best dog play pen

You might think playpens are only for babies, but that couldn't be further from the truth. 

Pet parents use playpens to contain all types of animals, which are especially beneficial for dogs. 

If you have an energetic dog that needs to be contained for one reason or another, the best puppy playpen is just what you need!

Top Best Puppy Play Pens

One of the best things about dog playpens is that they can be used inside and outdoors. 

There are many different models to choose from, so you need to know what you want before shopping. 

Make sure you know what size area you'd like the playpen to cover and where you'll typically use it.

The best puppy playpen for traveling probably isn't going to be the best puppy playpen for outdoor use. 

You also need to think about your dog. 

If he's hyperactive and likes to jump, you'll need to shop for a durable playpen that can stand up to his weight.

If you want one for traveling, you'll be better off with a lightweight playpen that folds into an easy-to-carry size.

The Best Puppy Play Pen
Keeping Our Young Pups Safe In One of These

Regalo Super Wide Gate and Play Yard

Regalo 192-Inch Super Wide Adjustable Baby Gate and Play Yard, 4-In-1, Bonus Kit, 4 Count (Pack of 1 This four-in-one play yard can be configured into almost any shape possible, fitting various needs. It has an easy-to-open gate enclosure, which makes it hassle-free to walk through.

The panels of this playpen by Regalo can be arranged into a large contained area (up to 19 square feet).

The safety gate can also be arranged to section off parts of your home (hardware to mount the gate to the wall is included).

It is 28 inches tall and composed of eight 24-inch wide detachable panels.

The play yard folds up compactly, making it easy to move around the house, take on the go, or store as needed.

This best puppy playpen is extremely versatile, making it a great option no matter your situation.

You may attach more than one of these packages to make a play area as big as you (or, more importantly, your pet) would like!

The Regalo Super Wide Gate and Play Yard's metal bars are essentially un-destroyable, which is great for teething puppies or any dog that enjoys chewing. 

Many pet owners who feel that kennels are too restrictive are extremely happy with the flexibility of this product.

Also, owners don't have to feel bad about leaving their pooch locked up while they are gone.

Regalo 192-Inch Super Wide Adjustable Baby Gate and Play Yard, 4-In-1, Bonus Kit, 4 Count (Pack of 1 If you are planning to use this gate as a free-standing barrier for some reason, it must be attached to walls on both sides. If not bound to a wall, it won't stand up unless the pieces are connected.

The biggest manufacturing defect is that some of the plastic pieces of the gate may be broken if handled too roughly.

Customers have had trouble with sections of the gate breaking when pulled on.

PROS:

  • Easy-open gate enclosure
  • Can be used to form a contained area or as a safety gate
  • Fold up for easy travel
  • 28 inches tall 
CONS:

  • Some consumers found that the plastic slats of the gate broke easily if handled too roughly 

best puppy play penMost helpful dog owner’s review (read the full Amazon review): “Finally I found something that can hold my two crazy puppies in! I have a 7 month old feisty chiweenie and a 4 month old boston terrier and I've tried just about everything. They destroyed the heavy duty fabric playpen I got them, and a kennel was too small and they hated it…”

FXW Dog Playpen for Indoor Use

FXW Dog Playpen Designed for Indoor Use, 24" Height for Puppy and Small Dogs│Patent Pending This simple playpen from FXW is a good option for pet owners who want something minimalistic in their homes or apartments. It is only available in two colors: black or white.

You may add or remove any of the eight panels, making it easy to increase or decrease the size as needed.

It is good quality, and the automatic gravity lock design will ensure that you can open and close the door smoothly and reduce the chance of your dog unlocking it by itself.

Customers say that this best puppy playpen is easy to put together. 

This product's versatility is a major advantage, especially when trying to fit it in irregular spaces.

The metal material is thick and durable, making it difficult for pets to chew. 

The lock is very reliable, as it is outside the gate so that even the sneakiest of pets cannot escape. 

