Best Playpen for Dogs Reviews

Most dog owners will agree that their pets are very high in energy level, well, unless your dog happens to be an inactive dog. At least for puppies, it would be great if we have greater control over their actions as they are still young, and we as dog owners will need to put in effort and time to train them. So having a control over their locality makes a lot of difference to them. Imagine not being able to confine them to an area to play at; they could simply wreak havoc around the house, and you most certainly do not want your dogs to damage your furniture. There are several ways at which you can have control over that, and one of the simplest way is to get Playpen for Dogs.

Best Playpen for Dogs Reviews

In the list below, you, we will make recommendations based on the 4 categories; Metal Playpen For Dogs, Plastic Playpen For Dogs , Wooden Playpen For Dogs and Mesh Playpen For Dogs.

Playpen For Dogs	Material	Usage	Our Rating	Where To Buy
MidWest Exercise Pen	Metal	Outdoor	4.4	Amazon
Oxgord 8-Panel Folding Wire Fence Exercise Pen	Metal	Outdoor	4.2	Amazon
BestPet Heavy Duty Pet Playpen	Metal	Outdoor	4.6	Amazon
Prevue Pet Products Multi-Color Small Pet Playpen	Metal	Indoor/Outdoor	4.3	Amazon
Regalo 192-Inch Super Wide Gate and Play Yard	Metal	Indoor	4.6	Amazon
IRIS Indoor/Outdoor Plastic Pet Pen with 4 Panels	Plastic	Indoor	4.9	Amazon
IRIS Plastic Exercise/Containment Pet Pen	Plastic	Indoor	4.8	Amazon
IRIS Indoor/Outdoor Plastic Pet Pen	Plastic	Indoor/Outdoor	4.6	Amazon
Richell Convertible Indoor/Outdoor Pet Playpen	Plastic	Indoor/Outdoor	4.8	Amazon
North States Superyard 3 in 1 Wood Gate	Wooden	Indoor	4.6	Amazon
Cardinal Gates Perfect Fit Pet Gate	Wooden	Indoor	4.9	Amazon
Fabulous Pet Water Resistant Portable Playpen	Mesh	Indoor/Outdoor	4.7	Amazon
Oxgord Animal Playpen	Mesh	Indoor/Outdoor	4.6	Amazon
ESK COLLECTION Playpen	Mesh	Indoor/Outdoor	4.5	Amazon

Metal Playpen For Dogs

MidWest Exercise Pen, Best for Jack Russell

This MidWest Exercise Pen comes with a door. It has 8 panels that is made of Black E-Coat finishing and it is intended for long lasting protection. You do not require tools to set it up, and it is easy to assemble and dismantle, perfect for the outdoors.  This Playpen comes with ground hooks, which is perfect if you decide to use it for outdoor purposes. The corners are shaped to prevent the dog from hurting itself with the Playpen.  It comes with 5 different heights, ranging from 24″ to 48″, hence it is suitable for a wide range of breeds.

Pros

• Usage: This Playpen is suitable for both indoor and outdoors, but we recommend it for outdoor usage due to the ground hooks.
• Size: It comes with 4 different heights, hence it will be suitable for most breeds. It can be reconfigured to different shapes.
• Stability: The MidWest Exercise Pen has high stability due to the ground hooks. Also, if you decide to use a straight line configuration, there are polymer clips to hold the panels in place.
• Security: There is a double latch door that ensures that the dog cannot open the door without human intervention.
• Safety: The edges of the Playpen is rounded, so the dog won’t be able to hurt itself against it.

Cons

• Hazard: Due to it being made of metal, it can potentially scratch your wall should your dog manage to push it against the wall. Also, some dogs can climb really well, and the metal panels doesn’t really discourage climbers. In addition, the lack of a canopy means jumpers can hop out of the Playpen. This can be mitigated by putting a plastic sheet over the Playpen.

Oxgord 8-Panel Folding Wire Fence Exercise Pen

OxGord is the number rated brand when it comes to Metal Playpens for dogs. This playpen is collapsible and easy to set up too. The coating is rust-resistant, making it perfect to be out in the elements. It can encompass an area up to 64 inches. This is mainly used for outdoor purposes. It can be configured to various shapes, and if you decide that the area is too small, you can purchase another of this set to create a larger area. It is light, hence it is also easy to transport around. It is also E-coated, hence it is intended for long lasting usage. It also has ground anchors that helps to ensure maximum stability during outdoors. It comes with 4 different heights, ranging from 30″ to 48″. It can be hooked up to a kennel that is made of the same material to provide more options for the dog!

