Does your pooch cause mischief when you aren’t paying attention? Maybe he is stealing shoes or chewing on furniture. Or maybe he still can’t be trusted not to pee everywhere when you aren’t looking.
There are a variety of options available to pet parents in these situations, but we’re going to focus on one of our favorites today: dog playpens and indoor exercise pens!
We’ll discuss different types of dog exercise pens and give you our top picks, so your pup let out his inner crazy without worrying about your house being destroyed!
See our quick picks below, or keep reading for full reviews!
Best Dog Playpens: Quick Picks
- #1 Richell Convertible Playpen [Best Overall Playpen]: Made from heavy-duty plastic, suitable for indoor or outdoor use, and built with vertical slats to help discourage climbers, this high-quality playpen is the best option for most owners.
- #2 Midwest Foldable Metal Playpen [Most Affordable Playpen]: An affordable dog playpen that is easy to fold, transport, and store, this indoor exercise pen can actually be attached to a wire crate, thereby giving your doggo a convenient place to snooze.
- #3 Precision Pet Playpen [Best Playpen For Travel]: Perfect for pet parents on the go, this portable option even features accessory pockets on the panels, which will make it easy to keep all of your dog’s belongings together when traveling.
The Benefits of Dog Playpens: Why Buy a Playpen For Your Pooch?
Pet exercise pens provide a safe, contained space for your dog to romp around without having full range of your house. They are useful in a number of different scenarios:
They’re Helpful for Crate Training. While playpens are a little too large for the initial stages of crate-training, they can be helpful for the “in-between stage,” when your pup has gotten the hang of things, but can’t yet be trusted to roam the house freely.
Protect Puppies and Chaos-Seeking Canines. Playpens are useful for dogs of any age that you want to keep out of mischief, but can be especially useful for a puppy (or a litter of rambunctious puppies) that isn’t fully trustworthy yet!
Indoor Playpens Restrict Access. A dog exercise pen might also be for you if you just want to keep your pets out of certain rooms or spaces. Some areas, like a garage, laundry room, or pool area, may contain dangerous elements or substances you want to keep your dog away from. Indoor dog gates can work well for this purpose too!
An Indoor Exercise Pen Will Provide More Space Than a Crate. If you are home but unable to give your pup 100% of your attention, a pet exercise pen allows you to focus on other things while at the same time letting your pooch have adequate space to move around, stretch, and play. And keep in mind that indoor playpens usually provide some extra space (enough for small adult dogs in some cases), but outdoor playpens often provide TONS of more room for Rover.
It’s important to note that dog playpens often go by other names, but one of the oddest to some owners is undoubtedly “x-pen.”
Short for “exercise pen,” this name simply refers to the fact that these pens give your pupper a little more exercise space.
Best Dog Exercise Pens: Our Top Picks
There are tons of dog playpens on the market, but some are better than others. Never fear! We’ve assembled nine of the very best ones around to make things easy for you. Check ’em out!
1. Richell Convertible Indoor/Outdoor Playpen
About: While you should always select a dog playpen that suits your specific needs, most pet parents will find that the Richell Convertible Indoor/Outdoor Playpen is the perfect option.
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Richell Convertible Indoor/Outdoor Playpen
An indoor/outdoor playpen that’s built with vertical slats to prevent climbing and can be set up in three different configurations.
Simply put, this plastic pet pen has it all: It features vertical slats to thwart climbing canines, it features a pet-friendly design that works as an indoor dog pen or for the outdoors. It can be set up in several different orientations for maximum flexibility, and it comes with a built-in door for easy access.
Combine all this with the fact that this dog playpen looks much better than boring old wire playpens (yet it still provides plenty of ventilation), and it is easy to see why this was our top choice.
Key Features:
- Vertical slats help prevent climbers from escaping
- Can be set up in several configurations
- Features a latching door
- Water-resistant and suitable for indoor or outdoor use
- Optional comfort mat and floor panel can be purchased separately
Sizes: Available in 4- (33.1 x 33.1 x 36 inches) and 6-panel (63.8 x 33.1 x 36 inches) versions
Maximum interior space: Approximately 20 square feet of space
Pros
- Vertical slats make it perfect for keeping climbers contained
- Great-looking aesthetics
- We love that you can set it up in three different configurations
- Plastic material is less likely to cause injuries and easier for pet parents to move around
Cons
- A couple of hound Houndinis figured out how to open the latch
- Doesn’t provide quite as much visibility as some other playpens
- It’s pretty expensive
2. Iris Open Wire Playpen
About: There’s a reason so many dog playpens are made from wire: It just works well. However, there are tons of different wire playpens out there and they vary significantly in terms of quality.
