best Playpens for dogs
Updated November 2020
Why Trust MyDogWantsThat?
Here at MDWT, you can trust that you’re getting the best information for your dog, because we’re dog owners ourselves. We carefully assess the best (and worst) dog products on the market, giving you a full breakdown of what’s out there so you as an owner can make informed choices when it comes to your dog.
Why Trust MyDogWantsThat?
Here at MDWT, you can trust that you’re getting the best information for your dog, because we’re dog owners ourselves. We carefully assess the best (and worst) dog products on the market, giving you a full breakdown of what’s out there so you as an owner can make informed choices when it comes to your dog.
- As Good As It Gets
- Best On A Budget
Bottom Line
An indoor/outdoor portable playpen tough enough to house all sizes of dogs.
A large playpen ideal for small dogs and other small pets. Great for creating a safe space for roaming or exercising.
A versatile playpen that can house different dog breeds and can be attached to their dog crate.
For the traveling dog, this portable tent provides a safe space for your dog to relax.
Secure your pet wherever you go with this portable travel playpen. It has a spacious interior for rest and play.
Pros
Easy to assemble and store.
Easy to adjust the height.
Works with other available accessories.
Portable.
Sturdy.
Small dogs can’t climb out.
Can be configured in 5 different ways.
Has ground anchors for outdoor use.
Doesn’t scuff up your floor.
Easy to set up.
Comes with a 1-year warranty.
Affordable price.
Spacious.
Waterproof.
Very portable and ideal for travel.
Easy to clean.
No assembly needed.
Comes with a carrying case and a travel bowl.
Water-resistant.
Cons
Can be pushed around by heavy and determined dogs.
Poor lock quality.
Can scratch floors.
No doors.
Athletic breeds can still find a way to escape.
When used indoors, can be pushed around by determined dogs.
Inconsistent quality of fasteners.
Not for biters and chewers.
Active dogs might flip it over.
Not very durable – not meant as a permanent playpen.
Not for biters and chewers.
Too light for larger breeds.
Mediocre top zipper quality.
- As Good As It Gets
AmazonBasics Foldable Metal Pet Exercise and Playpen
Bottom Line
An indoor/outdoor portable playpen tough enough to house all sizes of dogs.
Pros
Easy to assemble and store.
Easy to adjust the height.
Cons
Can be pushed around by heavy and determined dogs.
Poor lock quality.
- Best On A Budget
New World Pet Products Foldable Metal Exercise Pen & Pet Playpen
Bottom Line
A large playpen ideal for small dogs and other small pets. Great for creating a safe space for roaming or exercising.
Pros
Works with other available accessories.
Portable.
Sturdy.
Small dogs can’t climb out.
Cons
Can scratch floors.
No doors.
Athletic breeds can still find a way to escape.
MidWest Homes for Pets Folding Metal Exercise Pen
Bottom Line
A versatile playpen that can house different dog breeds and can be attached to their dog crate.
Pros
Can be configured in 5 different ways.
Has ground anchors for outdoor use.
Doesn’t scuff up your floor.
Easy to set up.
Comes with a 1-year warranty.
Cons
When used indoors, can be pushed around by determined dogs.
Inconsistent quality of fasteners.
HEPEENG Portable Foldable Pet Playpen and Puppy playpen Pet Tent with Carrying Case
Bottom Line
For the traveling dog, this portable tent provides a safe space for your dog to relax.
Pros
Affordable price.
Spacious.
Waterproof.
Very portable and ideal for travel.
Easy to clean.
Cons
Not for biters and chewers.
Active dogs might flip it over.
Not very durable – not meant as a permanent playpen.
Ruff 'N Ruffus Portable Foldable Pet Playpen
Bottom Line
Secure your pet wherever you go with this portable travel playpen. It has a spacious interior for rest and play.
Pros
No assembly needed.
Comes with a carrying case and a travel bowl.
Water-resistant.
Cons
Not for biters and chewers.
Too light for larger breeds.
Mediocre top zipper quality.
How We Decided On The Best Playpens For Dogs
To determine the best playpens for dogs, the MDWT team scoured thousands of online reviews and combined it with the actual experiences of our testers and their own dogs. Here’s the breakdown of how we found the best playpens for dogs:
23
Models Considered
8
Hours Researched
1
Experts Interviewed
5
Consumer Consulted
Buying Guide For The Best Playpens for Dogs
Unless you can keep your eyes on your dog all the time, having a playpen for your dog helps keep them safe when your attention is needed elsewhere.
