Top 5: best puppy play pen & baby play pens for dogs

You might think play pens are only for babies, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Pet parents actually use play pens to contain all types of animals, and they are especially beneficial for dogs. If you have an energetic dog that a needs to be contained for one reason or another, the best puppy play pen is just what you need!

One of the best things about dog play pens is that they can be used inside and outdoors. There are many different models to choose one, so you need to know what you want before you go shopping. Make sure you know what size area you’d like the play pen to cover and where you’ll typically be using it.

The best puppy play pen for traveling probably isn’t going to be the best puppy play pen for outdoor use. You also need to think about your dog. If he’s hyperactive and likes to jump, you’re going to need to shop for a durable play pen that can stand up to his weight. If you want one for traveling, you’ll be better off with a lightweight play pen that folds up into an easy-to-carry size.

TOP 5: Best Puppy Play Pen
Keeping Our Young Pups Safe In One of These

1Regalo Super Wide Gate and Play Yard

This four-in-one play yard can be configured into almost any shape possible, fitting a variety of needs. It has an easy-to-open gate enclosure, which makes it hassle-free to walk through. The panels of this play pen by Regalo can be arranged into a large contained area (up to 19 square feet) or a safety gate to section off parts of your home (hardware to mount gate to wall is included).

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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 play pen is extremely versatile, making it a great option no matter your situation. You may attach more than one of these packages together to make a play area as big as you (or, more importantly, your pet) would like!

The metal bars of the Regalo Super Wide Gate and Play Yard 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 and the fact that they don’t have to feel bad about leaving their pooch locked up while they are gone.

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 attached to a wall, it won’t stand up unless the pieces are connected together. The biggest manufacturing defect seems to be 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.

Video: Popular Videos - Playpen & Puppies

Most helpful dog owner’s review (read the full 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…”

2Best Choice Products Baby Playpen

This vibrant playpen from Best Choice Products is a good option for pet owners who don’t mind a little color in their home or apartment. It is available in blue/red/yellow or pink/purple/yellow. You may add or remove any of the eight panels, making it easy to increase or decrease the size as needed.

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It is good quality, and the swinging hinged doors and safety lock ensure that any dog will stay safely inside. Customers say that this best puppy play pen is easy to put together. The versatility this product provides is a major advantage, especially when trying to fit it in irregular spaces.

The plastic material is thick and durable, making it difficult for pets to chew on. The lock is very reliable, as it is on the outside of 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 play pen for your needs.

This gate is definitely catered more to children than pets, as made obvious by the featured picture house, ball spinners, and play telephone on the panels. The stickers that come with the play pen tend to peel off soon after being put on, which may present a choking hazard. Be sure to watch your pet if he or she has a habit of chewing.

Most helpful dog owner’s review (read the full review): “If anyone is looking to keep LO contained a bit while getting something done or has a dog that you need to separate LO from, I HIGHLY recommend this Best Choice 8 panel play yard. When you have it enclosed like an octagon, it’s big enough that LO has plenty of room to crawl or walk around and you can put lots of toys in it. I can lay down flat inside it, so it’s at least 5’9″ in diameter!..”

3North States Superyard Colorplay 8 Panel Playard

This indoor/outdoor play area from North Sates weighs in at less than 30 pounds and features eight colorful panels, as well as 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 just need to be unfolded and secured.

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This product also features skid-resistant pads, which will save hardwood flooring and prevent slipping. Perfect for enclosing pets or prohibiting them from certain spaces of the house, this best puppy play pen 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 seem to 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 difficult than they expected.

The door may be particularly hard to open and close, as you may have to pull up on the gate to make it line up correctly. If you are planning to have a child open or close it, he may not be able to. If you (or your pet) lean against the gate, it may tip over easily as it seems to be less sturdy than other gates customers have tried.

Most helpful dog owner’s review (read the full 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…”

Video: IRIS 4-Panel Pet Pen Features and Benefits

4Summer Infant Secure Surround 6-Panel PlaySafe Playard

This freestanding, portable gate is usable both indoors and outdoors. It is made out of plastic, which allows it to stand up to rain and other moderate weather. Summer Infant made this best puppy play pen 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.

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The walk-thru door allows for easy access, which makes it easy for you and your dog to get in and out of the playard with no issue. It has six panels and comes with an instruction sheet for easy, headache-free assembly. Pet owners like that this gate is taller than many others that are available (it stands at 30 inches in height), which makes it a great option for larger dog breeds.

Customers also verify that the Summer Infant Secure Surround 6-Panel PlaySafe Playard 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 as a way to keep them safe and secure in a section of the house or yard.

Some customers mention that this best puppy play pen is flimsier than some other gates they have used, and if the door isn’t completely closed the whole thing may collapse if it is leaned against or climbed on. Because it is so lightweight and easy to move, your dog can likely move it if he leans against it. If you are planning on using this product on hardwood floors, another product that isn’t as easy to slide may be a better option.

Most helpful dog owner’s review (read the full 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…”

5North States Superyard Ultimate Play Yard

Another best puppy play pen from North States, this one has a few additional features compared to number three on our list. It weighs in at less than 30 pounds and features eight ivory panels, as well as 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 just need to be unfolded and secured.

• Read reviews of other pet owners

This product also features skid-resistant pads, which will save hardwood flooring and prevent slipping. This best puppy play pen is also easy to adjust and move as needed. It’s ideal for dog owners who would like to contain their pet while traveling. You could easily set it up in a hotel room or while visiting family and friends.

If the 8-panel play pen 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 Ultmate 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 play pen for your needs.

Some pet parents stated this play pen was more difficult to put together and take apart than they anticipated. The 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 with opening and closing the door. Consumers also noted that this play yard seems less sturdy than other similar products.

Most helpful dog owner’s review (read the full 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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