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All dogs need daily exercise and a place to play, but it's not always convenient to let them freely roam the house or yard. That's where dog playpens can come in handy! However, when it comes to the best dog playpen for you and your furry friend, one size does not fit all!
Our top 10 list of the best dog playpens will give you a preview of what type of options are available, including our number one pick MyPet North States Petyard Passage. If our list doesn't give you enough ideas to get started on your search, our buying guide offers tips on what to look for in your next dog playpen.
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Dog playpens come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and materials. When looking for one that will suit you and your pet, it's a good idea to consider how active your dog is. Take a look at your pet's breed characteristics, how well the dog behaves when left alone, how much room your dog needs, and where you'll be using the pen.
Some dogs are naturally more active than others or need more room to exercise and stretch out. Younger dogs or breeds that can become bored easily may need a pen made of sturdy materials and fewer opportunities to escape. Your dog's age, weight, and size can also impact what type of pen will work best.
Some high-energy breeds like border collies and terriers may need larger spaces to run and play than less active breeds like bulldogs. Besides your pet's energy levels, you'll want to evaluate whether your dog likes to jump or has a strong prey drive.
If your dog gets excited and distracted easily by squirrels and bunnies, you may want to consider a secure cover for the top of the pen. You may also want to cover the sides while you're away from home or if you need to leave your dog in an outside area.
Finally, look at your dog's height and weight to determine the proper pen size. Heights typically come in 24, 32, 34, 40, and 45 inches. Smaller dogs that don't have a tendency to jump will do well with smaller heights, while larger dogs that like to scale fences will need taller pens.
Puppies and younger dogs are more likely to have extra energy and need more space to play. They may also be less tolerant of being restricted in a playpen for longer hours.
Adult dogs can have medium to high energy levels, but are more tolerant of being restricted to pens for extended periods of time. Senior dogs are likely to be the least active and larger spaces may not be appropriate due to medical conditions like arthritis or fading eyesight. Fewer panels can serve older dogs better.
Well-behaved dogs that do not get bored easily or have a tendency to become destructive may be able to be trusted easier. Placing them in outdoor pens could be more practical than the indoor pens that are necessary for less well-behaved canines.
When looking for a pen, you may want to add some extra features. For example, some pens come with doors, while others do not. These doors can be latched from the outside, but more "intelligent" or "curious" dogs may figure out how to open them from the inside.
More elaborate or premium pens can come with mats for additional training or comfort needs. Other indoor and travel pens may have skylights and windows to let your dogs "see" outside.
Your dog's exercise needs and characteristics can impact what type of materials will work best. Sturdier pens made of metal and iron can be good for larger and high-energy breeds. Durability and sturdiness can also be more important when using pens outdoors.
The great thing about plastic is that it's waterproof and lightweight, making it easier to carry and use outdoors. Plastic is a rust-resistant material that is versatile enough to also work within indoor environments. However, it's not as durable or strong enough for large, active, or destructive-prone breeds.
Metal is both durable and waterproof, making these pens a good choice for both indoor and outdoor use. It's is also heavier and sturdier. These pens work better for large and active dogs. However, metal is not recommended for puppies or pets with special needs, as they can get hurt more easily or get stuck in-between the bar openings.
Travel and portable pens are often made with fabric or mesh since they are lightweight and can be collapsed for easy storage. These types of pens are less durable and not recommended for active dogs that can turn destructive when left alone. Breeds that become bored easily and that are prone to chewing and digging should not use these pens.
When searching for the perfect dog playpen, consider whether you may need to add on to it or customize it in the future as your dog ages. Look at how easy the playpen is to set up and take down. Also, check to see if the pen is sturdy and can be anchored indoors or outdoors.
If you travel with your dog, determine whether you want your main playpen to be portable or you need a second one that's designed for portability on the road or fits in a dog sitter's house. Look at the different shapes you can make with the pen's panels and whether you'll be using the pen in your home or an outdoor area.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Price | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Mypet North States Petyard Passage|8 panel | $91.99 Mid | Durable, Customizable, and Convenient | ||
2 | New World Pet Products Foldable Exercise Pet Playpen|Medium | $60.00 Mid | Best Playpen for Medium-Sized Dogs | ||
3 | Ruff 'n Ruffus Portable Foldable Pet Playpen|Medium | $38.97 Low Mid | Playpen That's Great for Travel | ||
4 | BestPet Dog Pen|16 panels | $264.99 High Mid | Heavy-Duty Pen for Larger Dogs | ||
5 | IRIS USA, Inc. Pet Playpen with Door|4 panels | $39.99 Low Mid | Playpen That's Good for Smaller Breeds | ||
6 | IRIS USA, Inc. Wire Open Pet Pen|Medium | $130.81 High Mid | Great for Indoor Use | ||
7 | Tespo Pet Playpen | $59.99 Mid | Great for Indoor Use and Small Dogs | ||
8 | YAHEETECH Heavy Duty Pet Playpen | $569.88 High | Good for Small or Medium Dogs | ||
9 | X-ZONE PET Portable Foldable Pet Dog Playpen|Small | $27.99 Low | A Travel Play Pen With Extras | ||
10 | Pet Trex Playpen for Dogs | $44.99 Low Mid | Good for Both Puppies and Older Dogs |
This playpen can be set up in your house or outdoors. It comes in three different sizes and can easily be made smaller by removing a few panels. The playpen also folds up so you can take it traveling.