Playpens for dogs offer a lot of benefits to both owners and their pups. Playpens secure your dogs during those times that you can’t supervise them. It also gives them their personal space where they can do whatever they want without the risk of getting into trouble. If you have more than one dog, it allows for safe socialization and playtime.
It also protects your furniture from being damaged or chewed on when you’re not around. And when you have guests over, it’s where they can chill and join the party without having to be supervised or potentially getting underfoot.
Getting a high-quality playpen is like getting a nice crib for your child. You want the best so that they’re happy and comfortable. And the best ones offer versatility, are lightweight, easy to assemble, and are very durable.
Buying Guide for the Best Playpens for Dogs
Unless you can keep your eyes on your dog all the time, having a playpen for your dog helps keep them safe when your attention is needed elsewhere.
Playpens for dogs offer a lot of benefits to both owners and their pups. Playpens secure your dogs during those times that you can’t supervise them. It also gives them their personal space where they can do whatever they want without the risk of getting into trouble. If you have more than one dog, it allows for safe socialization and playtime.
It also protects your furniture from being damaged or chewed on when you’re not around. And when you have guests over, it’s where they can chill and join the party without having to be supervised or potentially getting underfoot.
Getting a high-quality playpen is like getting a nice crib for your child. You want the best so that they’re happy and comfortable. And the best ones offer versatility, are lightweight, easy to assemble, and are very durable.
Key Considerations
Dog Playpen Features
When choosing a playpen for your dog, there are features that you should consider before making a purchase. First is the portability and storage, especially if you’re not going to use the playpen all the time: it should be easy to store and move around when not in use.
Second is the versatility. If you’re getting a playpen at the puppy stage, you can save money by getting one that lets you adjust the height depending on the age or size of your dog. This way, you don’t have to keep buying new and bigger playpens as they continue to grow.
Lastly, playpens should be secure and sturdy. You don’t want a product that won’t hold your dog and will let them escape easily. With this, you should also consider the size and breed of your dog so you can get the appropriate size and durability.
Expert Tip
When using playpen indoors, you can stop them from moving around by using rubber stoppers. Some manufacturers offer this feature, so if you’ll be using the playpen indoors more often, get one that has rubber stoppers.
Dog Playpens Prices
One common thing that our top five playpens for dogs share is that they’re all relatively affordable options that are all lightweight and portable. Of course, more heavy-duty products will cost more.
Large breeds that are active and athletic will require the more heavy-duty and sturdier kind which will have a higher price tag. This can also apply to smaller dogs that are determined to escape their playpen.
So if you want to keep your spending down, taking the time to properly train your dog goes a long way: no matter how sturdy a playpen for a dog is, an unruly pup will find a way to escape. With the right training, your dog will understand that a playpen is their own personal and private space for relaxation and not a cage that they need to escape from.
Tips
Before purchasing a playpen for your four-legged companion, here are a few tips to give you an easier time.
- Crate training is an essential part of being able to use a playpen. Dogs that are crate trained feel safe and secure inside a playpen and will prevent any escape attempts or destructive behavior.
- Connect your playpen to your dog’s crate to extend private space. It’s like giving their house a yard where they can go out and play.
- If you need to leave your dog in their playpen for several hours, make sure they have water, food (if necessary), and toys that they can play with if they get bored.
other products we Considered
Not satisfied with our picks? Here are a couple of other products that we still recommend even if they didn’t make our top five:
Tespo Pet Playpen: This is a sleek and modern looking playpen made of robust and transparent plastic panels. It’s portable and has an anti-slip feature, it’s ideal for small breeds.Paws & Pals Pet Exercise Playpen: This is a heavy-duty playpen made of thick metal wires that’s very durable and strong. Perfect for larger breeds.
FAQ's
Can I buy another set and connect the panels?
Yes, you can. You can connect as many additional panels as you want as long as it’s the same brand. This will increase the size of your playpen.
How do I stop my dog from jumping out or trying to escape?
Behavior and obedience training through crate training is the best way to stop your dog from trying to escape or chew the fence. You can contact a trainer in case you’re unable to do the training yourself.
What material is the best?
There is no ‘best’ material when it comes to playpens for dogs: it will all depend on your requirements and your dog’s breed and behavior.
Metal is the most common material used, ideal for indoor/outdoor for any breed. Wood playpens are also available, they’re more elegant but require a well-trained dog to prevent them from chewing on it. Travel playpens are made of cloth or fabric because they need to be light and portable.
The Team That WOrked on This Review
Nitin Gupta
Chief Content Officer
JJ Resnick
Director of Growth
Erik Adler
Editorial Director