Best Dog Playpens Reviewed

6 Top Dog Playpens Compared

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MidWest Homes for Pets Foldable Metal Exercise Pen

MidWest Homes for Pets Foldable Metal Exercise Pen / Pet Playpen

SmithBuilt Dog Playpen

SmithBuilt Animal Dog Playpen

BestPet Heavy Duty Pet PlaypenBestPet Heavy Duty Pet Playpen
Oxgord Heavy Duty Portable Metal Exercise Dog PlaypenOxgord Heavy Duty Portable Metal Exercise Dog Playpen
IRIS Exercise Panel Pet Playpen with Door - 34 InchIRIS Panel Pet Playpen with Door – 34 Inch
IRIS Pet Playpen with Door, 24-InchIRIS Pet Playpen with Door, 24-Inch

An exercise pen or dog playpen may not be included in your doggie must-haves, but it is wrong to assume that this piece of equipment is just another extravagant frill in one’s doggie daycare. On the contrary, a dog playpen is impressively useful. Such equipment provides a safe enclosure for your dog and helps prevent any doggie shenanigans during your absence. Playpens help contain your dog similar to a dog crate or kennel, but unlike crates and kennels, playpens are designed to exhibit plenty of room for your dog to play around. Likewise, playpens don’t provide a semi-permanent shelter but are meant to be used only for a limited time.

Dog Playpens

Playpens are comprised of connecting panels that you can quickly assemble for use and then fold for storage. You can find playpens with varying materials and sizes to match your dog. You can choose from plastic, nylon, and metal. Some playpens feature pads on the bottom, while some have to sit directly on the floor. You may want to choose one that comes with a roof or cover so you can place the playpen outdoors. The best Dog playpens can be constructed for both indoor and outdoor use. 

Owners with puppies benefit the most from the best dog playpens. Puppies are just like toddlers who can’t be left unattended. Unfortunately, we simply can’t sit all day long in front of our puppies. We need to generate income, prepare meals, clean the house, and shop for groceries. Hiring a reputable dog nanny can be uneconomical, while locking your dog in the basement is quite insensitive.

Benefits of a Dog Playpen

A Playpen Can be Extremely Handy for a Growing Puppy

Again, puppies are just like toddlers who need to be closely monitored in the house to keep them safe and out of trouble. A dog playpen allows your curious little canine to explore (with the things you provide him) and play safely with his brothers or with his toys. Playpens are large enough to accommodate a happy bunch and still have room for toys galore. Likewise, you can put food and water bowls inside.

A Playpen Keeps Your Garden from Becoming Infested with Burrows

Dogs are mini archaeologists. They love to dig holes and unearth hidden treasures below. Such trait is ingrained in their ancestors who dig for food and create cozy burrows during hot weather. Modern dogs need not do any of these because their owners provide them food and shelter, but boredom makes a dog do random and often disagreeable things. Setting up an outdoor dog playpen is a great way to provide your dog with some activity. It may not be as fun as a romp or a walk in the park, but it helps keep your dog occupied. He can at least enjoy a scenic view, watch birds fly, and so on.

 A Playpen Allows Your Dog to Hang Out with You

Dogs are social animals and are happiest when they are with you. Most of all, dogs possess an altruistic instinct to protect their owners. As a result, they want to keep an eye on you all the time. It’s such a shame to leave your dog indoors and have him watch you pensively from the window. For instance, while you tend the garden, a playpen allows your dog to hang out with you even when you are busy. There are times that you need to separate your dog from guests, but rather than isolating your dog in the basement, a playpen allows your furry buddy to enjoy barbecue just as much with your friends around.

A Playpen is Ideal for Travelling

Dogs enjoy holidays too! A playpen is quite handy during camps or trips to the beach. It allows you to supervise furry playgroups and prevent your dog from getting into mischief so you and your pooch can enjoy your outing. Playpens are easy to pack and store.

1. MidWest Homes for Pets Dog Playpen

MidWest Homes playpen is by far the best-selling playpen in the market and has helped resolve countless doggie dilemmas worldwide. Such a playpen is ideal for containing large and working breeds. It provides plenty of space so your dog feels comfortable while simultaneously offering you the liberty and peace of mind to carry out important matters. This playpen also provides a safe and spacious enclosure for mommy dogs and their puppies. You don’t have to worry about missing or injured litter anymore.