But we think this canine playpen from Iris is easily the best option on the market.
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Iris Open Wire Playpen
Featuring heavy-gauge epoxy-covered wire, a sliding latch, and top-notch aesthetics, this is our favorite wire playpen for dogs.
Made from sturdy wire, this playpen is much sturdier than some other options and it looks much better than typical wire playpens too.
Once you combine these things with the playpen’s sliding latch door and convenient bottom tray, it becomes obvious why we like this playpen so much!
Key Features:
- Wire playpen with neutral aesthetic
- Sliding locking door
- Removable bottom tray
- Easy to clean
- Rectangular open top makes it easy to put a blanket or towel over to create a “den” like space
Sizes: This playpen comes in medium (38.39 x 26.18 x 27.95 inches), large (47.24 x 31.5 x 27.95 inches), and large-tall (47.24 x 31.5 x 35.43 inches).
Maximum interior space: Approximately 10 square feet of space
Pros
- Pet-friendly design provides plenty of pooch visibility
- Owners report that the latching door is super secure
- It is very easy to assemble
- Lightweight and easy to move
Cons
- This is another pricey playpen
- Several dog owners reported that they did not receive all of the hardware necessary (though it appears Iris has addressed this issue)
3. Midwest Foldable Metal Playpen
About: Need a playpen that won’t break the bank? The Midwest Dog Exercise Pen may be just the ticket!
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Midwest Foldable Metal Playpen
An affordable and functional exercise pen, this wire model can be set up in multiple ways without the need for tools.
A basic option suitable for indoor or outdoor use (it even comes with ground anchors to keep it in place), this wire playpen is easy to transport and it even folds flat for convenient storage. It’ll connect to a wire crate too, which gives you additional setup options if you want to do a crate-and-pen combo.
This playpen features an 8-panel design, is available in several different sizes, comes in four different colors, and can be purchased with or without a door.
Plus, it’s great when you’re on a budget, as it doesn’t cost an arm and a leg.
Key Features:
- Wire playpen panels
- Door or doorless options
- Comes with ground anchors for outdoor use
- Folds flat when not in use
Sizes: This playpen runs 62 by 62 inches with varying heights ranging from 24 to 48 inches.
Maximum interior space: Approximately 20 square feet of space
Pros
- It’s a great dog playpen that’s available at a really affordable price
- Easy to set up, collapse, and store
- Weatherproof finish means it can be used indoors or outdoors
- We love that you can connect it to a wire crate
Cons
- A couple of dog owners reported that the colors wear off over time
- The wire panels aren’t especially strong, so pups who rush and lunge at the panels might knock it down
4. Precision Pet Dog Playpen
About: This portable dog playpen by Precision Pet is a great option for dog owners on the go!
Weighing only 7 pounds, this mesh fabric dog playpen features a foldable design and comes with a nylon carrying case, making it great for travel use.
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Precision Pet Dog Playpen
A collapsible mesh playpen featuring a removable top and bottom, mesh pockets, and an included nylon carrying case.
Made with eight mesh water-resistant panels and zippered doors, this puppy pen includes ground stakes for outdoor use and features a removable (and machine-washable) bottom and top for extra convenience and flexibility.
It even features pockets, which are fantastic for storing your doggo’s gear when you’re on the go.
Key Features:
- Foldable, lightweight soft fabric is perfect for a portable dog pen
- Built-in doggie door
- Includes storage pockets
- Top and bottom panels can be removed
- Included ground stakes for outdoor use
Sizes: This pen comes in a single size measuring 46 x 46 x 28 inches
Maximum interior space: Approximately 10 square feet of space
Pros
- Has a bunch of travel-friendly features including removable stakes and pockets
- Mesh roof can help deter pets from jumping out
- Pretty affordable
Cons
- Mesh isn’t the most secure fabric — rambunctious dogs may escape
- It’s somewhat small (however, this is part of what makes it a travel-friendly portable dog pen)
5. Iris 8-panel Playpen
About: Need a playpen you can expand from time to time? This Iris 8-Panel Puppy Playpen is a fantastic choice! This dog playpen will keep your pooch safely contained right out of the box, but you can add extra panels to give your pet more space when need be.
