Buying Guide: Best Dog Indoor Playpens

Playtime should play an important role in your pet’s life- throughout all of its stages. From puppyhood to adulthood, canines require mental stimulation and physical exercise, both of which come through play, either with toys, other dogs, or their owners. Regular playing helps them socialize, learn what they can and can’t do, curbs their instincts and meets their needs in a productive, fun way. In a nutshell, playtime helps your dog’s well being and ensures they are happy and healthy. Of course, while no one should deny the importance of playtime for dogs, you also can’t deny that the hectic schedule most pawrents make it difficult to always find a way to help your pet burn off excess energy in a fun way. You can’t let your rowdy puppy run around the house and hurt themselves in the process, or start chewing your shoes and furniture out of boredom. A lot of pet parents don’t have a securely fenced backyard to let their dog play in it- or even when they do, the weather doesn’t always allow you to let your pooch roam around and sniff about while you finish your chores.

That’s why dog and puppy indoor playpens are a sound purchase for any pet parent, new or seasoned. Having an easily movable and versatile space in your home to confine your pet can be a literal lifesaver, both for you and your dog. Whether they need somewhere safe to play in, or if there are guests coming over, you’ll have a dog-friendly space for your pet to relax and have fun without needing to worry about them being uncomfortable. Dog and puppy indoor playpens offer all that, as they are more spacious from dog crates, adaptable to different spaces, and easy to store away when not needed.

Of course, the type of dog and puppy indoor playpens you should get will largely depend on your pet’s age, size, and energy levels. Before you get your credit card out, you should consider all of the factors that make sure you get the best bang for your buck! For instance, an active, big dog will need something more robust than a fabric-paneled pen that won’t hold them in. Puppies generally don’t need tough and expensive playpens as they outgrow them quickly- thinking in advance will save you a lot of money.

Features To Consider Before Buying an Indoor Pet Playpen

Dog and puppy indoor playpens come in all shapes and sizes, constructed with different materials and in different designs–so there is plenty to choose from. However, how is anyone supposed to know what they really need and what are some bells and whistles that just increase the number on the price tag but don’t really add any actual value to the playpen? Your requirements will vary, depending on your pet’s age, size, activity levels, as well as your living space. You don’t want something that will take up half of your dining room or stick out like a sore thumb against your decor. A perfect dog and puppy indoor playpen will be suitable for your pet’s needs and yours, too, so make sure it ticks all of the boxes before you settle on buying it

Size

The first factor to consider is if the playpen you’re getting is the right size for your pet. To feel comfy while playing and to have enough room to do so, a dog will need an indoor playpen that is not cramped or tiny. As a rule of thumb, indoor dog playpen should be big enough for your pet to run around, lie down if he wants and have some spare room for his food and water bowls, especially if he’s going to be playing in there for a few hours. Needless to say, you can’t expect a Lab to feel comfy in the same pen a Maltese puppy would. Luckily, most manufacturers state the size of the dog their playpen is intended for, so you won’t have to figure it out yourself. Just look at it this way- the more panels an indoor dog playpen has, the better fit it is for a large breed dog!

Materials/Toughness

The dimensions of dog and puppy indoor playpens are not the only feature that will indicate if they’re a good match for a certain breed size or dog age. A playpen can be twice the size your dog needs, but if it’s made from lightweight materials that your pooch can take down with one jump, it will all be for naught. So, when choosing an indoor playpen, be sure to choose the materials by their toughness. Puppies do well in fabric playpens and wire playpens alike, while bigger adult dogs usually go for plastic and metal, as it is more durable and heavier. Of course, if your dog is well-behaved and not overly energetic, it will be all the same to them, as they won’t be mischievous or try to get out in the first place.

Versatility

Sometimes, all you need is an indoor playpen that will act as a barrier for your curious puppy. And that’s OK! But, at other times, you’ll want to get more value for your money and get a dog indoor playpen that will be large and well made so it grows with your pet and can, later on, be used as a dog gate, too, when the need arises. (And unless you plan on crate training your puppy, you’ll certainly need a gate or a playpen throughout your pet’s life.) You might also want an indoor dog playpen that doubles as an outdoor one so you can use it both inside the home and in the backyard. Also, if you travel with your dog, it would be smart to choose one of the dog and puppy indoor playpens that are collapsible and easily portable- so your pet will always have a safe space of his own, even when away from home.

Ease of Storage

In most cases, pet parents use dog and puppy indoor playpens occasionally, and they don’t need them to be mounted full time. That’s why it’s great when a playpen is easy to assembly and disassembly for storage, so you can have your pet’s playing corner up and running in a matter of minutes, rather than losing the whole afternoon trying to put it all up. Also, unless you live in a mansion, you probably appreciate it when your pet’s stuff doesn’t take up all of your precious storage space, so having a collapsible indoor playpen that can be put under the bed can definitely be a plus.

Dog Playpens vs Crates: Which Should You Choose?

At first glance, dog and puppy indoor playpens and dog crates look alike, mostly because they are both made from joined panels, either from wire, plastic, wood, or soft materials. The main difference between the two is that a dog crate is enclosed from all sides, including the top and the bottom, and a playpen confines your pooch within panels on their sides- usually no top or bottom panels. As a result, playpens are usually much larger as their primary need is not to completely confine a pet, but rather section off a part of your home or property where they can safely play and relax.

Dog crates are a better choice for pet parents who have a dog with separation anxiety or prefers having a snug little nook to retreat to, or simply need a crate to help potty train their puppy. Similarly, if you need a secure and comfortable space for your pet to spend time in while you’re away, a dog crate is a more suitable option, as it will keep your pet away from trouble with no chance of escaping–which can’t be said for dog playpens.

Of course, if it fits your budget and living space, you can always combine dog and puppy indoor playpens with a dog crate. Use a dog crate to housebreak your puppy, but let them run around, tumble, and play with their toys in a playpen, where space is more suited for fun and freedom of movement. That way, you’ll have the best of both worlds: a secure place to confine your pet when you’re not there to keep an eye on them and a training aid, as well as a portable, versatile barrier that lets your pet fulfill his need for regular playtime without making a mess of your home.

How long can you leave a puppy in a playpen?

Puppies shouldn’t be left alone for a long period of time, even when in a playpen. A good rule of thumb is to make sure they are not on their own for more than two hours at a time, and that during those short periods they have food and water readily available. If your puppy is over 6 months of age, then they can probably tolerate more alone time, for up to 4-6 hours provided that they are trained and have a pee pad nearby in addition to food and water.