Choosing the Right Playpen for Your Dog

Although a dog playpen, also called an exercise pen or Xpen for dogs, may not be the first thing on your must-have list, this piece of equipment is surprisingly useful. Like a dog crate, they serve as a way to contain your dog. But unlike a crate, they give them plenty of space to move around and play.

Most dog exercise pens are made of connecting panels that can be be set up for use and then folded for storage. They’re offered in various sizes, to match the size of your dog. They also come in various materials, and can be used indoors or out. With so many options, how do you find the right dog playpen for your needs?

Types of Dog Playpens

Outdoor Dog Playpens

There are a few things to look for when considering getting a dog playpen for outside. Depending on the surface you’re placing the playpen on, you may want to be able to secure it in place. Dog playpens with ground stakes can help secure them on surfaces like grass, dirt, or turf.

Depending on how often you use it, or if you plan on leaving the playpen outside overnight, you may also want to look for a waterproof playpen or a water-resistant playpen. These also often come in tent playpen form. It’s another area where you may want to consider a durable, heavy-duty playpen, so that your dog’s fun and safety are no match for the elements.

Indoor Dog Playpens

In you want your dog to be secured to one area indoors, indoor playpens are a great option. These can include different elements like playpens with dividers, tent playpens, and gated playpens, depending on your needs.

Depending on the flooring surface that you’re placing it on indoors, you may want a non-skid playpen, so that you know it’ll stay in place. While material matters in every dog playpen, you can also often find dog playpens that match your decor needs inside, like wood playpens or plastic playpens in your color of choice.

Tent Dog Playpens

If your dog is a bit of an escape artist, you might want to consider a tent playpen. These have covers on top, and can even be one complete piece, like a true tent. Some of these tent playpens have removable covers. Tent exercise pens are also good for creating shade, which is convenient when you’re out in the sun with your dog playpen.

Collapsible Dog Playpens

If you are looking to use your exercise pen every now and then, storing it most of the time, you might opt for a collapsible dog playpen. These playpens are often foldable, and don’t take up much space when folded up. They can also be soft-sided playpens. They may not be as stable on some surfaces than other exercise pens, depending on the model.

Walk-Through Dog Playpens

If you’re setting up a large-area playpen, you might consider getting one that you can also easily get into. Walk-through dog playpens can also act as small fences for larger areas, allowing your dog to run and play in an even bigger area. Consider a walk-through exercise pen if you’re camping or want to sit in the playpen with your dog.

Gated Dog Playpens

Some dog playpens have gates for humans, while others have designated pet gates. Gated dog playpens are good options for when you know you or your dog will be going in and out of the playpen frequently. It also allows you easier access to put your dog into the playpen or get them out. Gated playpens often come in single door or double-door pet playpen options.

Dog Playpens With Dividers

If you have multiple dogs, or a puppy getting used to big spaces little by little, dog playpens with dividers are a good option. Similar to dog crates with dividers, you can make the playpen bigger as your dog grows to allow them more space. Some dog playpens come with dividers, otherwise, you can buy playpen dividers separately.

Dog Playpens With Storage

If you’re traveling a lot or just want a place to keep your dog’s things handy, a dog playpen with storage may be a good choice. These playpens often have side pockets to help you store any dog supplies you need a place for. Dog playpens with storage often have zip or Velcro closures, and are often soft-sided.

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Dog Playpen Materials

Metal Dog Playpens

Metal playpens are the most common material used for dog playpens. You can still see your dog in the playpen, even from a distance. They’re easy to setup, often foldable, and easy to collapse and store.

Plastic Dog Playpens

Playpens for dogs made of plastic are good for adult and senior dogs. Plastic playpens for dogs aren’t the best choice for puppies, who could gnaw on the plastic while teething. Plastic playpens are often expandable, and can be a more budget-friendly option when looking for a dog playpen.

Mesh Dog Playpens

Soft-sided dog playpens and mesh dog playpens are good options for storage as well as on-the-go play needs. Playpens made from mesh are easy to move around. Mesh dog playpens are often a bit more concealed, making your dog feel like they’re in a cave or crate. Mesh playpens are great for small or toy breeds.

When to Use Dog Playpens

Dog Playpens for Travel

Exercise pens are great for traveling with your dog. Whether you’re camping, visiting a beach, or staying in a hotel, it’s a good way to manage where your dog can go while still giving them space. Depending on your travels take you, different kinds of playpens might be good options. Outdoor playpens are great for camping, whereas tent playpens could be good for the beach. Since most pens fold flat, they’re easy to pack and store.

Dog Playpens for the Yard

If you’re looking for a dog playpen specifically for your yard, consider an outdoor playpen. It’s a great way to keep your dog contained to one area, while still allowing them to be outside. You can get large playpens so that they can run and play, or smaller ones to keep them in one designated area. For more long-term playpens in your yard, consider ground stake playpens or durable outdoor playpens.

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When you’re putting a playpen outdoors, make sure you’re practicing safety with your dog. Set the pen up where your dog can get some shade and relief from direct sun, and make sure they have plenty of fresh water. If you’re putting out dog food in the playpen, opt for dry food over wet food, since it will stay fresh longer. Be sure to bring the food bowl inside with you when you pack up for the day, or you may find some unexpected critter guests.

Dog Playpens for the Home

There may be times when you need to separate your dog from guests, children, or other pets. Rather than isolating them in another room or crating him, set up a dog exercise pen. They’ll have room to move around comfortably, play with their toys, and even eat and drink.

Dog Playpens for Puppies

We all know puppies must be closely monitored in the house to keep them out of trouble. Dog playpens give your pup room to explore and play safely when you’re busy around the house. Pens are big enough to put food and water bowls in, as well as your puppy’s favorite toys. Just stray away from plastic playpens until they’re done teething, otherwise they may make a chew toy out of the playpen!

Dog Playpen Safety

It’s important that someone, preferably you, is nearby when your dog is in a dog playpen. Supervision is important, especially for puppies or multiple dogs in a playpen. Make sure your playpen is properly set up, locked into place, and that if you’re using a tent playpen, there’s no chance of it caving in or falling over onto your dog.

Cleaning Your Dog Playpen

Playpens can be cleaned in different ways. Sometimes, ones that are put indoors that sir directly on the ground are lined with newspaper or blankets, which can be swapped when dirty. Some playpens have mats on the bottom, or even ground components are part of the playpen. You can also buy separate playpen mats.

You want to choose the best of the best in everything in your dog’s life. If you have any questions about the right playpen for your dog based on size and usage, your veterinarian or other long-time dog owners may be able to help you narrow it down.