A puppy pen is different from a dog crate because it is for socialisation and playtime as opposed to sleeping. They should be large enough for your puppy to run around in, but tall enough to prevent escapes. If you will have a litter of puppies, and need even more space, buying a pen that can be extended and changed to suit your needs is a great idea. Your playpen is not a prison, and you should never keep your dog in there for prolonged periods. It is only for temporary situations when they can’t be supervised, such as overnight or when you’re out of the room. It’s made of coated wire which should help it last, and make it easier to use outside. The pen is easy to set up: Just unfold and latch together with the enclosed clips. It folds flat for storage and to be moved, but it can be heavy, so it likely won’t be something you want to unfold and set up every day.

We tested 19 different dog pens in our New York lab, evaluating a wide range of pens for qualities like versatility, stability, and how easy they were to set up. Several models were tested in at-home environments as well. We also spoke to long-time puppy fosters, rescue volunteers, and trainers for additional insight in what you should look for when shopping for a new dog pen. There are two choices here; a metallic pen or a fabric one. The former is the most traditional, and it still allows your dog to look out and see what is going on around them. It is also unchewable and the bars should be close enough to prevent squeezing out – we dismissed any with complaints. The EliteField 2-Door Dog & Cat Playpen isn’t all that suitable for rambunctious or big dogs. Energetic pups can tip the playpen over or climb out. Teething puppies can chew the canvas or netting. Because it’s so portable and lightweight, it might be a good option for young puppies or older small dogs, particularly at nap time when they need a safe place to stay. Exercise pens (sometimes called “x-pens”) are simple playpens made of metal or plastic. They usually have about six or eight side panels that connect together so the entire pen can be configured in a square, rectangle, or octagon shape. This Frisco pen comes in five different heights, which you choose based on your dog’s size and interest in climbing.With Kennelstore, you can be sure to find something that meets your requirements. Not looking for a playpen? Then we offer plenty of other products for you and your pets; from dog runs and dog beds, to dog cabins and bowls. Essentially, they are all the same; housings for a dog to stay in outside. Different people just call them different names. However, you won't find us using the phrase "dog cage" much. Will you have the right dog pen for me? Mesh pens are the least expensive option but also the least durable. A mesh pen isn’t the best for teeth puppies and dogs that enjoy chewing as they could potentially cause themselves harm. Mesh cages are best suited to older dogs and dogs that would rather chill out than chew. Mesh pens are also fairly lightweight and so can be transported easily. Mesh pens are also harder to clean than metal or plastic pens. A dog that jumps high and taller dogs will need a pen tall enough to keep them contained. Any dog can learn to escape a pen, so it's important to teach dogs how to settle in their pen and be respectful of the boundaries instead of jumping up at its sides,” Viera says. “Jumping is not the only way dogs escape their pen. Some dogs will also climb over. Spend a little time working with your dog and buy a sturdy and tall pen to prevent these issues." Portability

The heavy weight makes it great for big or rowdy dogs, but it’s probably not the best choice for traveling. It’s available in a couple of different heights so you can choose based on the current (or projected) size of your puppy.

The step-through door is convenient for humans, but can be high for a small dog. Depending on the size of the pen, there are 1-2 latches on the gate. The gate just sits inside hinges, so it can come off if you move the pen or lift up the door. Unlike some pens, this one has a step-through door, which makes it easy to walk in when you need to feed your pup or clean up any messes. The door has two sturdy latches which are difficult for pets to open, but sometimes tough for people too. You often hear about 'house cats', but this is far less common for dogs. This is because they have a lot more energy that they need to get out their system, and so often need to go outside to let loose. This is why you rarely see people walking cats. This means that, over centuries, dogs have learnt to love being outside - you may often catch them gazing out the window and daydreaming. Therefore, dogs will always be happy to spend time outside and this is why you find that a lot of dogs enjoy their outdoor kennels. We looked for pens that are not only generous in size but can also be extended at a later date if needed, such as if your puppy grows. You can often buy separate panels from manufacturers and then link them all together with ease. Height

This metal pen is easy to set up and take down, but it’s even easier than some because there’s a built-in latch instead of clips. Clips can get wonky from puppy chewing and it’s easy to lose them when you store the pen. (Tip: Clip them all on the top.) Set-up instructions are easy to follow and it has a clip to keep the pen together when folded. Puppies can also run off all their energy in a playpen, with toys and other enrichment aids. This not only helps you out a lot, but it keeps your home safe too. After all, leaving a puppy to have free rein in your home could result in disaster (and possibly even danger). You should look for something which collapses down for storage when not in use. Whether you think you’ll need it again one day, or will save it for those ‘just in case’ situations, you won’t want it sitting out forever.Plastic sets a mid-point between price and durability and is also suitable for indoor and outdoor use. Within the house, plastic is many people’s first choices, as they think about the scratches a metal pen may cause to their floors and that metal could potentially become sharp and harm an animal. But, on the other hand, plastic is easily chewable and your dog may chew their way out of the pen and get hold of your favourite slippers. Plastic is a bad choice for puppies or smaller dogs that may be going through teething or just enjoy chewing things. Plastic pens are, however, easily transported. Made from the highest quality materials available, they give you the peace of mind you deserve, by ensuring your dog is safe and secure in their own space away from the home. The most vital thing when thinking about size is perhaps the height. The best for you depends on whether your dog is a bit of a climber or jumper. Something around 2-3 feet is usually the standard, so you may need a crate with a top or a cover if yours could jump over this, or look for one which is extra tall. Many people buy puppy pens for their rabbits, yes. These are used indoors as a run area, or outside to keep them safe when out of the hutch.