Pros

• Usage: This Playpen is suitable for outdoor usage. The edges of this panel can cause problems if it were to be used at home. Perfect for small to mid sized breeds.
• Size: It comes with 4 different heights, hence it will be suitable for most breeds. It can be reconfigured to different shapes.
• Stability: The OxGord Playpen too comes with ground hooks., thus ensuring high stability when used outdoors.
• Security: It also have a double latch door that ensures that the dog cannot open the door without human intervention.

Cons

• Hazard: Since it is made of metal, do not use it at home as it can potentially scratch your wall should your dog manage to push it against the wall. It is also light, hence large dogs can easily push it around. There isn’t a canopy, so climbers and jumpers can escape easily.

BestPet Heavy Duty Pet Playpen

This Playpen by BestPet is by far the best that we have seen. It comes in only one size, and each of the eight panels is 40″ high and 31″ wide. Made from heavy duty 1/2″ tube frame, this metal playpen for dog has a single latch door. It comes in 2 different colors. Although it can be used for both indoors and outdoors, we recommend using it for outdoors. It has anchor hooks that helps to plant the playpen firmly to the ground. It can withstand most pushers, but usually we wouldn’t recommend this to owners with strong pushers. It is extremely sturdy too.

Pros

• Usage: This Playpen is highly recommended for outdoor usage. It still can be used indoors, but it might not be suitable. If you have to use it indoors, it can be great for housing injured or old dogs.
• Size: It comes with one standard size. At 40 inches tall, it can accommodate most large breeds.
• Stability: This Playpen for Dogs has high stability due to the ground hooks.Also, it is heavy enough to withstand most pushers, making it the most stable of all the metal playpen for dogs.
• Security: It utilizes a single-latch door. But rest assured, dogs cannot simply open the door at all!
• Safety: The edges of the Playpen is rounded, so the dog won’t be able to hurt itself against it.

Cons

• Hazard: The anchor pins might not be suitable for indoor usage, and hence it is not suitable for indoors at all.

Prevue Pet Products Multi-Color Small Pet Playpen

This Metal Playpen for Dogs is made up of 8 colored panels, each measuring 13″ by 9″. As the height is pretty low, this will be suitable only for small sized dogs, or small puppies. The metal panels are coated with non-toxic paint, so it is extremely suitable for puppies. The edges are rounded too, so dogs won’t be able to injure themselves. Also, since it is catered for younger dogs, it is perfect for both indoors and outdoors.

Pros

• Usage: This Playpen is highly recommended for both indoor and outdoor usage.It is catered for only puppies or dogs that do not too big as the height of the panels are short.
• Size: It comes with one standard size. Each panel is 13 inches wide and 9 inches tall.
• Stability: This Metal Playpen for Dogs has average stability, hence it will not be useful if your dog is a strong pusher. Hence, we only recommend this for small breeds.
• Security: There is no door, no anchor hooks.
• Safety: The edges of the Playpen is rounded, so the dog won’t be able to hurt itself against it. The paint is non-toxic, making it safe for young dogs.

Cons

• Hazard: There is no anchor. Also, if you were to use this on an uneven surface, the whole structure might not hold well.

Regalo 192-Inch Super Wide Gate and Play Yard

This product is actually meant for toddlers, but dog owners have bought this, and they realize that it is a good fit towards their requirements.  It allows multiple configurations, and the height of the gate is 28 inches tall. This is suitable for medium sized dogs that are not strong pushers. Although it can be used for outdoors, it is generally advised for home usage as the materials might not be sturdy for outdoor usage. Also, it can be wall mounted, so you can instantly transform an area to a playpen for your dog.

Pros

• Usage: This Playpen is suitable for indoor usage.
• Size: It comes with one standard height, but the panels can be reconfigured to suit your dog’s needs. Each panel is 28 inches tall and 24 inches wide.
• Stability: This Metal Playpen has wall mounts, so it can be sturdy.
• Security: There is no door, but you can gate off an area for your dog
• Safety: The edges of the Playpen is rounded, so the dog won’t be able to hurt itself against it. Also, the materials are free from toxic.

