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A dog pen is used to keep a canine safely contained in a designated area, and a dog of any age may benefit from having a dog pen. For example, for foster dogs, the pen will help them adjust to their new environment; for older dogs, the pen may serve as a retreat; and for younger dogs, the pen can help with potty training. Options for dog pens range from simple metal enclosures to adjustable pet gates that can double as room dividers.
I’ve fostered nearly 80 dogs of all ages, and several of these dog pens are in my puppy room. We’ve also tested over 20 different dog pens—from sturdy metal to plastic to pop-up canvas—first in our New York City lab, then with two rounds of testing in real homes with real dogs and puppies. We also asked puppy fosters, rescue volunteers, and dog trainers about their top choices.
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Metal dog pens can be versatile, sturdy, and affordable. We like the MidWest Homes for Pets Foldable Metal Dog Exercise Pen because it’s all those things. It comes in six heights—ranging from 18 inches to 48 inches—so you can choose based on the size of your dog and any tendency they might have to make a break for it.
The black version comes with or without a door, while the blue, pink, and gold options all have doors. The door has double latches for safety, and the pen itself comes with clips to secure the top and ground stakes if you want to use it outside. The walkthrough door has a substantial threshold to clear, which may be difficult for senior pets or very small dogs.
The pen is very easy to set up and only takes a couple of minutes. It’s portable but heavy, especially with the taller models. Our tester thought it would be a great thing to take camping with dogs.
A very active or very big dog could move this around or jump on the sides and make it collapse. If you notice the pen moves, we suggest putting something heavy—like bricks or weights—on the outside of the pen to keep it in place.
We also like that this is a small, family-owned business in the United States. The pens are easy to find at major retailers.
Comes in six heights and four finishes
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I have recently been fostering a lot of small puppies, and this is my very favorite pen for them. It is like a huge crate with an open top, but it also has a sliding door. The walls come off easily from the bottom for easy setup and cleanup. It comes in two sizes.
My personal dog slept in the smaller-sized pen when he was recovering from knee surgery. For puppies, I usually give them the large pen, and they are able to separate one area for napping and playing, and the other area for bathroom business.
This pen isn’t a great option for dogs that climb or jump, but it does come in two heights, so you can choose accordingly. I like the clean look of the light wood and the white bars. Because I almost always have pens set up in my office or living room, it’s an attractive option.
Great for senior dogs, too
How We Picked
Testing: We tested a variety of dog pens in our New York lab, evaluating a wide range of pens for qualities such as versatility, stability, and ease of setup. Our top 23 performing models were also tested in at-home environments. We considered attributes such as safety features, durability, materials, and portability.
Why I’m The Expert
I’m Mary Jo, a writer for Spruce Pets and a long-time user of way too many dog products. I easily have at least 10 pens in my basement right now, including several of our recommended picks. My current favorite is the Iris Open Top Dog Pen. I use it in particular for smaller puppies who use one side to nap and play, and the other side for potty business. A good pen is a valuable tool to make pup parents and pups happy!
Over the past few years, I’ve fostered nearly 80 puppies. I’ve purchased way too many dog pens, looking for ones that keep puppies confined safely and don’t give in to sharp puppy teeth or athletic climbing attempts. A good pen is one of the best ways to keep a puppy from having accidents in the house, chewing on phone chargers, and generally causing havoc.
There are a couple of pens that I use for rowdy puppies, and others that are perfect for calmer pets. I have two that are more easily portable and one favorite that is always on standby for the next foster. I also have one that I loan out to new fosters or new puppy parents.
The Spruce Pets
What to Look For
Safety
The most important factor when choosing any dog gear is safety. You don’t want to put a tiny puppy in a pen with wire bars that are too far apart, where they could get their head stuck. Or you don’t want to put an aggressive chewer in a canvas pen with netting where they could gnaw their way out or swallow a zipper.
Watch your pet and see how they behave inside the pen at first. Make sure they’re not able to scramble over the top or tip it over. It should be a solid, safe, comfortable place for them to hang out.
“Use pens with supervision instead of long durations,” says Melissa “MJ” Viera, founder, licensed groomer, and trainer at MJ’s Pet Training Academy. “If you have to leave your dog contained for a longer duration without supervision, consider options made for this purpose, such as an appropriately sized crate or a dog-proof room. When your dog is in a pen, consider taking off collars and equipment so that the dog does not get stuck on anything.”
Size
Depending on how you plan on using the pen, you’ll want to make sure your pet has room to move around. If it’s for a puppy, make sure there’s room for a separate sleeping area, a place to play, and a potty spot. Height is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing a pen, says Viera. “A dog that jumps high and taller dogs will need a pen tall enough to keep them contained. Any dog can learn to escape a pen, so it’s important to teach dogs how to settle in their pen and be respectful of the boundaries instead of jumping up at its sides,” Viera says. “Jumping is not the only way dogs escape their pen. Some dogs will also climb over. Spend a little time working with your dog and buy a sturdy and tall pen to prevent these issues.”
Portability
You’ll want something that’s easy to fold and relatively lightweight if you’re going to move your pen from room to room, take it with you on trips, or move it from indoors to outdoors. Bonus if there’s an easy-to-use carrying case. Some dog pens are harder to collapse than others and awkward to set up.
More We Recommend
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Best for Outdoors: The PawHut Dog Playpen is a heavy-duty pen that can work indoors or out. It’s made of 10 metal panels that snap together, no tools required. You can make the pen into one big circle or rectangle.
But the best part is making a figure-eight shape. Then the included cover can be attached to one part of the pen, giving your pup some shade.