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Iris 8-panel Playpen
An expandable pet playpen that gives you the chance to add extra panels and increase the space available as your needs change.
Aside from being expandable (which is admittedly pretty awesome), this is just a great all-around puppy playpen. It’s made in the USA from durable molded plastic and features non-skid rubber feet to protect your floors, so you won’t have to worry about scratches on your hardwood.
It’s also designed to withstand the elements, allowing it to function as an indoor or outdoor dog pen.
Key Features:
- Interlocking plastic panels allow you to incorporate additional sections
- Made in the USA
- Reinforced latches keep the pen secure
- Comes in black, brown, white or grey colors
- Plastic construction means it won’t rust
Sizes: This playpen spans 62.99 x 62.99 x 34.25 inches.
Maximum interior space: Approximately 20 square feet of space
Pros
- You can purchase two-panel expansion packs to provide your pet with more space
- Durable plastic material makes the pen suitable for indoor or outdoor use
- We always like when dog products are available in multiple colors
Cons
- Because it is so light, some rambunctious dogs were able to lift the pen and escape
- Despite some language to the contrary, it does not include a step-through door
6. Richell 3-in-1 Petgate
About: The 3-in-1 Richell Convertible Dog Playpen is a versatile option that’s perfect for pet parents with varying canine-containment needs. You can set this dog pen up in a few different ways, including a rectangular playpen, a hexagonal pen, or as a room divider (like a pet gate)!
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Richell 3-in-1 Petgate
A high-quality pet gate that can be set up in three different ways, providing pet parents with multiple ways to manage their mutt.
In addition to working in several different configurations, this is just a great quality dog pen.
It’s one of the more durable, heavy-duty pet playpens we recommend, and it includes a swinging door with a safety lock.
It’s also easy to clean and suitable for indoor or outdoor use – although if you want to keep it in pristine condition we wouldn’t recommend leaving it outside for very long.
Key Features:
- Locking caps keep the pen stable once set up
- Door features a safety lock
- Wire design provides plenty of visibility
- Can be folded flat for storage
- Suitable for dogs weighing up to 44 pounds
Sizes: This playpen comes in 4 panel (91.7 x 29.1 x 31.5 inches) or 6 panel (135.8 x 29.1 x 31.5 inches) sizes.
Maximum interior space: Approximately 15 square feet of space
Pros
- Owners raved about this dog pen’s durability and sturdiness — a few have used it for years and years
- We love that it works in several different configurations
- Lockable gate mechanism allows for easy entry and exit
Cons
- It’s not appropriate for large dogs
- Jumpers may be able to leap over it
7. Iris 4 Panel Playpen
About: There are a variety of reasons you may want a pet playpen with a small door.
For example, you may have multiple pets with different access requirements or you may want to allow your pooch to enter or leave the pen as he wishes.
In any event, the Iris 4 Panel Playpen is a great choice for these situations!
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Iris 4 Panel Playpen
An expandable plastic pet pen that features a small doggie door to provide your pooch with easy access to his play space.
Built from strong plastic and featuring a convenient doggie door, this dog pen comes in four- and eight-panel models to suit your needs.
It also works with expansion packs, so you can create even larger spaces if need be for the ultimate canine castle. And it’s a real steal too, as it’s priced to be budget-friendly.
Key Features:
- Easy-to-use connecting rods allow for quick assembly and extra stability
- Locking metal latches for security
- Built-in doggie door
- Easy to clean plastic material
- Expandable if your space needs change
Sizes: You can get this play pen in a 4 panel size (35.25 x 35.25 x 23.63 inches) or 8 panel size (62.99 x 62.99 x 34.25 inches).
Maximum interior space: Approximately 20 square feet of space
Pros
- This lightweight dog playpen is super easy to move around
- One of the most affordable options we recommend
- Built-in door provides easy entry and exit
Cons
- Climbing canines may be able to escape
- Because it is so lightweight, large dogs may be able to push it around
8. S AFSTAR Puppy Playpen
About: Looking for a really roomy dog playpen for your pooch? The spacious S AFSTAR playpen is a fantastic choice that provides a ton of space and can be used in multiple configurations to meet the needs of your furry friend.
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S AFSTAR Puppy Playpen
One of the biggest pet playpens around, this 16-panel option can be used indoors or outdoors and folds flat for storage.
Featuring 16 rust-proof panels, this versatile dog pen folds flat, can be used as an indoor or outdoor dog pen, and features a latching door for four-footed security.