Cons

• Hazard: There is no canopy, so dogs that can climb well, or dogs that can jump will not be too suitable to use this playpen. In addition, it is lightweight, so perhaps it won’t be too suitable for large dogs.

Plastic Playpen For Dogs

IRIS Indoor/Outdoor Plastic Pet Pen with 4 Panels

This plastic Playpen for Dogs has 4 interlocking panels made from commercial-grade plastic that is durable and safe for your dog. The only non-plastic part is the double steel door latch, which ensures that your dog is safe inside the playpen. It can be combined with a 2nd similar playpen, hence allowing more space for the dog to maneuver around. It doesn’t come with a canopy, but you can purchase it optionally. It is easy to assemble, and is both suitable for indoor and outdoor usage. However, since it is made of lightweight material, we would recommend it for puppies to medium sized dogs.

Pros

• Usage: This Playpen is stated for use for both indoors and outdoors. We would recommend if for indoors. You can either choose between the 4 panel or 8 panel Playpen for dogs.
• Size: It comes with one standard size. Each panel is 23 inches tall and 36 inches wide.
• Stability: This Playpen for Dogs has average stability due to the lightweight material.
• Security: It utilizes a single-latch door. But rest assured, dogs cannot simply open the door at all!
• Safety: Since it is made of plastic, there isn’t much problems that it can cause to dogs, except that it might not be immune to heavy chewers.

Cons

• Hazard: There is no anchor pins, hence it might not be too suitable for large dogs. Also, large or strong dogs might have the strength to push the panels around, so owners will have to be aware of this.

IRIS Plastic Exercise/Containment Pet Pen

This plastic playpen for dogs is too bright for our liking! But aesthetics apart, it is perfect for the training, exercising and containment for dogs. It is perfect for indoor usage as it has non-skid rubber pads that helps to protect your floor if your dog pushes the playpen against the floor. Since it is made of durable, heavy-duty molded plastic, they are guaranteed to last for years and will not rust too.  It is only recommended for puppies to medium sized pets as it is not strong enough to withstand the strength of large dogs. Their lightweight composition means it is easy to transport them around. Also, it comes with various colors. You can purchase add-ons here, and there is a canopy for separate purchase too.

Pros

• Usage: This Playpen is suitable for both indoor and outdoors, but we recommend it for indoor usage due to its lightweight material.
• Size: It comes with 4 different heights, hence it will be suitable for most breeds. It can be reconfigured to different shapes.
• Stability: The MidWest Exercise Pen has high stability due to the ground hooks. Also, if you decide to use a straight line configuration, there are polymer clips to hold the panels in place.
• Security: There is a double latch door that ensures that the dog cannot open the door without human intervention.
• Safety: The edges of the Playpen is rounded, so the dog won’t be able to hurt itself against it.

Cons

• Hazard: Due to it being made of metal, it can potentially scratch your wall should your dog manage to push it against the wall. Also, some dogs can climb really well, and the metal panels doesn’t really discourage climbers. In addition, the lack of a canopy means jumpers can hop out of the Playpen. This can be mitigated by putting a plastic sheet over the Playpen.

IRIS Indoor/Outdoor Plastic Pet Pen

This Plastic Playpen for Dogs is extremely popular on Amazon. It is made up of 8 panels that is made from commercial-grade plastic. The door has double steel door latch, hence making it safe for dogs.  Each panel is 63 inches tall and 34 inches wide. The panels can be reconfigured to suit your needs! It is extremely suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, and most owners swears by this Playpen for Dogs. This is perfect for large sized pets too. It is made completely in USA.  Should you need more panels, you can purchase them here.

Pros

• Usage: This Playpen is suitable for both indoor and outdoors. The panels are meant to withstand the test from the elements.
• Size: It comes with one standard height, but the panels can be reconfigured to suit your dog’s needs. Also, additional panels can be bought if you want to increase the size of the contained area.
• Stability: This Plastic Playpen for Dogs has skid pads at the bottom, so it can withstand pushers that are not that strong.
• Security: There is a double latch door that ensures that the dog cannot open the door without human intervention.
• Safety: The edges of the Playpen is rounded, so the dog won’t be able to hurt itself against it. Also, the materials are free from toxic.

