
- GREAT INDOOR LOOK: The timeless style of our cream plush pet beds allows them to...
- COZY HOUSE: The dimension of this indoor portable house gives your pet a touch of...
- EASY TO MAINTAIN: The pet house is machine washable without stretching out of shape...
Last update on 2025-06-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
- Perfect Size: 24 inch tall, 20 inch diameter. Perfect size ideal for pets up to...
- Indoor/Outdoor: Portable, easy to store, multi-purpose, allowing your pet to enjoy...
- Secure and Private: This pent house comes with cushion, treat your furry friend to a...
- Cutest Thing: It looks nice in your home - it's cute! It’s a really nice addition...
Last update on 2025-06-18 / 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 his pen. Puppies need toys to chew on because they’re teething. Also, chewing has a calming effect on dogs.
One of my favorite toys is the Kong. You can fill it with peanut paste or other treats.
- Satisfy Instinctual Needs: The KONG Classic red rubber toy helps satisfy dogs'...
- Enticing Chew Toy for Dogs: This unique toy has an erratic and unpredictable bounce,...
- Treat-Filling Capabilities: The hollow interior allows for stuffing with kibble,...
- Durable Natural Rubber Dog Toy: The KONG Classic red rubber formula is created for...
Last update on 2025-06-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
An interactive treat ball is also a good idea. Such toys can keep your puppy occupied for a long time.
- MENTALLY STIMULATE YOUR DOG: This food-dispensing dog toy keeps dogs mentally and...
- CUSTOMIZABLE IQ TREAT BALL: Your furry friend gets smarter as they play with this...
- EASY TO USE AND CLEAN: Our interactive treat dispensing dog toys conveniently uses...
- PROLONGED PLAY: This dog treat dispensing ball is designed to limit the amount of...
Last update on 2025-06-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
I recommend using the toy from the very first days when the puppy is getting to know the playpen. The toy helps to create positive associations.
It’s best to have unique toys for the playpen that you’ll give to your puppy only there. In one of my articles you’ll find many good ideas for the best dog toys for the crate. They also fit in the playpen.
Food or water bowls
You should only put food in the playpen when you leave your dog alone for long periods of time (more than 1 hour). Otherwise, you just need a bowl with water.
I like the non-spilling bowls and the slow-feeder bowl.
- Large slow feeder dog bowl – helps slow down eating up to 10X; this SLOWEST level...
- Holds 4 cups of dry or wet dog food – this very deep dog bowl has our most...
- Helps reduce obesity and bloat in dogs and puppies – supports proper digestion and...
- Multiple sizes, maze patterns, and 3 SLOW levels to choose from – Slow, Slower, or...
Last update on 2025-06-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
- 4 Sizes: 6½ fl OZ(185 ML) for each bowl and one mat designed for extra small, toy...
- 1 Serve 2: set of 2 stainless steel dog bowls, simple and convenient—double bowls...
- Stainless Steel Bowls: anti-corrosion and heat resistant, the stainless-steel pet...
- Non-Spill and Skid Resistant: rolled-up design of under mat leaves area surrounding...
Last update on 2025-06-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Other
There are a few other things you can use, but this is optional:
- diffuser with calming pheromones (to calm your pet);
- a pet camera (to keep track of what’s going on in the playpen).
I would like to recommend you 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 inside the house, you can use a piece of plywood or a non-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 a playpen better for a puppy?
It is better to have both, 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 replace a crate only at home.
Where to put the playpen in the house?
It should be a quiet corner in your house with no constant traffic. However, don’t put it in an isolated room. Instead, you should go to the playpen regularly and check how your fur baby is doing.
Should you put potty or pee pads in the playpen?
It’s better not to put the potty in the playpen. After all, it’s your job to teach your puppy to go to the bathroom outside. It’s better to take him for a walk before you lock him in the playpen. Only use the potty in the playpen as a last resort if you need to leave your pet for an extended period of time.
When can I start using the playpen?
Use the playpen from the first days your puppy is in the house. This way you can avoid many accidents.
Summary
A puppy playpen is a great idea for puppy owners:
- it keeps the little troublemakers from roaming freely around the house and intruding where they don’t belong;
- helps them learn to go to the toilet in a certain place;
- helps the puppy to get used to the crate;
- the 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 overlyexcited puppy. In general, I recommend all dog owners have this equipment!
Send us pictures of your playpens! We’d love to see what you guys are doing.
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