No, we don’t know why S AFSTAR has a space in their brand name. It annoys us too, but that doesn’t change the fact that it’s a pretty great playpen.
Key Features:
- Really spacious play area
- Rust-resistant panels make it suitable for indoor or outdoor use
- Latching door provides plenty of security
- Step-through gate provides additional convenience
- Easy assembly; no tools required
Sizes: This playpen comes in a 40-inch size (40 x 31.5 inches) and a 48-inch size (48 x 31.5 inches).
Maximum interior space: Approximately 104 square feet of space
Pros
- Owners loved how roomy this dog pen is
- Tool-free assembly is always a bonus
- Pretty affordable, given the amount of space it provides
- Several owners praised the quality of the weatherproof finish
Cons
- Some clever canines figured out how to trigger the latch
- The elevated door design may cause challenges for small pups
If you really just need the most spacious pen you can get your hands on, the FXW Dog Playpen (discussed below) provides more room than the S AFSTAR model being discussed here.
However, most owners of small and medium breeds won’t require one that’s as tall as the FXW, which is why we’ve identified this one as the “Best Super-Sized” option.
9. FXW Dog Playpen
About: One of the most common challenges dog owners face when picking out a playpen is finding one that is tall enough to contain big ‘ol doggos.
Fortunately, there’s a solution: The FXW Dog Playpen stands 50 inches high, making it one of the tallest dog pens around. And this playpen for dogs is offered in a variety of sizes, with up to 48 panels to provide your pup with plenty of space.
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FXW Dog Playpen
An exceptionally tall playpen that’s sold in varying sizes, so you can provide the amount of space that makes sense for your dog.
This dog playpen can be used indoors or outdoors and even comes with ground stakes to keep it in place.
Additionally, this dog pen features a built-in door, so that your dog will have no trouble moving in and out.
Key Features:
- Sturdy yet pet-friendly design
- Can be purchased with floor protectors for indoor use
- Included doggie door and latch
- Available in 50-inch-tall models
- Included stakes for outdoor use
Sizes: These dog pens come in a range of sizes, with panels measuring 24, 32, 40, and 50 inches.
Maximum interior space: 441 square feet of space
Pros
- We love that you can set this pen up in multiple configurations
- Taller than most other dog pens on the market
- Metal construction will help stand up to heavy chewing
Cons
- Some dogs caused damage when they chewed on the panels (though that can happen with most playpens)
- A couple of owners reported rusting when used outside
Things to Consider When Buying a Dog Playpen
There are a wide range of dog pens available, so finding the right playpen for your pooch depends on your dog’s individual needs.
Here are a couple of factors to consider when seeking out the right playpen for your pooch:
Dog Size. You’ll want to buy a playpen that is big enough to let your pooch move around and get some exercise, and tall enough that he can’t jump out!
Location of Pen. Are you planning to keep your doggy playpen inside or outside? Depending on the location, you’ll want to consider whether you require a waterproof outdoor dog pen made from a durable material (or featuring a rust-resistant coating) that can withstand the elements, or a more attractive aesthetic model that may fit in better with your home decor, but lacks the same kind of toughness.
How Tough is Your Pup? If you have an especially rambunctious pup that can chew through or break out of anything, you’ll want to consider a tougher, more durable exercise pen to withstand those canine chompers (don’t worry, we have a few good durable suggestions below)!
Portability. Before choosing a dog x-pen, you may want to consider if you’ll be moving it around a lot, as some units are easier to transport than others. Some dog pens can easily be collapsed and adjusted, while others are designed to be semi-permanent fixtures that can’t easily be relocated.
To Adjust or Not to Adjust? If you are looking for a canine playpen that can meet several needs, you may prefer an adjustable pen that can change size by using an add-on panel or two. Depending on what type of space you are working with, there are differently shaped x-pens. Some can even be positioned against a wall to be used as a makeshift fence!
When One Door Closes, Does Another Open? Some dog playpens come with doors, which can be convenient if you have limited movement or have a larger dog that can’t be lifted over the fence. It can also be a good way to avoid introducing your pooch to the concept of jumping over the pen (which will quickly defeat the purpose of having a dog pen at all).
Stabilizing Stakes to Keep Things in Place. If you are interested in keeping your dog exercise pen outside, you might consider one that comes with stakes or stabilizers to keep it from being knocked over by large dogs or blown away by strong winds.
