No matter how much we adore our dogs, sometimes we just want them to stay put in one place—and this is where dog playpens come in useful. They provide your dogs with ample room to move and play while ensuring they remain in one place while you do your chores or when you need to leave them alone for quite some time.
Shopping for dog playpens can also be fun. There are many options to choose from, whether you need one indoors or outdoors. They also come in various designs. However, there are some factors you should take note of to ensure you buy the best for your pooch. To help, we have some recommendations and a buying guide, fact-checked by veterinarian Dr. Franz Philip Joseph R. Ubaldo, for you.
Quick List - Top Dog Playpens
Dr. Franz Philip Joseph R. Ubaldo is a Licensed Veterinarian practicing both Companion Animal medicine and Veterinary laboratory diagnostics. He worked in the National Laboratory for animal disease diagnostics (BAI-ADDRL) as the head of the Pathology and Rabies laboratories. He also served as a senior evaluator of Veterinary diagnostic facilities that delved into the technical layout, biosafety, and biosecurity aspects. He currently focuses on preventive medicine and general pet health.
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Dog playpens aren’t something we buy for our dogs immediately. As the name suggests, playpens are for your dogs’ playtimes. It’s a space where they can have the freedom to play without you worrying about their safety. They are also suitable for exercise, so they are sometimes called exercise pens. With them, you can also take your dog with you on trips without the fear of losing them.
Here are some key points to consider:
1. Consider the intended location of the playpen.
2. To get the right size for your dog, check the dimensions of the playpen.
3. Choose the best material for your dog.
4. Look for additional features for convenience.
For more detailed information, read through our buying guide below.
Think about the location of where you want your playpen to be. Consider your dog and the space that you have. Does your home allow a big playpen where your dog can safely play inside, or will it be better to place a playpen outside so that your dog can explore and get some fresh air?
Dogs have a way of causing mischief around the house. And no matter how cute or playful they are, it isn’t ideal to find your things randomly chewed on. This is where an indoor playpen comes in. It’s the best playpen for dogs and puppies that you can’t trust around the house yet. They can still be active inside the playpen without wreaking havoc.
Indoor playpens are great for your peace of mind. They are designed at a certain height, so dogs cannot jump over. You wouldn’t also need to worry if your dog can escape from there. However, don’t keep your dog indoors and inside the playpen for too long. Take them out for walks and give them lots of love.
Outdoor playpens are best for dog owners with yards or some outdoor space. Why keep your dogs cooped up inside when they could enjoy the sun and the fresh air? Compared to indoor ones, outdoor playpens have more durable material.
They’re usually made of metal and are weatherproof, so it is alright to leave them out of the house. They also come with anchors and corner stabilizers to prevent them from wiggling and moving around. Some models would even come with a tarp that can act as a roof so that your dog can enjoy the playpen no matter what the weather is.
Aside from that, they’re typically bigger to provide the maximum space for your dogs, but various sizes are available if you want to get a smaller one for smaller dogs. We know that dogs, especially puppies, love the outdoors, so an outdoor playpen can give them a safe space where they can roam around and discover nature.
In choosing the best playpen for your dog, one of the most critical factors you should consider is the size. The size of your dog dictates the space and height required for your playpen. The size of a playpen is usually based on height. It can be as short as 24 inches or as high as 45 inches.
The panels are usually 24 inches in width, too. Typically, there would be 4-6 panels, but some owners would buy more to extend the playpen’s space. Ideally, a playpen’s height should be two or more inches higher than your dog’s height. But for dogs who love jumping, it is better to go for a playpen that is 40 to 45 inches in height.
When you are choosing a playpen for your dog, you will probably notice that the biggest difference between them is the material used. You would also need to ensure that the playpen doesn't have any sharp edges or small parts that can be easily swallowed. For this, you should consider what type would be best for your dog.
Playpens made from metal wires are sturdy and heavy-duty, making them ideal for bigger and heavy chewer dogs. But like most playpens, many of them are also easily collapsible, so you can easily store them when not in use. Moreover, the metal wires used in these playpens are typically coated with epoxy, and the edges are sanded and rounded to ensure that your dogs wouldn’t get hurt.
You might not think that plastic is the best material for your playpen, but this material has a lot of benefits. It's easy to clean, and the plastic used for playpens is durable and robust. These types of playpens are also easy to assemble.
However, even heavy-duty plastic playpens can feel lightweight for bigger dogs. Thus, consider your dog's size and weight if you are opting to get this type of playpen. Also, check if the material is thick and heavy enough to handle your dogs when they're not behaving.
This type of playpen is also more suitable for smaller dogs. Usually, playpens made of cloth and mesh are bought for their portability. It can be assembled within seconds, and it's easy to carry around. Cloth and mesh playpens are also usually made with a nylon-like cloth with linings that make them weatherproof and easy to clean.
