Do you have a new puppy?
If so, congratulations!
But now it’s time to make sure they’re not running around the house all day unattended.
Puppies need exercise and attention, but there are some things you can do in advance to help them get used to their new environment.
One of these is choosing the best puppy playpen for your new dog.
There are many options out there, so we’ve created a guide on how to choose the right one for your needs.
Let’s get started.
The Different Types Of Puppy Playpens
As you look through the different options available, you’ll find there are essentially two main types of playpens…
The first are those that take up a lot of space – and they’re usually simple in design.
Hence why we call them traditional playpens.
Then there are collapsible puppy playpens, which are much easier to set up and take down.
This is mainly because they can fold up and even be suitable for travel, but they still give your dog plenty of space to roam around in.
So which one suits your home better?
Well, that depends on how much extra space you have available – some homes simply can’t accommodate a playpen that takes up a lot of square footage.
So, if you consider yourself a dog parent who’s always on the go or has limited space available, then collapsible playpens are definitely the best choice for you.
Are Puppy Playpens A Good Idea?
Although some may argue they’re not a good idea and dogs need to run free, we actually think that they can be quite beneficial for your new puppy.
For starters, playpens allow you to establish boundaries in the house.
This helps your dog get used to their new home environment much quicker.
And it also gives you the ability to keep an eye on what they’re doing so that don’t get themselves into any mischief.t
Plus, it makes potty training your new dog much easier.
If they’re in a confined space, then you’re able to spot them going to the bathroom and get them outside (or to their potty training pad) quickly.
That way, they don’t wind up having an unintentional accident indoors – which can be frustrating for both of you.
And lastly, it just gives your new dog something that’s all their own. A special place where they can relax, sleep, or simply have a little bit of quiet time.
Is It Bad To Keep A Puppy In A Playpen?
It’s important to know that there are no hard and fast rules about how long you should keep your dog in a playpen.
In fact, it really depends on their age and development stage.
For example, if you have a 3-month old puppy, then it’s probably safe to assume they still shouldn’t be left alone for too long.
But if you have a 6-month old puppy, then that’s a different story.
Because in the former scenario, your dog is still growing and developing, so it makes sense to keep them under watch for as long as possible.
However, in the latter case, your dog is much more self-sufficient and can take care of itself for longer periods of time.
Of course, it’s ultimately up to you as an owner to determine how long a puppy playpen should be used – as only you know what’s best for your pup with time and experience.
Do You Even Need One?
To answer this, let’s take a look at an example dog owner before and after buying their first puppy playpens.
First, when they had no playpen…
They were rushing around taking care of the house AND making sure their new puppy didn’t get into any mischief.
They were getting more and more frustrated with their new furry companion as the day went on because they weren’t able to accomplish all of their tasks.
And lastly, they ended up being dog-tired by four in the afternoon and missed out on spending time with their pet due to having to rush around all day.
But once they decided to buy a puppy playpen…
They spent less time doing things like cleaning up messes and more time playing with their new dog.
They were able to catch up on other chores that had been putting them behind schedule.
And lastly, they ended the day with a sense of accomplishment when they finally had time to relax.
So, is it worth it to buy a playpen for your home?
Depending on your situation, it very well could be.
What’s The Best Playpen For A Puppy?
There isn’t just one best puppy playpen out there.
Instead, the best playpen for you depends on a lot of factors… namely your specific home and dog care needs.
For example, if you live in a small apartment and have a very hyper puppy (who can jump over small fences) then that’ll be different from having a large home and a dog who can’t jump over high fences, even if they wanted to.
How Big Should A Playpen Be For A Puppy?
The size of the playpen you’ll need depends on a lot of factors.
For example, what type of puppy are you looking after?
And how big do they get when fully grown (or close to it)?
What’s your living situation like?
Do you have a small apartment?
Are there any safety hazards you need to be mindful of? (Ex: electrical cords)
And how much time do you plan on leaving your new puppy alone in the pen for? (Longer periods = bigger playpen needed).
These are just some examples.
But ultimately, it’s up to you as a dog owner to determine what’s best for your new pup, and how you can incorporate a playpen into your living space.
Here’s What To Put In Puppy Playpen
When first setting up your new playpen, you’ll want to put a few key items inside that’ll help your pup get settled and have a happy experience.
Here are a few things to include:
- Their favorite toys. (This is especially helpful if you’re going to be crate training as part of their daily routine.)
- A comfy bed or dog blanket. (Also helpful for crate training.)
- A water and food bowl.
- A potty patch if they need to go potty. (And all puppies do)
And lastly, the overall theme of this list is to make your puppy feel at home, so you can start off on the right paw. Keep this in mind when you’re stocking your pup’s new playpen.
