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Best Dog & Puppy Playpens
There are playpens available for pups of different sizes and energy levels. Bear in mind that if you intend to use your puppy's playpen for the remainder of their life, you will need to account for growth and other body changes.
Additionally, if you intend to keep numerous pups in the same pen, you must account for the additional room, wear and tear. A sturdy pen designed for a single puppy may not be adequate for a litter of rambunctious puppies.
We researched and chose our finest puppy playpens for various household budgets and needs, as there are many options to explore. The article wil make your purchase experience as simple as possible.
1. EliteField -Door Soft Pet Playpen
EliteField 2-Door Soft Pet Playpen is a portable puppy playpen and ideal when your dog requires a different experience during playtime. It is compact and lightweight, and it includes a convenient travel pouch. The pen is constructed of nylon and steel tubing and comes in various sizes and colors.
It includes a washable mat, water bottle holder, two accessory pockets and mesh zipped doors, and stakes for further stability when used outdoors. Notably, the material may not withstand abrasive chewers or excessively rowdy dogs.
The playpen also has a carrying bag which provides additional stability, and four metal ground stakes. The enclosure is large and tall, and the top door can be opened, providing more than enough space for your canine dog to move around.
What stood out for us was that cleaning this playpen was a breeze, owing to the zip-off coverings. Unfortunately, the zippers and mesh are not highly durable, meaning the structure may collapse if your furry buddy is constantly on the move.
However, EliteField offers a two-year warranty on its products. By and large, we believe that this is the best dog playpen on the market right now.
2. Etna Portable Foldable Pet Playpen
The Etna Portable Foldable Pet Playpen is among the best dog playpen. Its octagon-shaped design provides ample space for your dog to stretch out and play, while the mesh and nylon sides provide great ventilation and transparency.
The playpen opens out and pops up for easy setup, and you can fasten it to the ground with the included ground pegs.
The playpen features a zip-able cover and a water-resistant bottom for lousy weather or hyperactive pets. It is suitable for indoor and outdoor use, and the entrance opens to allow your pet to come and leave freely. The playpen is available in small and large versions but is only appropriate for small and medium breeds.
3. Dog Playpen 8/16/24/32
The dog playpen 8/16/24/32 is a high-end, fully configurable pen with strong panels yet weak connections.
This versatile indoor and outdoor option is ideal if you are going for something more sturdy than a typical wire playpen. It features eight panels constructed of eight heavy-duty and rust-resistant metals for added durability. You can arrange the pen to fit in practically any room.
Fortunately, you do not require any tools for assembly. The firm, step-through opening enables your puppy to enter and exit the pen without dismantling it.
The panels are sufficiently robust and tall to contain even the most giant dogs.
Due to the panels' inability to stand on their own, the pen is ineffective as a barricade. Because the pins linking the panels are not very strong, your puppy's paws may get trapped.
4. Ruff 'n Ruffus Portable Pet Playpen
Ruff 'n Ruffus Playpen is a reasonably priced fabric crate with handy accessories and weighs only 2.4 pounds. Regrettably, it is flimsy and susceptible to collapsing.
It features a 600D nylon shell with eight panels, a zippered door, and a detachable cover. The kit includes a collapsible metal bowl, built-in straps, and a carry case. The playpen is also available in three sizes and folds flat for convenient storage.
Its floor is not very robust and easily tears. Additionally, it is prone to collapse. However, it is ideal for a relaxed pup.
5. Iris Exercise Dog Playpen with Door
Iris Exercise Dog Playpen is the best alternative for an affordable indoor or outdoor dog crate. The Iris playpen includes two in-built twist locks and four interlinked panels with rubber footings that provide traction and preserve the floor. The playpen is made of highly durable, heavy-duty molded plastic that is entirely flexible.
It is also a secure pen for small dogs, standing 24 inches tall, but it would not endure vigorous chewing.
The Iris Playpen with door is the best indoor playpen if you are on a budget.
You can also use the playpen a standalone door barrier or an enclosed pen measuring eight square feet. It also has a door, and everything collapses for convenient storage or portability. Furthermore, the manufacturer sells additional panels in case you need more.
This Iris Exercise Dog playpen is quite simple to assemble due to the easy connecting rods, lockable locks, and anti-slip rubber feet.
6. Unipaws 6 Panel Wire Dog Playpen Freestanding Pet Gate
The Unipaws 6 Panel Playpen is made from wood and features six independently arranged panels. You can utilize the panels to block off entry points or keep the pen closed to provide your pet with a smaller play area. The playpen features a walk-through entrance for convenient access and exit and a metal clasp to secure your pet.
The pen's folding structure allows it to be folded and stowed quickly and simply when not in use. The wood and wire in the structure prevent persistent dogs from escaping and chewing the pen. Each panel features rubber pads that safeguard your flooring and aid in the pen's stability.
Note that you should use only use this playpen exclusively indoors.
7. MidWest Homes Wire Dog Exercise Pen
MidWest Homes Wire Dog Exercise pen features a whole step-through entrance and a secure door locking system. It is a cost-effective solution that provides more security than most wire playpens. The playpen has a handle lock to secure the door and an eyehole that helps keep your pet safe while they play. The electro-coat treatment applied to the eight metal panels provides long-term resistance to rust and corrosion.
The huge metal wire exercise pen weighs 17.8 pounds with eight 24-inch panels, totaling 16 square feet of play space. The wire is finished in a solid black e-coat and features a handy double latch door.