Wood is probably the most durable material for a playpen. We would suggest finding a material like plywood that is 3/4 inches thick. This would make your playpen sturdy, and it wouldn't crack if your dog decides to be extra active.
However, dogs love chewing. Hence, make sure that if you're opting for a wooden playpen, you will get something that your dog can't gnaw on. You can also provide them with toys that they can safely chew on instead.
Wooden playpens are susceptible to damage when in prolonged contact with your pet's urine. To preserve its quality and minimize staining and corrosion, it is essential to clean it regularly and to keep it dry.
Sometimes, choosing the perfect playpen for your dog will come down to the tiniest details. Playpens all have different extra features to make them more appealing to dog owners. It’s all up to you to choose what you’d prefer for yourself and your dog.
Playpens usually come in disassembled forms. Hence, choosing one that is easy to assemble is vital. This can also come to play when bringing your playpen outdoors and to different locations. A durable base will also ensure that your dog is safe no matter how playful and naughty they become.
Playpens can take up a lot of space, and sometimes, these are spaces you need. With that said, buying a collapsible playpen that can easily be stored is essential. This type of playpen is a space-saver, as you can simply assemble it when needed and then fold it when not in use. This is also optimal, as dogs shouldn’t stay in playpens for too long.
There are instances when you can buy extra panels to customize the size of your playpen. Buying something like this means that you can easily extend your playpen any way you like. You can even change the shape of your playpen to fit your space or your dog! Having extra panels can also be handy if you want or need a dog gate to prevent your dog from entering another room.
You or your dog can't climb over the playpens if you choose a taller variety. This is why some playpens, especially the tall ones, would always come with doors. It is mainly installed for convenience. But if you're choosing one with this feature, always check the latches on the doors. Dogs are intelligent and will try to escape if they feel that they can.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Dog Playpen Fence With 6 and 8 Panels | ![]() | A Classic Metal Playpen for Your Dog | |
2 | Portable Dog Playpen |Medium | ![]() | Portable, Breathable, and Easy to Clean | |
3 | Transparent Puppy Kennel | ![]() | Has Transparent, Customizable Panels to Fit Any Space | |
4 | Indoor Plastic Dog Playpen | ![]() | Comes With Safety Features, Making It Suitable for Indoor Use | |
5 | DIY Stackable Playpen|12 Panels | ![]() | A Stackable Playpen for Dogs Who Love to Jump | |
6 | Adjustable Pet Fence | ![]() | Add a Pop of Color to Your Home With This Bright-Hued Playpen | |
7 | DIY Playpen | ![]() | Its Large Grills Let You Monitor Your Pet, Even From Afar | |
8 | Plastic Dog Playpen | ![]() | A Lightweight yet Durable Plastic Playpen | |
9 | Pet Crates Dog Crib Playpen | ![]() | Best for Puppies and Smaller Breeds | |
10 | Portable Folding Pet Tent | ![]() | A Playpen That Is Convenient to Carry Around |
The champion of all dog playpens out there is this - a classic metal playpen with eight customizable panels. It measures 24x24 inches and is about 2 feet in height. In terms of construction, it is made of high-strength solid wire, so you can be assured that it is of good quality that can withstand your dog's playfulness.
It also comes with two latches to offer double security for your pets. This playpen can provide ample space for smaller dogs that cannot climb yet. You can place it indoors or outdoors, depending on your needs and what your dog prefers. Plus, you can easily store and fold it away when you don't need it.
This cloth and mesh playpen will be an amazing addition to your house. It's light, compact, and easy to fold. It is also convenient to take when you want to go outside with your dogーyou can bring this with you while traveling to avoid carrying a heavy cage!
The cloth used for this playpen is nylon oxford with PVC coating, making it washable and easy to clean. The material is also extremely durable and resistant to water and stain. Moreover, the playpen has padded sides to make the space safer for your dogs.
This is the perfect choice for your puppies, especially those starting their potty training. If you have active or bigger dogs, just make sure to put something heavy inside this playpen to avoid it having it flipped over!
This transparent playpen is something every dog parent should take a look at. It is constructed with panels that are made of environmental plastic with no sharp edges, and it features a metal grid door that is easy to assemble and dismantle.
It is a versatile product because you can use the playpen however you want. You could shape it to perfectly fit the available space that you have. And when it is not being used as a playpen, you could use it as a dog fence if you need one.
This is a good match for owners who wants an easy folding playpen so that they can only use it when needed. It is also a good buy for owners who don't have sufficient free space but need a playpen for their dogs.
If you are looking for a sturdy playpen, why not reconsider and check out this plastic playpen? This plastic playpen can be as strong as a metal one. It is also lightweight and easy to clean. Plus, it wouldn't rust or degrade even if it gets wet.