Cons

• Hazard: There is no canopy, so dogs that can climb well, or dogs that can jump will not be too suitable to use this playpen. In addition, it is not meant for dogs who are strong as it it lacking the necessary tools to enhance its sturdiness.

Richell Convertible Indoor/Outdoor Pet Playpen

This Plastic Playpen For Dogs is the top choice in its category. At it’s reach is 64 inches, so it can keep most dogs at bay. The materials are easy to clean, and they are also resistant to water, hence making it perfect for both indoors and outdoors. It is also rigid in the sense that the configurations are kept fixed at either 90°, 120° and 180°, providing the extra stability that most other playpens don’t have. It is stylish, and multi functional.  This Playpen also includes a lockable gate door, hence allowing easy access for your dog.

Pros

• Usage: This Playpen is suitable for both indoor and outdoors. The materials are water-resistant, and they are easy to clean.
• Size: It comes with one standard height, but the panels can be reconfigured to suit your dog’s needs.
• Stability: This Plastic Playpen for Dogs has a unique locking mechanism, and the configurations of this Plastic playpen for dogs is fixed at 90°, 120° and 180°.
• Security: There is a lockable door that allows easy access for your dog.
• Safety: The edges of the Playpen isn’t sharp, hence the dog will be safe from hurting itself.

Cons

• Hazard: There is no canopy too. At 35 inches high, some dogs might be over to jump over it.

Wooden Playpen For Dogs

North States Superyard 3 in 1 Wood Gate

This versatile six-panel Wooden Playpen for Dogs is collapsible for easy transportation or storage. It can be used as a gate or barrier too. It can encompass and area up to 10 square feet. Each panel is 30 inches high, making it suitable for most large breeds too. The swing-thru panel is built with a double-locking mechanism that allows easy access, yet at the same time ensuring that the dog do not escape from it. The gate panel is made from metal, and it ensures that the whole setup is rigid. Expansion panels can be bought here. It has rubber pads on the bottom of the system to prevent scratching. This is perfect for indoor usage only as the material may not be good for the elements.

Pros

• Usage: This Playpen for Dogs is suitable for indoor usage due to the material of the Playpen
• Size: It comes with one standard height, but the panels can be reconfigured to suit your dog’s needs.
• Stability: This Wooden Playpen for Dogs has a rubber pads at the bottom to prevent scratching. Also, the gate panel is made of metal, hence the whole setup is rigid, making it very sturdy against most strong breeds.
• Security: There is a swing thru door with a double locking mechanism.
• Safety: The edges of the Playpen isn’t sharp, hence the dog will be safe from hurting itself.

Cons

• Hazard: It is lacking of a canopy to make it a complete playpen for dogs. Being made from wood, it might not be too suitable for chewers too.

Cardinal Gates Perfect Fit Pet Gate

The Cardinal Gates Playpen for Dogs does not require much work to be assembled. The frame is wooden, but the bars are made from metal. It can be reconfigured to many shapes.  It has 6 panels, one of which is a door. Measuring 26.5 inches high and 30 inches wide, it will be suitable for medium sized dogs. It is popular amongst owners who wants to have a wooden playpen for dogs that does not scratch the bottom of their floor. Also, it is aesthetically pleasing and can be complemented with many household furniture.

Pros

• Usage: This Wooden Playpen for Dogs is suitable for indoor usage due to the material of the Playpen
• Size: It comes with one standard height, but the panels can be reconfigured to suit your dog’s needs.
• Stability: The whole system is sturdy, and can withstand most strong breeds.
• Security: The door is has a double latch mechanism that allows added protection against the dog.
• Safety: There are no sharp edges in this wooden playpen for dogs.

Cons

• Hazard: As usual, no canopy. The material is strong enough to discourage chews, but do check the system once in awhile for visible damages.

Mesh Playpen for Dogs

Fabulous Pet Water Resistant Portable Playpen

This portable Mesh Playpen for dogs is very popular on Amazon. This medium sized playpen for dogs measures 62 inches in diameter and 25 inches in height. Coming in 19 colors, this playpen allows dogs to enjoy playing around without feeling confined. It is suitable for both outdoor and indoor purposes. This Mesh Playpen for dogs is deliberately set up in an octagonal configuration as it allows maximum interaction between the dogs, and also encourages game play between them too. If you need to keep your dog inside for long hours, it will not feel stuffy as the mesh allows positive ventilation into the playpen. The in-house canopy ensures that no dog can escape from this Mesh Playpen for dogs. It comes in 19 different colors too.

