Does your dog love to run around and play, but you don’t have a fenced area to allow them to run free? Are you afraid to give them the run of the house because they may destroy items and make a mess? Collapsible dog playpens can allow you to keep your dog contained to a specific area while giving them a safe place to play.
This post will look at what collapsible dog playpens are and how to choose the best one for your dog.
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Related: Heavy Duty Dog Gate For Large Dogs, The Best Travel Dog Pen For Large Dogs
What Is A Collapsible Dog Playpen?
A dog playpen is a barrier, similar to a fence, that keeps your dog contained. It allows for a large or small area for your dog to play in (depending on the size you get).
A collapsible dog playpen is a temporary playpen that can be put up and taken down without any equipment, allowing for easy set up and portability.
Are Dog Playpens A Good Idea?
Dog playpens allow your dog to have their own space to relax and play without the confinement of a crate.
They can be used to keep your dog safe in a specific area of your home or yard.
Collapsible dog playpens are able to be used when traveling or when attending an outdoor event.
What Are The Types Of Collapsible Dog Playpens?
There are several types of collapsible dog playpens available. These include soft sided, metal, and plastic playpens.
Soft Sided Collapsible Dog Playpens
Soft sided collapsible dog playpens are made of a cloth material. They are generally suited for small dogs. These playpens have a bottom and a removable top and can be used both indoors and outdoors.
Pros
- Soft material to avoid injury.
- Has mesh windows for ventilation.
- Folds for storage.
- Can be used both inside and outside.
- Top can be removed to allow greater airflow or left on for shade.
Cons
- Not suitable for all dog sizes.
- Aggressive dogs can tear or chew a hole through it.
- May be difficult to fold closed after use.
Metal Collapsible Dog Playpens
Metal dog playpens are, of course, made of metal. These are best suited to be used outdoors. They can be put into various configurations, allowing for it to be placed in any size area in your yard. Most metal playpens also have a door that you and your dog can walk through. Since metal playpens are made to be used outdoors, they come with anchors to keep them grounded into place.
Pros
- Can contain dogs of varying sizes.
- Dogs are not able to chew through the metal.
- Folds flat when not in use.
- Door allows you to walk into and out of the area instead of stepping over the pen to get inside.
- Able to be put into different configurations.
Cons
- Metal can rust.
- Aggressive dogs may knock it over.
- There isn’t a cover to offer shade.
Plastic Collapsible Dog Playpens
Plastic playpens are similar to metal ones in their set up, but are made of plastic. They can also be configured into different shapes and can accommodate dogs of various sizes. Plastic playpens can be used both indoors and outdoors, however, most do not come with anchors for outside.
Pros
- Can be used outside and inside.
- Won’t rust if outdoors.
- Able to be put into different configurations.
- Folds flat when not in use.
Cons
- Can be easily knocked over.
- Need to supply your own anchors if you are going to use outdoors.
Can I Leave My Dog In A Playpen All Day?
It is not a good idea to leave your dog in a playpen all day long.
If they are outside, your dog will be exposed to the elements including cold, heat, and damp weather that can cause them discomfort or harm.
Your dog may also get bored being stuck in one area for an extended period of time, leading to destructive behavior.
For these reasons, it is best to have them in the pen for only a few hours at a time.
Can I Leave My Dog In A Playpen Overnight?
You may want to avoid leaving your dog in a playpen overnight for the same reasons as stated above.
Even if your dog is left indoors, they may still exhibit destructive behavior if they get bored.
Can I Use A Dog Pen Instead Of A Crate?
A dog playpen can be used instead of a crate, however, a crate will provide your dog with more comfort and security, as well as a safe place to sleep and a space to call their own.
How Do I Choose A Dog Playpen?
When choosing a collapsible dog playpen, there are a few things you may want to consider.
- Material. Choose the material that best suits your dog and where you want to keep it.
- Size. Look for a playpen that can accommodate the size of your dog, allowing for room for them to stand up and move around, as well as the height of the pen being tall enough to contain your dog.
- Door. Having a door can allow your dog, as well as you to get into and out of the playpen with greater ease.
- Panels. Some playpens allow for an adjustable size by being able to add panels to the original size to create a larger space.
- Ventilation. Look for plenty of ventilation if you decide to use soft sided collapsible dog playpens. If there isn’t enough, your dog can become overheated.
Best Collapsible Dog Playpens
Here are 6 collapsible dog playpens. Product information is according to the manufacturer. We have included 2 playpens for each material type.
Best Soft Sided Collapsible Dog Playpens
Precision Pet Products Soft Sided Dog Playpen
This playpen includes anchors for it to be used outdoors and has a removable top and bottom for increased ventilation and easier cleaning.
- Nested panels.
- Folds for easy travel.
- Ventilated with mesh panels.
- Side pockets for storage.
- Water resistant.
- Includes ground stakes.
- Removable top and bottom.
- For use indoors and outdoors.
X-Zone Pet Portable Foldable Pet Dog Playpen
This dog playpen has a lockable zipper and a Velcro door.
- Available in multiple sizes.
- Comes in a variety of colors.
- Made of Oxford cloth.
- Polyester lining.
- Mesh panels for circulation.
- Lockable zipper.
- Includes a Velcro door and removable zippered top.
- Waterproof bottom.
- Foldable when not in use.
Check Price At: Amazon
Best Metal Collapsible Dog Playpens
MidWest Wire Dog Exercise Pen With Step Through Door
This playpen has a double latch door, comes with ground anchors, and can be set to as a circle or a square.
- Available in multiple sizes.
- Double latch door.
- Black E-coat finish.
- Includes ground anchors and corner stabilizers to keep it in place.
- Folds flat.
- Can be set up in a circle or a square.
- Tools not needed to set up.
FXW Rollick Dog Playpen
This dog playpen is available in different heights, has a gravity door, and round top stakes to avoid any injury to your dog.
- Available in various sizes.
- Comes in different heights.
- Assembles without tools.
- Can be configured into different shapes.
- For outdoor use.
- Stakes have rounded ball tops to prevent injury.
- Door has an automatic gravity action locking mechanism to ensure your dog can’t open it themselves.
Check Price At: Amazon
Best Plastic Collapsible Dog Playpens
MyPet Petyard Passage Plastic Dog Pen
This playpen allows for the addition of panels to change its size, has a door, and includes a carry strap for easy portability.
- Weather resistant.
- Folds easily.
- Includes a carry strap.
- Can add or remove panels to customize the size.
- 6 panel and 8 panel pens include a dog door to allow your dog to come and go as they please.
- The petyard plus comes with a door to keep them inside the pen until you let them out.
Iris USA Exercise Pet Playpen
This dog playpen has non-skid bottoms for indoor use and has a door with a pet proof lock.
- Available in two colors.
- Comes in various sizes.
- Door with pet proof lock.
- Non-skid bottoms.
- Folds flat.
- Can be configured into different shapes.
- Made in the USA.
Collapsible dog playpens provide your dog with space to romp around while keeping them in a safe space in your home or yard.
Please check out our other posts on Health, Indoor, Outdoor, and Travel accessories for your dog, as well as Reviews of various products and travel destinations.