If you have a pup that likes to get into trouble, the Best Choice Products Baby Play Pen may be the best puppy playpen for your needs.

FXW Dog Playpen Designed for Indoor Use, 24" Height for Puppy and Small Dogs│Patent PendingAnd don't worry about the creaks and groans that often come with metal fences. The FXW playpen has muffler tubes installed on the rings to minimize any noise caused by the rattling of the rods or panels. It also has anti-slip silicone pads installed on the stakes, and the panel bottoms provide friction to reduce the possibility of the fence being pushed down or dismantled by your dogs. These pads also prevent the stakes from scratching your floors.

PROS:

  • Minimalist design and color
  • Can easily add or remove panels according to your space
  • Equipped with swinging hinged door and safety lock
  • Easy to put together
CONS:

  • Catered more to children than pets
  • Stickers peel off easily, and your dog may eat them

best puppy play penMost helpful dog owner’s review (read the full Amazon review): “We needed a pen big enough for our two older Cairn Terriers, one that was sturdy, tall enough, easy to assemble and light enough for travel. This pen met and exceeded expectations! I love that you can configure shape as easy as the typical square and rectangle. So easy to set up that our 13-year old grandson set it up in a snap!”

North States Superyard Colorplay 8 Panel Playard

Toddleroo by North States Superyard Colorplay 8 Panel Free Standing Play Yard, Indoor or Outdoor Baby Playpen, Baby Gate. Made in USA. 6.5 feet corner to corner play pen (26" Tall, Multicolor) This indoor/outdoor play area from the North States weighs in at less than 30 pounds and features eight colorful panels and the ability to enclose up to 34.4 square feet! Adding or removing panels gives pet owners the freedom to build a variety of shapes, depending on the space in which it is placed. 

Set-up is simple because the panels are pre-connected and need to be unfolded and secured.

This product also features skid-resistant pads, saving hardwood flooring and preventing slipping. 

Perfect for enclosing pets or prohibiting them from specific spaces of the house, this best puppy playpen is easy to adjust and move as needed. 

You may order additional panels for a larger play space or more barriers, and they can be attached to one another in groups of two.

The North States Superyard Colorplay 8 Panel Playard is strong and sturdy enough to handle pets that lean against or jump up on it. 

Dogs prefer this Superyard over being kenneled, as they are given more room to move around. 

Taking this pen down and/or putting it back together may be more difficult for some than others. 

Some consumers mentioned it was more complicated than they expected.

Toddleroo by North States Superyard Colorplay 8 Panel Free Standing Play Yard, Indoor or Outdoor Baby Playpen, Baby Gate. Made in USA. 6.5 feet corner to corner play pen (26" Tall, Multicolor) The door may be tough to open and close, as you may have to pull up on the gate to make it line up correctly. If you plan to have a child open or close it, he may be unable to. If you (or your pet) lean against the gate, it may tip over easily as it seems less sturdy than other gates customers have tried.

PROS:

  • Can be used indoors or outside
  • Weighs less than 30 pounds
  • Encloses 34.4 square feet
  • Skid-resistant pads keep your floor from getting scratched
CONS:

  • The door was tricky for some pet parents to open
  • Some consumers mentioned that the gate was less sturdy than that of similar products

best puppy play penMost helpful dog owner’s review (read the full Amazon review): “Wonderful for fencing off areas that are dangerous to children and/or dogs. We don't use ours to keep children or dogs in, but rather to keep them away from cords, electronic equipment, etc. Also good with the dogs when necessary to confine them to a particular area of the home…”

Evenflo Versatile Play Space Adjustable Play Area

Evenflo Versatile Play Space Adjustable Play Area, Plastic, 8-Panel (Cool Gray) This free-standing, portable gate is usable both indoors and outdoors. It is made of plastic, allowing it to stand up to rain and other moderate weather. 

Evenflo made this best puppy playpen in a neutral color, which allows it to work indoors with your home décor rather than stick out like an eyesore!

It is lightweight and very easy to move, as it has a carry handle.