Pros

• Usage: This Mesh Playpen for Dogs is suitable for both indoor and outdoor usage.
• Size: The diameter is at 62 inches, and the height is at 30 inches, making this suitable for most dogs.
• Stability: The whole system is sturdy. However, strong chewers might chew bits and pieces off this playpen for dogs, though it will only happen if your dog is suffering from separation anxiety.
• Security: The dog can enter through a flap that can be close using dual zippers.
• Safety: There are no sharp edges in this Mesh Playpen for dogs.

Cons

• Hazard: The center of the playpen can be a little bit uncomfortable for the dog as the canopy can sag in the middle of the playpen.

Oxgord Animal Playpen for Pets Exercise Pen

This Mesh Playpen For Dogs by Oxgord is a newly released model for 2016. There are mesh screens on each panel of the playpen, allowing the owner to peek into their pet’s activity at all times. The whole system is easy to set up, and there is an included travel tote that allows you to bring the playpen while traveling with your dog. There are storage compartments that actually allow you to keep and store the dog’s toys and supplies too! It is easy to clean, and it is perfect for both outdoors and indoors. The entrance is a zippered roll-up door, which makes it easier for the owner to open or close the flap.

Pros

• Usage: This Mesh Playpen for Dogs is suitable for both indoor and outdoor usage.
• Size: The diameter is at 45 inches, and the height is at 24 inches, making this suitable for most medium-sized dogs.
• Stability: The whole system is sturdy. However, strong chewers might chew bits and pieces off this playpen for dogs, though it will only happen if your dog is suffering from separation anxiety.
• Security: The dog can enter through a flap that can be close using dual zippers.
• Safety: There are no sharp edges in this Mesh Playpen for dogs.

Cons

• Hazard: The center of the playpen can be a little bit uncomfortable for the dog as the canopy can sag in the middle of the playpen.

ESK COLLECTION Blue 45″ Pet Puppy Dog Playpen Exercise Pen Kennel 600d Oxford Cloth

The Mesh Playpen for Dogs is portable, and is made from 600d Oxford cloth. Like the previous 2 mesh playpen, it comes with mesh screens at the top and sides of the playpen. There is also a storage compartment to keep your pet’s supplies.  The material is extremely durable, and the bottom is detachable for easy washing. The connecting points are all made with zippers. It comes with 4 different colors.

Pros

• Usage: This Mesh Playpen for Dogs is suitable for both indoor and outdoor usage.
• Size: The diameter is at 48 inches, and the height is 24 inches, making this suitable for most medium-sized dogs.
• Stability: The whole system is sturdy. However, strong chewers might chew bits and pieces off this playpen for dogs, though it will only happen if your dog is suffering from separation anxiety.
• Security: The dog can enter through a flap that can be closed using dual zippers. The zippers are also present at the top and bottom of the playpen.
• Safety: There are no sharp edges in this Mesh Playpen for dogs.

Cons

• Hazard: If your dog is fairly strong, then this playpen might not be too suitable for them.

Playpen For Dogs

Playpen for dogs has specific uses for each phase of their life, and that is why it is tremendously suitable for them no matter how old they are. When they are still in the infant stages, Playpen for dogs can be used to train them, especially on the containment of their behavior. During the middle stages of their life, it can be used to confine their movement in the house when the owners are not around. When they are old, if can be used to again confine their movement to limit the risk of injuring themselves. Hence, you can see that Playpens for dogs is an excellent solution for confining their movement for various purposes.

Other compelling reasons include protecting your furniture. It can be deployed when you are busy with work at home and you cannot monitor the dog, yet you want the dog to have some time to play by herself. In this case, a playpen fits in nicely as it could allow the dog to play within a confined area, allowing the owner to be busy with their own work.