A few reviewers found that the pen is not as easy to fold up for storage or travel as they would have liked. Other reviewers think the playpen works better for smaller dogs.
Still, other reviewers found the pen works well in different environments, including on townhome patios, inside, and in yards. They liked that there is enough space to allow their dogs to exercise and add in feeding bowls and toys.
This dog playpen can be set up indoors or outdoors, and it can be customized with a wide range of accessories. It can be connected to a crate and used with a sunscreen cover. This playpen is also available in different sizes for small, large, and extra-large dogs.
Some reviewers warned that the pen isn't suitable for small dogs, as they were able to get out. Very active dogs moved the whole pen, in a few cases. Other reviewers liked how easy it is to set up the pen and that it can be taken down for portability.
This is a playpen designed for traveling with your pooch. It can be used both inside and outside for camping trips. A carrying case and travel food bowl are included. The available sizes are medium, large, and extra-large.
Some reviewers were put off by the strong smell of vinyl when using the pen for the first time. Other reviewers found that the pen is easy to open up and carry around. They liked that there is enough room to house dog beds for additional comfort.
This is a larger-sized pen with plenty of room for dogs that like to run or have high exercise needs. It's made of durable material that can stand up to more active or curious-minded dogs.
Some reviewers were concerned because their puppies' paws got stuck between panels, so supervision is advised. On the other hand, many reviewers complimented how flexible and versatile this playpen is. They said it's easy to assemble and customize as needed.
This playpen creates a compact exercise space for smaller dogs. It can be customized with two add-on panels and can also be used to potty-train puppies or rescues.
Several reviewers said their puppies were able to climb out of the pen. Some also noted that there was a compatibility issue between older and newer versions of the add-on panels.
Other reviewers said the pen worked greatly for their small dogs and puppies. They also found the product easy to assemble with the snap-in panel feature.
This dog exercise pen is made to fit in with your home while keeping small to medium-sized dogs out of trouble. It comes with a removable plastic bottom tray that can be easily cleaned.
Some reviewers said their pen was missing parts and that they couldn't put it together. However, the majority appreciated that it doesn't take up too much space and is easy to place inside the house. Many also loved the pen's appearance.
This pen makes a roomy indoor play area for smaller pets. The see-through panels allow owners to keep an eye on their dogs while working from home or entertaining visitors.
Some reviewers found that the pen is not that sturdy. Playful dogs could move the pen around or even break it in some cases. Other reviewers thought this is a good pen to use for training puppies and that it's easy to put together.
This playpen is versatile enough to serve as a fenced-in outdoor exercise area or for indoor play. You can arrange it in different shapes, including an octagon or a rectangle. It's good for small but active puppers.
A handful of reviewers complained about the gate, saying it's tricky to open and close. Meanwhile, many were pleased that they could use this pen to create a large outdoor play area for their dogs.
This portable pen is available in small, medium, large, and extra-large. It has lockable zippers to help prevent pets from escaping. The pen has a top cover that can be removed to let in additional sunlight.
A few reviewers found that more clever and curious dogs were able to unzip or break the zippers. The pen is also not as durable for puppies or younger dogs. However, many reviewers found that the pen is easy to fold, store, and clean. They found that older and small dogs did well when placed inside.
This playpen can be set up without tools indoors or outdoors. It has a foldable design, making it easy to take down and store or transport. The shape can be customized and the panels come with anchors and stabilizers for additional support.
Some reviewers were not pleased that the pen is lightweight and can not be secured easily indoors. Others had problems with pets being able to move the pen from the inside. However, reviewers had better luck when they attached the pen to an existing crate. Many appreciated having a way to anchor the playpen outdoors.
Playpens are great for playing and containing your pup in general, but did you know that they can also provide a controlled environment that's great for training? Watch the video above to learn some tips and tricks!
If you're looking for better dog food or creature comforts for your pet at home, we've got some great suggestions! Take a look at the different ways you can care for your best friend.
No. 1: Mypet|North States Petyard Passage|8 panel
No. 2: New World Pet Products|Foldable Exercise Pet Playpen|Medium
No. 3: Ruff 'n Ruffus|Portable Foldable Pet Playpen|Medium
No. 4: BestPet|Dog Pen|16 panels
No. 5: IRIS USA, Inc.|Pet Playpen with Door|4 panels
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