The walk-thru door allows easy access, making it easy for you and your dog to get in and out of the play yard with no issue. 

It has six panels and an instruction sheet for easy, headache-free assembly. 

Pet owners like that this gate is taller than many others available (it stands at 30 inches in height), making it an excellent option for larger dog breeds.

Customers also verify that the Evenflo Adjustable play area is very lightweight and portable, making it easy to transport if needed. 

Many say that it is very durable, as well. 

It is highly recommended for both children and pets to keep them safe and secure in a section of the house or yard.

Evenflo Versatile Play Space Adjustable Play Area, Plastic, 8-Panel (Cool Gray) Some customers mention that this best puppy playpen is flimsier than some other gates they have used. If the door isn't completely closed, it may collapse if it is leaned against or climbed on. Because it is lightweight and easy to move, your dog can likely move it if he leans against it.

If you plan on using this product on hardwood floors, another product that isn't as easy to slide may be a better option.

PROS:

  • Can be used indoors or outside
  • Neutral color works with any home décor
  • Lightweight for easy travel
  • Taller than many similar products at 30″
CONS:

  • Some consumers say it is flimsier than other similar products
  • Lightweight, which makes it easy for dogs to slide across slippery floors

best puppy play penMost helpful dog owner’s review (read the full Amazon review): “I purchased this when my dog had knee surgery, and had to be kept confined. This gave her more room to move around than her crate, but still limited her activity. It is large enough for 2 German Shepherds and me to comfortably sit in for some quite time together…”

 

North States Superyard Ultimate Play Yard

Toddleroo by North States Superyard Ultimate 6 Panel Free Standing Play Yard, Indoor or Outdoor Baby Playpen, Baby Fence. Made in USA. 5.5 feet Corner to Corner Play Pen (26" Tall, Ivory) Another of the best puppy playpens from the North States has a few additional features compared to number three on our list. It weighs less than 30 pounds, features eight ivory panels, and can be enclosed up to 34.4 square feet. 

Adding or removing panels gives pet owners the freedom to build a variety of shapes, depending on the space in which it is placed. 

Set-up is simple because the panels are pre-connected and just need to be unfolded and secured.

This product also features skid-resistant pads, saving hardwood flooring and preventing slipping. 

This best puppy playpen is also easy to adjust and move as needed. 

It's ideal for dog owners who would like to contain their pets while traveling. 

You could easily set it up in a hotel room or while visiting family and friends.

If the 8-panel playpen isn't enough space for your rowdy pooch, you can order additional panels for a larger play space or more barriers. 

They can be attached to one another in groups of two. 

The North States Superyard Ultimate Play Yard is strong and stable enough to handle pets that lean against it. 

If your dog is a jumper, this may be the best puppy playpen for your needs.

Toddleroo by North States Superyard Ultimate 6 Panel Free Standing Play Yard, Indoor or Outdoor Baby Playpen, Baby Fence. Made in USA. 5.5 feet Corner to Corner Play Pen (26" Tall, Ivory) Some pet parents stated this playpen was more difficult to put together and take apart than they anticipated. They said that you may need to pull up on the gate to get the door to close correctly, too. This made it challenging for children to help open and close the door.

Consumers also noted that this play yard seems less sturdy than similar products.

PROS:

  • Weighs less than 30 pounds
  • Encloses 34.4 square feet
  • It can be used to create a variety of shapes if you don't have much space
  • Can buy additional panels if you need to enclose a bigger area
CONS:

  • Some consumers said this best puppy playpen was difficult to put together
  • May have to pull up on the gate to get the door to close properly, making it difficult for children to operate

best puppy play penMost helpful dog owner’s review (read the full Amazon review): “We use this for our mid-sized dog, and it works great and she loves it It's a safe place to pen her inside, when we're away, and outside when we're working in the yard and want her near…”


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James has been a certified veterinary technician for the last 8 years in Birmingham, UK. After working with many dogs, he's changed his focus to writing, building businesses and researching subjects on canines and products created for dogs.