It fits easily into your wire crate, providing additional space and luxury for your dog.
The Midwest playpen is a no-tool construction. On the other hand, the lock door pins are short, while the metal panel joints may be sharp and easily fall out if disturbed. Although this workout pen is not the most durable option due to the inadequate corner stabilizers, the brand offers a one-year warranty on its products.
8. Evenflo Play-Away Portable Playpen
For smaller dogs, the Evenflo Play-Away Portabe Playpen is a wonderful option for your pup to take naps and play. The playpen is simple to open, close, and store. It includes a top locking bar for enhanced security and a water-resistant pad floor that is easy to clean.
The brand may not be the best option for them due to the possibility of older, more boisterous puppies climbing over the edges or gnawing on the net.
However, it is an excellent solution for puppies who require a comfy spot to rest or play in between feedings.
9. Richell Convertible Playpen
Richell Convertible Playpen may appeal to you if you are looking for an expensive and substantial option with a lockable guarded door.
The pen is large and cumbersome, weighing in at 23.5 pounds. It is waterproof and has six panels, with one having a locked gated door. The playpen's design is adjustable, and you can configure it in various ways. You can fasten the panels at three different orientations thanks to precisely manufactured caps.
The entrance does not lock firmly, and the bars are too close together to provide enough visibility for your dog. Although not included, you can purchase a floor panel separately. Richell provides a standard 90-day warranty.
The versatile dog equipment is elegant, practical, and multifunctional as a playpen, room divider, and gate. The panels are simple to lock at a 90 or 180-degree angle. Although a gate allows owners to walk between rooms or clean inside the pen, some owners complain that cunning pets can pull open the gate.
The gate comes with four to six panels, and you can add additional panels if you require a more oversized pen or wish to partition a larger room. The playpen is ideal for dogs weighing around 8.8 and 44 pounds.
10. Yaheetech Heavy Duty Pet Playpen
It’s a rugged metal playpen, also referred to as an "x-pen," which is significantly more durable than the standard metal playpen. Yaheetech Heavy Duty Pet Playpen is made of rust-proof metal tube frames and panels.
The playpen includes a handy step-through gate and eight panels that you can arrange to make a square, octagon, or rectangular enclosure. You can also order it with 16, 24, or 32 panels.
No tools are required to assemble the pen. However, it may not be the most convenient when moving due to its weight. It is available in a range of heights, allowing you to select one that corresponds to your puppy's current or expected size.
If you wish to utilize the pen outside, you can use the rods connecting the panels as anchor pegs.
Buying Guide
The primary purpose of a puppy playpen is to contain your dog. Depending on your puppy's size, this may or may not be challenging. However, as your puppy grows in size and strength, you will require a durable and large playpen to prevent your puppy from climbing out.
Keep the following points in mind when shopping for a puppy playpen:
Safety
When it comes to dog equipment, the most critical factor to consider is safety. You do not want to confine a small puppy in a playpen with widely spaced apart wire bars, as this may result in their head becoming trapped.
You also do not want to confine a chewer in a canvas enclosure since they may eat their way out or swallow a zipper.
First, monitor your pet's behavior in the playpen. The furry buddy cannot climb over the top or knock it over. They should be able to assemble in a stable, secure, and comfortable setting.
Consider solutions designed for this purpose, such as a playpen of the appropriate size, if you need to leave your dog unattended for an extended period. Consider taking off collars and other accessories when your dog is in a kennel to avoid getting trapped."
Size
Depending on how you intend to use it, you will want to ensure that your pet has ample space to move about in the playpen. Ascertain that there is sufficient space for a separate sleeping area, a play area, and a potty area.
When choosing a pen, height is a critical factor to consider. A high-jumping dog, as well as larger canines, will require a playpen with a sufficient height. Any dog can learn to escape from a playpen, so teach dogs to settle in and respect the pen's boundaries instead of springing up at the sides.
Remember, dogs can escape their pens by a variety of different methods. Additionally, some dogs will attempt to leap over the barrier. Spend some time training your dog and investing in a robust, tall pen to avoid these issues.
Portability
If you intend to transport your pen from room to room, on excursions, or from indoors to outdoors, you will want something that folds easily and is relatively lightweight.
Bear in mind that certain playpens require more effort to dismantle and reassemble than others.
Materials
Dog playpens are usually made of plastic, metal, nylon, mesh, and wood. Each of these materials has several advantages and disadvantages. For example, while wood is durable, it is more prone to rot outdoors and is more difficult to clean.
Plastic is durable and weather-resistant, yet it is chewable for dogs.
While nylon and mesh are more breathable and comfortable for your dog, they do not provide the same security or durability as leather. Your dog's strength and endurance determine the appropriate material to choose.
Assembly
The majority of playpens are relatively straightforward to assemble. They often pop open or unfold when in use, but bear in mind that due to their ease of assembly and disassembly, your dog may be able to collapse the sides or move the playpen.
Choose from various security options, including rubber pads on the panels, locking panels, and mounting hardware.
Carriage and storage
In addition to their design, most playpens have convenient storage and transit choices. When not in use, you can easily store a foldable or collapsible pen, and some even include a convenient carrying pouch for outdoor trips.
Consider how easy it will be to disassemble and move your playpen if you intend to use it while traveling or doing outdoor activities.
Customization
Certain playpens feature interlocking panels that can be connected or disconnected to create any shape you like.
By locking a few panels together, you can make a gate for a small doorway or seal off the space between rooms. Such a playpen allows you to set it as you want or the available space.