Outdoor Playpen For Dogs

In addition, playpens can also be used outdoors too! When you have a family/friend gathering or the occasional picnic, playpens can be set up to allow the dogs to run in a confined area. This actually helps the owner too, as the owners could allow their dogs to run in the wild but yet at the same time they need not monitor the dog’s movement. You can be assured that your dogs will be safe in the playpen while you go about enjoying the company of your friends and family. Do note that you should set up the playpen in a shaded area as most vets advise us not to let the dogs be out for too long under the sun. Always provide a place for them to drink. Click here for reviews on the water bowl.

One of the other compelling reasons for getting a playpen is that dogs love to be in enclosed areas as it means comfort and security to them. Whenever you choose dog crates or dog houses, it is always recommended to get a crate/house that is slightly larger than the dog’s size. This is because dogs prefer enclosed areas that are close to their size, as it provides a sense of security and comfort when the owner isn’t around.

Indoor Playpen For Dogs

You might be wondering since the dog is at home, then there shouldn’t be any need for an indoor playpen, right? Wrong! Indoor Playpen for dogs has their own purposes. Indoor playpens for dogs can be used as a training tool, or they can be used to restrict the dog’s movement in the house when the owner is not in the house. Also, indoor playpens for dogs can be used to confine the dog’s playing area, so that their toys would not be found all over the house. It is also their safe haven when you are not at home.

Playpen for Old/Sick Dogs

Earlier, we mentioned that playpens are also suitable for elderly or sick dogs. These dogs are generally old and might be suffering from various illnesses like osteoporosis. They are weak, and hence they will be unable to venture outdoors. It is also recommended that they stay away from areas that require them to exert too much strength. A playpen easily solves these problems as it can confine the dog’s movement to a limited area, which really helps both the owners and the dogs to mitigate the risk of injuring themselves.

Last but not least, dogs can have a sense of attachment to the playpen. They regard it as a demarcation of their territory, and hence they feel safe in it. Dogs are territorial in nature, so they would feel comfortable in their own area. It is purely a psychological effect, that if you were to put their playpen in an unfamiliar place, they will presumably treat that place as if they are very familiar with it. Once you take away the playpen in the unfamiliar place, they will be extra tense. This is because they can no longer identify with the new area, and they feel extremely uncomfortable in it. What it means is that the dog can no longer associate itself with the unfamiliar place once the “territory” is taken away.

Things To Consider Before You Choose Playpen For Dogs

There are various parameters to play with before you choose the correct playpen for your dog. These are the key factors to consider to ensure that it is the best fit for your pet and your needs.

Strength of Dogs

If your dog is strong, then perhaps you might need to get a heavy-duty playpen. These playpens are designed to withstand the strongest of dogs, giving you safe piece of mind when you leave them alone in the playpen.

Size Of Dogs

The sizing is important as the playpens are not one-size-fits all. Larger dogs require a bigger area for them to run about comfortably. Puppies need not have a big area. Also, do consider the dog’s height when you intend to purchase the playpen for your dog. Do ensure that the height is high enough so that your dog cannot effectively jump or climb over it. Do note that if your small dog is prone to having panic attacks, then perhaps a larger playpen might be better.

Functionality Of Playpen

You will then need to decide if you intend to use the playpen strictly for outdoors, for indoors, or you want a playpen that can be used for both purposes. The reason for this is that for outdoor playpen, you would need to move it around frequently, so the overall weight and portability  of the playpen come into play. If you decide to use for indoor, then perhaps aesthetics can be a determining factor. Also, you might want to consider if you want to expand the area next time, as some playpen allow the owner to add on additional panels to expand the total area that it encompasses.

Canopy

If your dog is an escape artist, then perhaps having a canopy over the playpen is a good idea. Also, some dogs can jump really high, so again the canopy helps to restrict that, so that your dog cannot escape out of the playpen!

Playpen Material

The material of the playpen plays a significant role too. It affects the durability and safety of the playpen. The 4 materials that are widely used for manufacturing playpens are Plastic, Metal, Mesh and Wood.