But more than that, it is the perfect choice for indoor use, especially this one. It comes with safety features that make it the ideal choice inside your home. It has a suction on the bottom to prevent it from moving around and scratching your floors.
Because of that, it also adheres well to various types of floors, even tiles. It also provides ample comfortable space for small to medium-sized dogs. And since it is made of hard plastic, you can stay assured that your dogs can't gnaw on the panels.
This DIY stackable playpen is the perfect pick if you have active and energetic dogs that can climb and try to jump over their pen. You can stack the panel as high as possible to prevent your dog from escaping. Just make sure to buy enough panels!
The best thing about this playpen is that you can completely customize it. As long as you have enough panels, you can design ramps, cages, or a crate space for your dog. You'll also love that it's foolproof to assemble, as it comes with the necessary tools. However, it's only solid enough to hold small to medium-sized dogs but not large dogs.
This bright playpen is made of solid metals and is built for the indoors and the outdoors. Deviating from the classic black, it possesses a color that would be a feast for your dog's eyes. It comes in vibrant blue, a color that canines can easily see and gravitate towards.
Standing at 60x60 cm, the playpen is made of 6 panels that give the ideal space for your dogs. It is also possible for you to change its shape depending on your available area. Plus, this dog playpen can be folded and stored easily when not in use.
We would like to recommend this for dog owners who want a heavy-duty playpen that also adds a pop of color to their homes. You can also use this playpen outdoors, just do not forget to anchor it down to prevent it from toppling over.
This dog playpen is sturdy enough to contain large dogs and is also ideal for small animals. You can use it to house them during play, exercise, or training, whether indoors or outdoors. It is made of non-toxic, durable, and heavy-duty molded plastic.
Another thing you'll love about it is its easy-to-assemble features and panels that interlock securely to keep your pets safe. Its grills are also wide enough to let you monitor your pets from a distance but narrow enough not to let small pets escape.
This plastic playpen is a great pick when it comes to durability and being lightweight. It can also be used outdoors, as it can withstand the weather if you want to leave it outside. Like most playpens, it allows you to fold and pack it up quickly without being too bulky.
In terms of space, it isn't too big, but it just has enough room for your small-medium dogs. And although lightweight, it can handle their playfulness. However, note that you might want to use a furniture piece to anchor this plastic playpen if you have a larger dog.
Buying a big playpen seems too much if your dog is tiny, so this is the playpen exactly made for them! This metal playpen is enough to accommodate your dog's size, but it wouldn't eat up lots of space in your home. It stands at 24 x 18 x 22 inches, perfect for dogs of a small breed or even puppies.
Aside from that, it comes with a tray at the bottom, so you wouldn't worry about your dogs making a mess. It is also powder-coated to rust-resistant, allowing you to place it outdoors. This product is highly suggested for first-time dog parents because of how convenient and straightforward the design is.
This playpen is truly for outdoorsy people who like bringing their dogs with them. It's a lightweight polyester material that you can carry with you anywhere. This playpen is the best if you like going on hikes or picnics and want your dog to have their own space.
However, note that this is designed for small dogs, and it is not something that can house a medium to large-sized dog. Also, do not forget to cut your dog's nails before allowing them in the playpen, as it is made of cloth that can tear.
Below are some of the most asked questions on the web answered by the mybest team.
Start by making them think that being inside the pen is not a punishment. To do this, you can start by placing it in an area that is accessible to your puppy. You may also add a couple of toys and blankets. For starters, you may also leave the door so that the puppy learns to go in and out without concern.
It is also helpful to feed your dog in the playpen during meals so they can associate it with something positive. Once your dog is used to eating inside the playpen, try closing the door during mealtime. The first few times, open it immediately after the dog finishes eating. Over time, leave the pup in longer each time.
You may use any type of rubber protector. Rubber protectors are easy to install on any kind of floor material. These will also prevent the pen from moving around even if your dog moves. You may also use a dog pad to protect your carpet from your dog's urine and poop.
When starting, it is recommended that you leave the door open until your puppy feels comfortable entering independently. And then you can try shutting the gate for just a few minutes at a time until they are used to staying inside for long hours.
Buying your dog a playpen is just the start! There is still so much that you should check out and add to your shopping list. Thinking of buying training pads, slow feeder dog bowls, or dog cages? We've got you! Check them out in the links below.
Author: Angelica Sy
Re-editor: Ivy Ramirez
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
No. 1: |Dog Playpen Fence With 6 and 8 Panels
No. 2: |Portable Dog Playpen |Medium
No. 3: |Transparent Puppy Kennel
No. 4: |Indoor Plastic Dog Playpen
No. 5: |DIY Stackable Playpen|12 Panels
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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