If you have ever experienced the frustration of not being able to contain your puppy or dog to one room, provide a way to keep your companion safely away from sensitive areas of your home (for instance from being able to access your trash) or provide your dog with the freedom to move around and exercise some of that pent-up puppy or dog energy, then I would suggest looking into the purchase of a Dog Exercise Pen or Pet Playpen.

Contrary to popular belief, Exercise Pens can be easily assembled. Be assured that the right Pet Playpen can be adapted to the shape and size of any room or yard. If you are considering creating a dog run for the outdoors, some models can also be changed into a dog run for outdoor use. Another concern is the endless varieties of Exercise Pens and which pens are the best suited for your puppy or dog.

What are the Advantages of a Dog Exercise Pen or Pet Playpen?

Dog Exercise Pens or Pet Playpens are an integral part of training your dog and are so versatile that they can be used for different stages of a puppy and dog’s life. Dog Pens can be used for:

  1. Whelping puppies. Great for keeping those energetic bundles from straying everywhere.
  2. Boundaries, to keep your puppy or dog confined to an area you have designated, either indoors or outdoors.
  3. To keep your puppy or dog from access to your couch, chairs, furniture, and out of sensitive areas of your home.
  4. For housebreaking your puppy and in some cases, your dog.
  5. To provide a confined, safe, area to exercise your puppy or dog indoors, or out.
  6. To provide you a break from watching your pet.

What Should You Look for When Purchasing a Dog Exercise Pen or Pet Playpen? Start with Asking Yourself These Basic 6 Questions:

  1. How high are the panels – choose your panels according to an adult dog size (not a puppy size).
  2. Indoor or Outdoor usage or both – will your exercise pen be durable to withstand indoor and/or outdoor use? If you are going to keep your pen outdoors, please consider using pen anchors to stabilize the pen.
  3. Size – what is the total size (width and length) of the pen and do you need additional panels to create a larger sized dog exercise pen?
  4. Do I need a pen that folds for easy transport or storage?
  5. Does the pen assemble and tear down easily?
  6. Do you have small children and need to keep them from getting into the pen?

Are There Any Negatives?:

Yes, but they really are very few. I would suggest, that for the optimum safety of your pet, it is always wise to remove any collars or leashes that can snag or become entangled in any pen. Since dog pens don’t have a lot of parts, generally the height size, and type whether it be metal, wire gauge, or plastic is the issue. Plastic is really never a great choice because puppies and dogs will chew. Decide upfront whether you want an indoor pen, outdoor pen, or both. As I mentioned, if you are looking to use your pet playpen outside, consider choosing a model that assembles easily or breaks down easily and is designed to be used outdoors. Make sure that you are choosing the pen-based on the adult size of your breed of dog, even if it is a puppy. Do your research beforehand, decide what will work best with your training situation, and you should have no problems at all when picking out a pen.

Some Recommendations Based on Reviews, Durability, and Price:

Small:

GoGo Dog Exercise Pen Indoors/Outdoors Configurable   Reviews: 4.8 out of 5 stars

Medium:

North States Dog Exercise Pen INDOORS Only Configurable  Reviews: 4.7 out of 5 stars *Can be used for children as well :-)*

Precision Dog Exercise Pen Indoors/Outdoors Configurable  Reviews: 4.8 out of 5 stars

For Medium or Large: (Extra sturdy, for large dogs who like to test the borders of their pens and chew. Optional top for jumpers – 42″ model)

Everlasting Dog Exercise Pen Indoors/Outdoors Configurable with Extra Panels

Only you can decide which pen is best for you. Remember though, that the positive aspects of Dog Exercise Pens are that you are giving your puppy or dog the freedom to move around in a safe area, free of potentially dangerous items, a way of learning the area you want them to be in, and teaching them boundaries, while creating more interaction with them. You are also creating a more stimulating environment. Stimulation, especially in puppies, results in a dog that problem solves and adapts more readily. You will also have peace of mind knowing you have contributed to creating a more balanced and happier dog.