MidWest Homes for Pets Foldable Metal Exercise Pen Review

With eight panels included, rest assured that this playpen offers plenty of square footage for your dog. It allows your dog to stand, sit, lie down, and eat, among many other things. Among the MidWest Homes playpen’s best features is the black e-coat finish that enhances the playpen’s aesthetic quality and provides it with protection against corrosion and rust. This unit is simply built to last! Moreover, setting up the MidWest Homes playpen is an easy feat. The playpen is specially designed in such a way that it doesn’t require tools or any help from a DIY expert. Likewise, storing it is just as easy since the whole unit can be folded flat and requires minimal space for storage. Since assembly is quick and easy, you can always use this playpen both indoors and outdoors.

Moving on, the MidWest Homes playpen is the perfect equipment for people who love taking their furry buddy as they travel for family outings. It allows you and your dog to enjoy the fresh air. Family outings should be fun, and worrying about your dog chasing crabs or little children should not be part of it. The playpen includes ground anchors and corner stabilizers to withstand wind when used outdoors. In addition, it features a double latch door access for added security.

Having a playpen also helps encourage your dog to become a bit more independent, especially if he always trails beside you. Likewise, putting your pooch inside the playpen helps him understand his limitations. Lastly, MidWest is a trusted brand and has been in business since 1921.

Pros

  • Features secure double latch door access
  • Exhibits a sophisticated black e-coat finish
  • Does not rust
  • Includes ground anchors and corner stabilizers
  • Provides plenty of room
  • Also ideal for nursing dogs
  • Quick and easy assembly
  • Storage requires minimal space

Cons

  • Clips are made of plastic
  • Does not include bottom cover

2. SmithBuilt Premium Pet Dog Playpen

Many dog owners are hesitant to buy a playpen, thinking it might be inadequate to counter a dedicated escapee. Fortunately, the Smith Built Premium playpen is designed to prevent clever dogs from jumping and crawling their way out of the enclosure. Smith Built Premium is comprised of commercial-grade steel wires firmly welded into a tight-mesh pattern, making it stand durable and tall. The wires are coated with an ultra-durable black epoxy that does not only add a sophisticated appeal but also prevents the unit from rust and corrosion. E-coats and powder coats provide similar finishes, but the epoxy coating is much more resilient. It ensures that the color won’t fade even after being exposed to harsh weather conditions for several years.

SmithBuilt Dog Playpen Review

The Smith Built Premium playpen comes fully assembled, giving you a convenient out-of-the-box experience. The playpen is perfect for all sizes, and the configuration may still depend on your discretion. You may utilize all eight panels to create an enclosure large enough for your dog to play in. If you have a smaller pooch, you may reduce the number of panels used. Just make sure it still has room for his toys, food, and water bowls. Likewise, this feature also allows you to vary its shape depending on the space available. What is more, you can purchase another unit to create a much larger playpen for a happy bunch. Your pets can happily romp inside the playpen instead of running amuck in your garden or chasing the ice cream man at the park.

In addition, the Smith Built Premium playpen is intended for both indoor and outdoor use. The unit is lightweight and portable. It weighs roughly 30 pounds and folds down flat. Storing the product is just as easy as reassembling it, so you can take it wherever you go with your dog. The product also comes with a bag for traveling purposes.

Unfortunately, the Smith Built Premium playpen has received a handful of complaints. For one, the product tends to slide around on wooden and tiled floors. To prevent this, it is advisable that you place a bottom cover. Second, the unit’s tight-meshed pattern can injure a dog’s paw (especially a small one) if he tries to squeeze his paws through the openings. This, of course, depends on how hyperactive your dog is. Lastly, the product is lightweight and not structurally sound for an agile dog who weighs much more than the unit itself.

Nonetheless, the Smith Built Premium is much more affordable compared to other models. It comes with a case, which is a plus. If you love to take your furry buddy with you during outings, this will make an easy choice.