• Plastic Playpen: This playpen is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use as they are less likely to damage furniture and do not have sharp edges that can potentially hurt your dog. They are usually lighter than the rest of the materials, hence making it a breeze for transporting them. This can also be its downside as larger dogs can easily push them around. Also, heavy chewers can damage the Plastic Playpens too.
• Metal Playpen: Playpen that are made of metal are usually more expensive than plastic. The weight of the metal Playpen ensures that it cannot be pushed around easily for most dogs. The huge downside is that some playpen can have sharp edges that can potentially hurt the dog if they are not properly constructed. Imagine your dog living in an enclosure of barbed wires. Some metal playpens are deliberately constructed to allow future expansion if the need arises. The material can easily damage common furniture at home, so you would have to consider carefully about the purpose of the dog playpen that you will be purchasing.
• Mesh Playpen:This is the least durable of all the 4 materials. It is the lightest of all 4 materials, making it the easier to transport around to a picnic or a stay-over at a friend’s place. These are usually not recommended for small dogs or dogs who tend to chew.
• Wooden Playpen: This playpen is strictly used at home. It is usually heavy, making it not suitable for outdoor usage. Also, most of the wooden playpen can be used for aesthetics purposes at home.

Price

This is perhaps one of the top concerns that most dog owners have. The price range for Playpen for dogs can range from below USD 50 to about USD 200. The price is however is not indicative of the quality but an indication of its functionality.

Portability

If you plan on using the playpen in different locations or traveling with it, make sure it is easy to set up and take down, and that it is lightweight and portable. Look for a playpen that can be easily folded and stored, and that comes with a carrying case for transport.

Safety

Safety is a crucial factor to consider when choosing a playpen for your dog. Look for a playpen with secure latches and locking mechanisms to ensure your dog cannot escape. Also, ensure that the playpen is made of sturdy materials and that it can withstand your dog’s playtime.

Design

We should also consider the design of the playpen and how it will fit in with your home decor. There are different designs available, from simple and functional to more decorative options. Choose one that fits your home decor and personal style.

Easing Your Dog Into The Playpen

Ok, so now assuming that you have decided on your Playpen, your immediate plan is to leave the dog alone in the playpen and leave the house. Wrong. This shouldn’t be done. You wouldn’t buy a cot for your baby and leave him alone in the cot right? It works the same way. We would have to slowly ease the dog into using the Playpen without us being around. You can start off by putting up the Playpen, leaving some of his toys inside and playing with him. Gradually, improve on the experimental parameters by leaving him alone for a short duration, and slowly increasing the time that you are away. Essentially, this method should be employed whenever you want to ease the dog into a new environment.

Your objective for getting Playpen for Dogs is really to ensure that the dog has a safe and secure area to play in while the owner isn’t around. So, do remember never to use Playpen for dogs as a tool to reinforce certain behaviors as this might reinforce any negative connotations that the dog has associated with the Playpen, and it will make the dog repugnant towards it, rendering the whole setup useless for you. There are various methods at which you can help your dog ease into the Playpen, one of which is to put her treat inside the Playpen for dogs, and closing the gate so that she cannot have access to it. Gradually, your dog will love the Playpen. Just remember never to use the Playpen as a tool for punishment.

During the initial easing phase, you should expect yourself to face huge resistance from your dog. One of their favorite tactic is to whine to get your attention, and also to get what they want. Just ignore them! They will do whatever they can to get your attention. You must be resolute, ignore their pleads, ignore their howling and whining. Once the dog has pass the whining phase, the rest of the training process will be much easier for you. If you need more information, you can refer to this.

We have come up with a 7 step guide that allows you train your dog to be accustomed to the playpan.

1. Start small: Begin by placing the playpen in a small, familiar area of your home, such as the living room or kitchen. This will help your dog become familiar with the playpen and feel more comfortable in it.
2. Make it comfortable: Add comfortable bedding, toys, and treats to the playpen to make it a more inviting space for your dog.
3. Introduce it gradually: Gradually increase the amount of time your dog spends in the playpen, starting with just a few minutes at a time and gradually increasing it over a few days or weeks.
4. Reward good behavior: Reward your dog with treats and praise when they are in the playpen, especially when they are calm and relaxed. This will help them associate the playpen with positive experiences.
5. Give them freedom: Once your dog is comfortable in the playpen, you can start giving them more freedom by leaving the door open or removing the playpen altogether. This will help them feel more comfortable and secure in the playpen.
6. Use positive reinforcement: Train your dog to associate the playpen with positive experiences and rewards. This can be done by giving your dog a treat or a toy when they enter the playpen or when they are calm and relaxed inside.
7. Don’t force it: Never force your dog into the playpen or physically restrain them. This will only make them more anxious and less likely to want to be in the playpen.