Do you need to keep your dog contained in an area, but also want them to be safe? Recently, we needed to keep Harley in a corner of our yard because of some work being done in our garden.
We kept him on a leash for a while but then he hates being on a leash and starts howling away. As it happened, I went to a friend’s house that day and saw that she had a dog pen in her yard for her husky. Today, I just wanted to share some of the most popular models and brands on the market.
7 Best Dog Pens I Recommend:
Pet Trex
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Without using tools, the Pet Trex can be set up in just a few minutes. This eight thirty inch high panel enclosure is suitable for a dog up to forty pounds. Can be easily unfolded and folded for easier storage and transport. Comes with a one year limited warranty. The panels are adjustable to different shapes. Includes ground anchors and corner stabilizers.
Pros:
- Durable
- Adjustable panels
- Comes with a warranty
Cons:
- Not for bigger breeds
- Panel height
- Not made for outdoors
Regalo 192 Inch – Top Value
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The Regalo pen covers nineteen square feet and is only twenty-eight inches tall. When folded, it looks like an accordion and is only about two inches in depth, making storage simpler. It has a one-touch locking door, for easy access. It has a steel frame that is PVC free, with a non-toxic powder coat.
Pros:
- Durable and sturdy
- Easy storage and transport
- Able to configure it in multiple ways
- Easily portable!
Cons:
- Not made for outdoors
- Steel frame can scratch floors
Smithbuild Premium
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The Smithbuild Premium pen comes in different heights, the tallest being forty-eight inches. There is a double latched metal door. It has a rust resistant finish. When folded, it becomes almost flat; which helps it fit into the carrying bag that is included. It comes pre-assembled, and you can purchase additional panels to make it as big as you’d like.
Pros:
- Durable
- Rust resistant
- Good height of panels
- Can buy additional panels to make covered area bigger
Cons:
- If used indoors, your pet can move it if strong enough
- The metal material can scratch hardwood floors
Oxgord
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This dog pen can be adjustable to different shapes. Its panels are forty inches high. There is a door on it so your dog can get in and out easily, without straining your back. Although this is heavy duty and very sturdy, it is still relatively lightweight and easy to move around.
Pros:
- Adjustable panels
- Durable
- Panel height of forty inches
- Collapsible so it’s easy to store away and transport
Cons:
- It is not rust resistant
- Material may scratch indoor floors so do be cautious!
Richell – Top Quality
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You can choose either four or six water resistant panels for this top indoor pen. It can accommodate a dog up to eighty-eight pounds.The plastic material makes for an easier setup and easier to clean.
Pros:
- Water resistant
- Plastic material won’t scratch floors indoors
- Can also be used outdoors
- Suitable for medium sized breeds
Cons:
- More expensive
- Not for large sized breeds
Richell 3 in 1 Convertible – Top Indoor Brand
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You can either make this a pen, a freestanding gate, or a room barrier. Made of rubberwood and wire, this choice might be a good option for your family. You can choose either four or six panels for this one as well, but this model only suggests a dog up to forty-four pounds. Do not move the panels while the caps are still on, you will break the gate.
Pros:
- Adjustable panels
- Made of wood and wire
- Can fold easily for storage
- Convert it in many ways. From a free standing pet gate to a pen for your dog to a room divider.
Cons:
- Heavy
What is a Dog Pen?
A dog pen is used for keeping your pet in one closed off area. Many people use one to house train; an indoor one is great for litters of puppies. If you can’t keep an eye on your pup all the time, it might be helpful; it keeps your pet confined to one area while still keeping them safe.
Many dogs like to be in confined spaces for moderate lengths at a time.
There are so many different types out there, you’ll want to find one that fits your needs. You want to keep your pup safe, happy and enjoy the convenience at the same time.
In this list, I’m also going to tell you about some of the most popular indoor pens. They are also great for house training because you can keep them in one area, on a hardwood or linoleum floor to make cleaning up accidents easier.
