The Best Dog Pens

From the time you first get your puppy, a dog pen is a lifesaver that helps you preserve your furniture and house train your dog. It can be difficult to keep watch at all times, so getting your dog used to playing, sleeping, and relaxing in their pen can be a huge relief. There are so many different sizes and designs to choose from, so we've compiled a list to help you pick the best one for your pup. While we were researching dog pens, we found that the best ones are durable, easy to clean, and easy to assemble. With these things in mind, our favorite dog pen is a metal design made by Amazon Basics. This dog pen comes in various sizes and has eight sides so you can change the shape of the pen based on your space. This is a durable pen that is made from rust-proof metal and can be set up quickly without the use of any tools. We also love the plastic dog pen from Iris USA because it can easily be wiped clean or rinsed with a hose to remove any dirt. Keep reading to discover a dog pen that you and your furry friend will love.

Amazon Basics Foldable Metal Dog Playpen

Safe and sound

Your dog will love having so much space to play and take naps in this versatile pen.
Best Overall

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This dog pen from Amazon Basics is a great option if you want to try using one with your dog for the first time. The pen is made up of eight panels that can be positioned in different ways to make an octagon, rectangle, or square-shaped space for your pet. This durable dog pen is available in different heights to keep your pup from jumping over the panels, and each size comes with a door that can be secured from the outside. Keep your dog inside or let them wander freely in and out of their new play area.

Pros:

  • We like that this dog pen is durable thanks to the rust-proof coating on the metal panels.
  • Multiple dog pens can be joined together to create a larger area for your dog to play in.
  • This dog pen can be set up indoors or outdoors depending on where you need it most. Plus, it comes with stakes to secure it to the ground outside.

Cons:

  • If your dog is strong enough they may be able to move the pen around when it is set up indoors and not secured to anything.

Iris USA Dog Playpen with Door

Home sweet home

Set up this dog pen to be a resting place where your pup can go throughout the day.
Runner Up

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Whether you have a large or petite dog, you’re going to love this dog pen from Iris USA. The sturdy plastic design can be purchased with four, six, or eight panels depending on what you need. The panels snap together to make a safe and secure place for your dog and one of the panels has a door that locks in place. This makes it a great option for keeping new puppies from escaping. You won’t be disappointed with this dog pen in your life.

Pros:

  • There are rubber feet on the base of each plastic panel to keep the dog pen from sliding and scratching your floors.
  • We like that this dog pen is easy to set up without tools. It takes less than ten minutes to assemble it for your dog.

Cons:

  • This dog pen doesn’t come with a cover to keep your dog from jumping out of the pen.

Ruff ‘n Ruffus Portable Pet Playpen

Fold it flat

Use this dog pen at home or when you travel so your dog always has a place to call their own.
Best For Indoor Use

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If you aren’t prepared to set up a permanent dog pen in your home, this playpen from Ruff ‘n Ruffus is the perfect alternative. Lightweight and super simple to assemble, this dog pen is made from a durable and water-resistant fabric that can be easily cleaned. It even comes in a carrying case and pops up to reveal a roomy and breathable space for your pet. Each of the eight sides has a mesh center to keep it cool inside and a zippered door to let your dog in and out.

Pros:

  • We like that there is an additional zippered opening on the top of the dog pen that is especially useful for puppies and small dogs. You’ll be able to put them in and lift them out without having to open the zippered door.
  • This dog pen is easy to travel with since it folds completely flat and can be carried in the included case.

Cons:

  • While the fabric is water-resistant, it isn’t waterproof. This could be an issue if your dog has an accident inside their dog pen.

North States Mypet Petyard Passage

Easy entry

Give your dog free reign of their space with this sturdy dog pen.
Best With Dog Door

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North States Mypet has created a spacious and durable dog pen that your furry friend will love using. This dog pen has eight plastic panels that are tall enough to keep large dogs in the space. Plus, the entire pen offers 34.4 square feet for your dog to play in. There is a built-in dog door that can be locked or unlocked as you wish. This dog pen can be set up indoors or outdoors to create the perfect haven for your pup.

Pros:

  • This dog pen comes with a carry strap that can be used to carry all of the panels together when the pen is dismantled.
  • We like that you can reduce the size of this dog pen by removing panels to create a smaller space for your dog.

Cons:

  • The dog door isn’t big enough for large dogs like golden retrievers and German shepherds to fit through.

Zeny Foldable Metal Pet Playpen

A safe space

Customize this dog pen to fit your home whether you have a little room or a lot.
Most Versatile

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Made from heavy-duty metal, this dog pen from Zeny was designed to keep your pets safely inside. The panels have hinges that allow you to customize the pen to create a rectangular, octagonal, or even an L-shaped space. The top of each panel is made from rounded metal that won’t hurt your dog if they jump up to greet you. Fold this dog pen flat when you’re not using it to get back your space either indoors or outdoors.

Pros:

  • Multiple dog pens can be attached to create a large play area for your dog, which is a great option if you are planning on using this dog pen outdoors.
  • We like that this dog pen can be purchased at 24 inches or 40 inches tall. This means you can pick the best height for your dog depending on their size.

Cons:

  • This dog pen doesn’t come with bumper pads to protect your floors from getting scratched by the metal base.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a dog pen to house train my puppy?

Yes, absolutely. Most dog pens don’t have a base, so you can either place disposable puppy training pads or a washable mat under the pen to protect your floors. But house training your puppy is more than just teaching them where to do their business. You could use a dog pen as a place where they can rest throughout the day. At first, you will have to teach them that this is where they should go for a nap, but after a short time, they will happily go in their pen on their own. There are different ways to use a dog pen for training your puppy so feel free to get creative and do what works best for your situation.

Why would I want to set up a dog pen outdoors?

An outdoor dog pen is a great way to set boundaries for your dog. If you don’t have a fence around your yard or if you want to limit your dog to one spot, you can set up a dog pen to create a backyard area just for your dog. This allows your dog to play, rest, and do their business in this one area of the yard, where they can’t get into very much trouble. And if you really want to give your dog freedom you could set up a dog door that leads directly to the dog pen so they can move in and out as they please.

About the Author

Danielle is a proud dog mom of the friendliest golden retriever named Juniper. Even on bad days, Juniper has that uncanny ability to cheer her up. As a big-time dog lover, Danielle wants every person to know the joy that comes with having a four-legged friend in their lives. You can count on Danielle to find the best products for you and your pet.

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