  • Pros
  • Suitable for small to large dogs
  • Easy configuration
  • Black epoxy finish
  • Exemplary rust protection
  • Budget-friendly
  • Lightweight and portable
  • Comes with a case
  • Stands tall
  • Multifunctional
  • Can be used indoors and outdoors
  • Fully assembled
  • Can be folded easily

Cons

  • Less sturdy compared to other models
  • Accidentally moves on shiny floors

3. BestPet Heavy Duty Dog Playpen

The Best Pet heavy-duty playpen highlights its solid construction made of steel wire of a considerable gauge attached to 0.5-inch steel tubing, making the unit incredibly sturdy. A structurally sound product like the Best Pet heavy-duty playpen is ideal for dedicated escape artists and dogs with separation anxiety (who tend to chew on almost everything.)

The unit is designed for small to medium breeds such as Boston Terriers, Beagles, and Bassett Hounds, among others. 

BestPet Heavy Duty Pet Playpen Review

Using all its panels, the Best Pet heavy-duty playpen provides a twenty-eight square feet enclosure for your dog. Your pooch will surely love the extra space where he can circle around like a worm or lie spread eagle. You may also add a bed and a few toys inside. Unfortunately, this playpen stands 40” tall only; hence, it isn’t tall enough for large dogs who are part-kangaroo. This unit is unsuitable for dogs weighing over 50 pounds as well: heavy, hyperactive dogs can knock it over.

Moving on, the playpen can be constructed in various ways to suit different areas of your home or yard. Its configuration is limited only by your creativity. Such a feature is unique to Best Pet. The playpen does not limit you to just a square or rectangular shape. Assembling the playpen is child’s play and does not require any tool. Best Pet understands how clever dogs are, so they make sure the unit’s door comes with a latch for extra security.

Also, this playpen exhibits an attractive aesthetic. Some manufacturers tend to compromise design, but a product’s aesthetic appeal is also an important consideration for many owners. The unit’s steel wires have a black coating to help resist weather elements that may corrode or rust the product. Best Pet heavy-duty playpen is designed for indoor and outdoor use. You can always transfer the unit from your room to the patio. Easy to store and transport, you can always bring the playpen with you during family trips and outings.

Pros

  • Solid construction
  • Aesthetically pleasing
  • Portable
  • Multifunctional
  • Easy and tool-free setup
  • Unique configuration

Cons

  • Only for small to medium-sized dogs
  • Does not include an anchoring system

4. Oxgord Heavy Duty Portable Metal Dog Playpen

The Oxford Folding Exercise Playpen is an excellent choice if you are looking for ways to corral puppies or small dogs. This playpen is made of high-quality steel. Apart from aesthetic purposes, the playpen’s metal construction is coated to help withstand wear and tear so the product can last for a long period of time. This unit is not reinforced by the standards required for large, heavy dogs but it makes a great enclosure for pets who aren’t much of a leaper. Although this unit is quite heavy, its mass helps prevent an overactive dog from knocking it down.

Moving on, assembling the Oxford Folding Exercise Playpen is an easy task and does not require any tool at all. This playpen exhibits an octagonal shape and is 64” wide; thereby providing your pet sufficient space for playtime.

Oxgord Heavy Duty Portable Metal Exercise Dog Playpen Review

It is also large enough to accommodate a small dog or a dozen puppies. As for storing, you may easily fold the equipment and make it flat; hence, requiring only minimal storage space. This playpen includes ground anchors to help keep it firmly in place even when it’s breezy.

The Oxford Folding Exercise Playpen is much more affordable compared to other units, but affordability doesn’t always mean inferior in quality. It is stated that it isn’t designed to withstand a brunt of a large dog, but this playpen is sufficient for the needs of a puppy or a small breed.

 Furthermore, what makes the Oxford Folding Exercise Playpen notable is its airplane-approved warranty, which is a rare feature among dog equipment. If you have a pooch you love to take along during long travels via air flight, the Oxford Folding Exercise Playpen would be the best solution.

Pros

  • Approved by airlines
  • Budget-friendly
  • Easy configuration
  • Spacious octagonal shape

Cons

  • Heavy and hard to carry

5. IRIS Plastic Dog Playpen -34 Inch

The IRIS Indoor-Outdoor Plastic Playpen is perfect for cuddly toy dogs to the gentle giants. As its name suggests, this playpen is multifunctional and can be used indoors and outdoors alternately. Such a playpen is apparently made of heavy-duty molded plastic. Don’t confuse ‘plastic’ with cheap or low quality though. Heavy-duty plastic is, in fact, sturdy and long-lasting. What is more, plastic requires minimal upkeep and will eventually help you save money. Know that IRIS is among the trusted US brands that offer a line of high-quality pet equipment.