What to Look Out For
Size
You’ll want one that is adequate in size; one that covers enough surface area so that your pup doesn’t feel constricted, but also tall enough that it can’t make a break for it.
Adaptable
Many models come with the option to use it as a pen, a gate, or a barrier. If you want to get as many uses out of your indoor enclosure as you can, you might want to find an adaptable one.
Doors
Unless your dog is under ten pounds, I’d suggest getting one that has a door on it. If it doesn’t have a door, you’ll have to bend over and pick your pet up out of the gate every time. If you have a boxer or labrador, that can get very exhausting.
Stakes
If you plan on using outdoors as well, you’ll want to find one with ground stakes or some sort of stabilizing system. You don’t want to spend money on one and then leave it outside to fly away during a rainstorm.
Material
They are usually made out of three materials; plastic, mesh and metal. While each has their own pros and cons, you’ll need to decide which is most suitable for your puppy. Plastic is lighter, but the puppy can possibly chew through it eventually.
Metal is durable, but it can be heavy, scratch floors in your home, or rust if it isn’t rust resistant.
Mesh can be easy for travel, is super light, and usually comes with a bottom, but it’s difficult to clean and isn’t durable.
Safety
Pets are family, there is no doubt about that, and you should want to keep your family safe. You’ll want to choose one that is safe for your pet.
You don’t want your puppy to break it or it has sharp edges somewhere that your dog could possibly run into
Different Types To Choose From
Outdoor Models
Outdoor ones are great for getting your pup outside for some exercise and fresh air, without having to keep a constant eye on them. The enclosures made for the outdoors are usually more durable.
You’ll want to find one that has a rust resistant finish on it to protect it from the elements.
Many outdoor ones also come with ground stakes to keep it safe from flying away during heavy winds.
Indoor
Indoor ones unfortunately aren’t always as durable as outdoor designs. Most indoor ones are also smaller in size. They still have the purpose of keeping your pet confined. You’ll want to think about what material you want it to be made out of, some can damage floors.
Exercise Puppy Playpens
Most exercise enclosures can be used indoors and outdoors. They are good for long term use.
These are usually larger in size, meaning your pet will be able to grow and still have room. You’ll want to make sure it is tall enough when you buy it so that your dog won’t be able to jump over it when they reach their full size.
Things To Consider Before Buying
Many factors should be considered first before buying. Is it in line with your budget? Do you think its cost justifies its usability? Also, doing some research is a good thing too. Read some reviews online about the enclosures you are planning to buy.
It will help you see what the users or buyers think about the product. You also need to survey your home and take note where you plan to put it.
They will definitely take some of the space so finding a strategic place to put it on is a must.
Now, if your pet is a very playful one you should consider buying a larger one. The size you will have to purchase will depend on the playfulness and size of your pet. You should also check if it can be reconfigured.
Some models do have that feature and it’s a useful one if the pet is hyper and it adds excitement for your pets. Instead of just the usual square shape, you can play with pen’s structure and turn it into another shape.
Consider the doors too if you are planning to buy a tall one. So that instead of jumping into it (which will be a hard thing to do if you purchase a tall one), you can enter through the door. Knowing the dog pen’s materials is a must too. Plastic, metal and mesh are the popular ones.
The plastic pens are the most affordable among the other materials.
They are harmless for your flooring or grass (depending on where you want to put it) but may be harmful for your pet since it can easily be chewed by them in the long run. So better be careful and always be on the lookout for those bite marks.
Metals are more expensive but they are stronger and indestructible. The only problem with metals is that when used outdoors, rust will easily be formed. So try looking for the metal pens that are rust-resistant. That would be a really good choice.
Mesh are not really common in the market but are very comfortable for your pets.
Conclusion
No matter what your needs are for your dog, you’ll be able to find the best indoor dog pen for your family. Pens are good for safety and training. Remember, if you have a larger breed puppy, it might be better to get a big dog pen they can grow into.
