Why Dog Playpens are a must-have for every Dog Owner
It is likely that your puppy or dog will have high energy levels and this can sometimes lead them to getting into trouble. You do not want to be angry with your dog for destroying things and you want them to be safe, so dog playpens is the answer for you.
The playpen will be their space, and more importantly it will keep them safe. It provides a good way to confine your puppy or dog while letting them burn up the energy that they have. They will also not run around the house or yard breaking everything!
The pen is a great place for your dog to exercise and there are many different types of playpens for dogs available. It will pay you to shop around as you will find that the pens are made from different materials and have many different features. Here you will find the best dog playpens.
You will want to choose a dog play pen that makes your dog feel like part of the family, but confines them so that they don’t get into too much mischief. There are indoor playpens and outdoor playpens and even portable dog playpens.
What Are The Different Types Of Dog Playpens?
A dog play pen is essentially a portable fence that can be set up to provide a large enough space for your dog or puppy to play around in. You can use these playpens inside your home or outside in the yard.
You will want to choose a dog playpen that is big enough for the food and water vessels that your dog uses, a nice and comfortable bed for your dog and room for some toys as well. Playpens can be constructed from wire, canvas wood or plastic.
If you want a playpen for your dog to use outdoors then you will find that these are made of stronger materials such as wire or plastic. They are a little smaller than a dog run but somewhat similar. Some pens come with a cover to prevent your dog from getting out.
A dog playpen for indoor use is normally made of plastic and will have soft sides which enable you to fold them up for transportation and storage. You will find that a number of indoor and outdoor playpens for dogs will allow you to join additional panels so that you can make your dogs play area larger.
When Should You Consider A Dog Play Pen?
If you have just taken ownership of a new puppy then getting a puppy playpen is a very good idea. When your puppy is in their playpen you can do other things safe in the knowledge that your puppy is not wrecking your home.
Another advantage of a dog playpen is that you can use it when you have guests in your home or you want to separate your dog from other pets or children. A play pen can offer similar advantages to dog crates but they are bigger and provide more freedom and space for your dog.
If you have tried a crate with your dog and they didn’t like it too much then a dog play pen can be a good alternative.
Another great use of a dog playpen is when your outside yard is not completely closed off or lacks fencing in some areas.
What To Look Out For When Using Dog Playpens Indoors
Most family homes are busy and there is always a lot of things that need doing, so having your dog or puppy following you around everywhere or upstairs wrecking the bathroom is something that you can avoid with an indoor playpen.
You might find that your dog play pen tends to move around a lot if your dog or puppy is particularly active. If this happens then the best way to stop it is to use heavy objects placed around the perimeter of the dog pen.
Most dog play pens do not have a floor so if there are any pee accidents they will soak through into your carpet which you will certainly want to avoid. To prevent this, get some absorbent material and place it inside the dog pen.
What To Consider When Using Outdoor Dog Playpens
An outdoor dog pen is a great idea if you want to stop your dog digging and generally trashing your yard. When you are working outdoors, you can place your dog in the pen and have the peace of mind that they will be safe.
Outdoor dog pens do not normally have bottoms to them so if your dog is particularly active the pen will move and your dog may be able to get out of the pen easily. This can be prevented by using secure fastenings to stop your dog playpen moving no matter how energetic your dog is.
Be careful not to place your dog play pen in direct sunlight as this can really distress your dog or puppy and they can really suffer in the heat. Choose a shaded area to situate your dog pen and monitor this as the sun moves around throughout the day.
Remember to provide some fresh water and some food for your dog if you intend for them to be in the pen for a while. Avoid using canned food here as it will quickly dry out and your dog will not want to eat this.
How Do Dog Playpens Compare To Crates?
Dog play pens are not suitable for crate training as they tend to be larger than dog crates. If your puppy is really young and you want to use puppy pads then you could use a puppy pen to confine your puppy and keep the puppy pads there too.
You need to consider the size of your dog as a lot of the dog pens available are not very high and a larger dog could climb out which is not likely to happen with a dog crate. You can stop this by buying a cover for the dog pen.
Dog crates are usually made of sturdy materials where a dog pen can be a lot softer. This can cause a problem if your dog likes to chew as you will see your dog playpen disintegrate before your eyes.
The Benefits Of Dog Playpens
Dog playpens offer numerous benefits for both dogs and their owners. Here are some of the key advantages:
- Safety: Playpens provide a secure environment where dogs can play and exercise without the risk of wandering off or getting into dangerous situations. This is especially beneficial for puppies or small dogs who may be more vulnerable to hazards around the house.
- Containment: Playpens help contain energetic dogs, preventing them from roaming freely around the house and potentially causing damage or getting into mischief. This containment also aids in house training and teaches boundaries.
- Space for Play and Exercise: Playpens offer a designated area where dogs can engage in physical activity, play with toys, and burn off excess energy. This is particularly beneficial for dogs living in apartments or homes with limited outdoor space.
- Stress Reduction: Having a designated space can help dogs feel more secure and relaxed, especially in unfamiliar environments or during times of stress such as when guests visit or during thunderstorms.
- Training Aid: Playpens can be used as a tool for training and behavior modification. They allow owners to supervise their dogs closely and provide immediate reinforcement or correction as needed.
- Convenience for Owners: Playpens provide owners with peace of mind knowing that their dogs are safe and secure while they attend to other tasks or when they are unable to supervise their pets closely. This can be particularly useful for busy households or during times when owners need to focus on work or chores.
- Socialization: Playpens can be used to introduce dogs to new people, pets, or environments in a controlled manner, helping to build confidence and social skills.
- Prevention of Household Damage: By confining dogs to a playpen when they are unsupervised, owners can prevent chewing, digging, and other destructive behaviors that may damage furniture, walls, or belongings.
- Traveling: Playpens are portable and can be easily transported, making them ideal for use when traveling with dogs. They provide a familiar and secure space for dogs to relax in, whether staying in a hotel room, visiting friends and family, or camping.
- Versatility: Playpens come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and designs to suit different breeds and lifestyles. Some are adjustable and can be configured to fit different spaces or accommodate multiple dogs.
Overall, dog playpens offer a range of benefits that contribute to the health, safety, and well-being of dogs, while also providing convenience and peace of mind for their owners.