Our tester said their dog may have been able to jump out of the crate if it had been one big space, but having two areas made it impossible for the pup to get a running start. We particularly like the security latch. You have to squeeze it before you flip it, which means dogs can’t easily nose it open, yet it’s still easy to open with one (human) hand.
The pen can be moved by two people, but it’s not collapsible. You’ll have to take it apart to store it. You may need to move the pen around outdoors, depending on the sun’s position and time of day, or the shadow from the cover won’t protect the inside of the pen.
Removable cover for shade
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Best for Large Dogs: This heavy-duty Yaheetech Dog Playpen is a favorite of our testers. It comes in eight sizes, ranging from two to as many as 32 panels, and it comes in four heights—from 24 inches to nearly 4 feet tall. This pen seems nearly indestructible. It’s made of heavy metal, and the panels are easily connected by metal bars that slip between them.
This pen can work as an indoor pen, an outdoor pen, or can go on the road to set up a temporary play yard while you’re camping or on vacation. The panels need to be taken apart when storing them, and they can be unwieldy and heavy. But that’s also what makes it sturdy once it’s configured.
Although the tallest, largest sizes are ideal for big dogs, the pen can be erected into different shapes, and you can add (or subtract) panels depending on space. This is also a great pen for puppies that may be teething because there’s nothing they can ruin.
Comes in eight sizes and four heights
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Best Portable: The foldable, pop-up Zampa Soft-Sided Playpen is a great choice for small puppies and dogs who aren’t incredibly rambunctious. The pen pops open easily and has an attached floor, so you don’t have to struggle with zipping it on and off each time you open it or put it away. It’s very lightweight, and the canvas is relatively durable.
The fabric is water-resistant, which is helpful because accidents can happen, whether it’s a spilled water bowl or a potty mishap. The pen is also reinforced on the corners to help deter chewing, but a committed chewer could do some damage. It has two entry points and outside pockets for storage.
This pen works best for dogs that don’t mind being confined. A very rowdy, curious dog could climb out, scooch the pen across the floor, or tip it over. Our tester thought it could be versatile for use in the park, at the beach, or for nap time. It comes in three sizes—small, medium, large—and three color combinations.
The pen is easy to transport and comes with a carrying case. The only problem is figuring out how to fold it closed again. There are videos online that can help ease any folding frustration.
Easy to transport
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Best Acrylic: Although we didn’t test this acrylic indoor dog pen from FXW, it’s a top-rated pick on Amazon, so it’s worth including in our list. Reviewers who give it a five-star rating love how the sturdy transparent panels provide a crystal-clear view, so they can keep a better eye on their pets. Being able to see outside the pen also helps to calm anxious dogs.
Unlike typical metal or hard plastic pens, this pen is designed with no gaps to trap little paws. The sleek panels, available in white or black, blend into any space, are quick to set up, and easy to clean. Depending on your pet’s size and needs, you can choose from six and 16 panels, which come in three heights: 24, 30, and 35 inches. The 10-panel set allows you to create separate zones for rest and play.
Although the pen includes suction cups to anchor the bottom of the panels to the floor, they would be ineffective on a carpeted surface. Unless you have aggressively rambunctious pets, the structure is still quite sturdy on its own. Just keep in mind that this pet is really designed to accommodate breeds no larger than the size of a border collie.
Available in three panel heights
Other Products We Tested
FXW Rollick Dog Playpen for Yard: Although we like this type of heavy, sturdy pen, this particular one wasn’t a favorite with our testers. The metal seemed a little flimsy and the latches were not very secure. It seemed too fragile for the price.
Richell Convertible Indoor/Outdoor Pet Playpen: We like that this plastic pen also converts to a gate or a room divider, but the panels are so clunky that it’s difficult to move and store. It only comes in one height and one color, so it’s not necessarily versatile for all pets or spaces.
AmazonBasics Foldable Metal Exercise Pet Play Pen: This is a good basic metal pen with attached latches rather than external clips. The gate has three latches (which might be one too many), and the door doesn’t have much clearance when it opens, so it’s not ideal to use outdoors in the grass.
Iris 4, 6, or 8 Panel Plastic Playpen: This molded plastic pen comes in two heights (24 and 36 inches). The panels are bulky, and the pen doesn’t collapse, so it’s not easy to store or move. There’s no step-through door, so you either have to step over the entire pen or take off a panel in order to get in and clean it.
FAQ
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What size pen should I get for my dog?
Most pen manufacturers will offer size recommendations based on your pet’s breed, weight, or height. Keep in mind that rambunctious puppies or rowdy breeds will be more likely to jump against the sides or try to climb out of a pen than calmer, older pets.
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How can I keep my dog from climbing out of the pen?
Make sure your pen is tall enough for your dog, especially if you have a climber. Some playpens have detachable tops made from netting or other materials to keep your pup from making a break for it. You can also make your own top by attaching a bed sheet or some garden mesh to the top.
If your pen has a door, always open it and take your pup out that way. Once dogs figure out they can go over the top, they can realize climbing is one option to get out.
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How can I keep the dog pen clean?
Check out the cleaning instructions that come with the pen. Many coated metal pets can simply be hosed down with water and dried with a towel or allowed to air dry. Because canvas pens might stain, it would be smart to put down a washable pee pad on the floor to help with accidents.
Why Trust The Spruce Pets?
The proud mom of a rescue dog, Mary Jo DiLonardo has fostered over 75 dogs and puppies. She has tried many different pens to keep them safe and out of mischief. For more than 25 years, DiLonardo has covered a wide range of topics focused on nature, pets, science, and anything that helps make the world a better place.
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