Materials. There are many different materials to choose from when picking a playpen for dogs that suits your needs. Sturdy materials are obviously preferred, but there are other differences between the most common options:
- Metal is the most common as it is sturdy and can be used inside or outside (provided that it has a weatherproof finish). It will also stand up to heavy chewing in most cases.
- Wood is more aesthetically pleasing, but is not as durable for outdoor use. Wood can also be susceptible to avid chewers.
- Plastic can be used for indoor or outdoor dog pens, but plastic playpens may not stand up to aggressive chewers.
- Mesh can work for indoor use as well, but a soft dog pen is less durable and the fabric can be chewed through pretty easily (especially mesh doors).
No matter which material you choose, just make sure that you opt for water-resistant materials if you plan to use the dog pen outside.
Types of Dog Pens
Your dog’s ideal playpen will depend on his preferred use case. Decide which type of dog playpen makes the most sense for your furball before picking out a pen:
Indoor Dog Pens
It can be really nice to have an indoor dog pen to provide your pooch with more space to move around while still confining him to a specific area.
They can also be a valuable tool while you are housetraining a puppy, or to begin bridging the gap between the crate and having full range of the house. Starting with a small, safe space can be a good way to make a rescue dog feel at ease!
Eventually, you may consider graduating your a pet gate, which give your dog free run of an entire room within your home.
Outdoor Dog Pens
If you don’t have a fenced-in yard and don’t trust your pooch to not run away, but want to give your dog some additional space to play outside unsupervised and off-leash, an outdoor dog pen could be just what you need.
Outdoor dog pens allow you to keep your dog in your yard without a fence, allowing for fun outdoor play without a substantial investment.
But don’t forget to find a durable, rust and decay resistant material to withstand the elements!
For a larger, more permanent outdoor option, you may also want to consider outdoor dog kennels.
Dog Playpen Safety 101: Things to Think About
It is important to make sure your puppy playpen is a safe environment for your pooch! There are a few different dangers to be aware of:
- Indoor playpens can sometimes rust if used outside, which over time can make the metal prone to breaking, leaving your pup exposed to sharp edges. To remedy this, make sure to frequently check the condition of your metal x-pen and keep an eye out for rust.
- Plastic playpens are more easily chewed, and if your dog is an avid chewer he might be at risk of ingesting lots of little plastic pieces or even choking. This could lead to injury and even expensive surgery.
- Some playpens have bigger gaps in the walls of the panels, so be sure to find one where your dog won’t get his paws stuck!
Before picking a pet exercise pen, first think of your pooch and try to predict what kinds of shenanigans he may get up to — there’s sure to be the perfect playpen for you and your pup!
Don’t forget to place your dog’s water bowl (with plenty of fresh water), a comfy pet bed, and a fun (and safe) toy or two inside your dog’s playpen. A floor mat (preferable a washable floor mat) can also be helpful for protecting your hardwoods, carpet, or tile, while providing extra comfort for your pooch!
Introducing the Pen To Your Dog
When you first introduce your pooch to his new playpen, it is important to make sure the first experience is a positive one!
There are several steps you can take to make sure your pup loves his x-pen.
Leave The Door Open. If your new dog pen comes with a door, it can be good to leave it open at first so your dog doesn’t think of it as a trap (if there is no door, you can just leave two of the panels unlatched so there is an opening).
Make The Playpen a Fun Place! When you first get the dog pen, go in with your dog and give them some meals or treats in there so they know it’s a fun, comfortable place. Adding your pooch’s favorite toys or blankets is a good way to show him that the space is his. Avoid turning your dog’s playpen into an area of punishment – you don’t want your dog to think of it as a “bad place.”
Start Early and Go Slow. The younger your pup is when you introduce him to his pup playpen, the better! And no matter what age your pooch is, just let him take his time and become comfortable with the pen at his own pace. Eventually, your dog will love going into his playpen – it will be a place of his own that he can feel comfortable and safe in!
Do-It-Yourself Dog Playpen
Feeling extra crafty? You can even make your own DIY dog pen if you have some basic carpentry skills and the willpower!
Building your own playpen will likely save you some cash, and it means that you can design the dog pen to suit your dog’s specific needs.
This means you could make it in an unusual shape, tailor the height to your pup’s size, or paint it a funky color to suit your sense of style.
Of course, you’ll have to put in some elbow grease to make it happen, but some owners will consider that the best part!
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Do you have a playpen at home for your dog? How does he or she like it? Share your thoughts and stories in the comments section below!
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