IRIS Exercise Panel Pet Playpen with Door - 34 Inch Review

The IRIS Indoor-Outdoor playpen is specially designed to withstand wear and tear. Since it is made of heavy-duty molded plastic, this playpen will never corrode even if it is frequently exposed to the elements. Take note that a rust-proofed playpen is highly crucial to prevent your pet from acquiring tetanus due to a rusty wire. Likewise, its heavy-duty plastic construction makes it durable yet lightweight.

The IRIS Indoor-Outdoor playpen comprises eight panels, plus you can add two more if more room is needed. It measures 63” x 63” and 34” high. With two additional panels, you will have a total of 21 square feet of space for your dog to play around. However, the two additional panels are sold separately.

Assembling this playpen is child’s play and won’t take much of your time. With its slide-in and full-length connecting rods, you can interlock the panels securely in a jiffy. Likewise, storing the playpen is just as easy. Simply fold and place it somewhere. Since it’s lightweight, you can always bring the playpen with you during vacations.

Moreover, this playpen features a non-skid rubber foot that protects wooden and marble floors from scratches. This is such a handy feature, especially for indoor use, since metallic playpens tend to mark floors. With proper use and care, this product will last for several years. 

In addition, the playpen is visually appealing and is available in different colors: blue Moon, chocolate, chrome, dark gray, everglade, Garnet, and white. The unit is also very easy to clean and disinfect, so you can always maintain a hygienic environment for your pet.

Pros

  • Features non-skid rubber feet
  • Made of heavy-duty plastic
  • Does not corrode
  • Easy assembly
  • Easy storage
  • Easy to clean
  • Lightweight and portable
  • Looks cute and comes in different colors
  •  Can attach two more panels for extra room

Cons

  • May not be tall enough for a large dog who habitually leaps out
  • A large, brawny, overactive dog may push the playpen
  • Not suitable for chewers
  • Color may bleach over time

6. IRIS Plastic Dog Playpen -24 Inch

You don’t want your puppy to grow up only to become a huge, menacing ball of fluff who freely struts around the house and lies in wait for guests he could terrorize. Disciplining your canine buddy is always the right thing to do, and what better way than to start during his puppyhood?

Putting your puppy inside the playpen provides your pooch with a comfortable and safe spot of his own as he goes through basic puppy training. A playpen should be pleasing enough for your pooch; otherwise, he would think of it as a doggie prison and he’ll do everything to escape. This can be made possible with the IRIS Pet Playpen. This playpen is designed to safely secure your beloved furballs during training, exercise, or playtime out in the yard.

IRIS Pet Playpen with Door, 24-Inch Review

The IRIS Pet Playpen includes four sturdy panels that measure 24” in height. When assembled, this playpen provides a total of eight square feet of room. Made of heavy-duty plastic, rest assured that this playpen will never rust and can stand the test of time. Likewise, you don’t have to worry about how your puppy might outgrow the playpen. This pen can accommodate small adult breeds.

The IRIS Pet Playpen uses full-length connecting rods that keep the panels firmly in place. Simply fold the playpen when not in use. In addition, this playpen has non-skid rubber feet to protect your floor from scratches. IRIS Pet Playpen is much lighter than metal playpens, which makes it more convenient to travel with. This unit can be used indoors and outdoors alternately. It is also very easy to clean.

Pros

  • Provides 8 sq. ft. of space for puppies or small breeds
  • Has non-skid rubber feet for floor protection
  • Dual-purpose
  • From a reputable brand
  • Easy to assemble
  • Easy to store
  • Easy to clean
  • Does not rust

Cons

  • A heavy dog may push it around
  • Expect chew marks

Conclusion

With so many choices, choosing that one playpen for your beloved dog can be a challenge, so we narrowed down the six best-sellers for your utmost convenience. You don’t have to search further than these six playpens. All are made from safe, high-quality materials that stand up to their claims. Rest assured that your furry buddies will have a safe and comfortable environment that is also easy to assemble, take down, and even transport. No matter how adorable and clingy your pet may be to you, some boundaries should be set for your furry buddy. Not only is this advantageous for you, but it is also just as beneficial to your canine companion. It encourages your dog to be independent and well-disciplined. 

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