May
My name’s Toni and I have two Cavoodle puppies. Having a portable puppy pen was a lifesaver in the early days of bringing my fur babies home!
They allow you to contain your puppies in a secure area, so you don’t have to supervise them constantly. Today, I’m going to share my advice on choosing the best portable puppy pen.
Best Portable Puppy Playpen
As an owner of two Cavoodles, I know firsthand the importance of having a safe, contained area for your puppies. Puppy playpens are a must-have for new puppy owners!
Features to Look For
When shopping for a portable puppy playpen, look for sturdy construction, lightweight materials for easy transport, and an opening door for easy access.
I think a metal playpen is superior over a mesh or fabric playpen – metal can be wiped down easier and puppies can’t chew a hole in it with their sharp puppy teeth.
Benefits
Playpens allow you to contain your puppy in a safe area without you needing to supervise it constantly. This is especially important in the first few months before puppies are toilet trained. You don’t want them wandering your house unsupervised and making a mess!
Puppies can use their pens for both play and rest. Portable pens have the added benefit of being able to be used on the go – visiting friends’ houses, playing indoors or outdoors, and camping.
Somerzby Arena Portable Puppy Pen
Somerzby’s Arena is a durable playpen that will last the lifetime of your dog. It folds flat for convenient storage and has an opening door with 2 sliding latches.
The Arena playpen can be used for puppies, small dogs, rabbits and guinea pigs. Visit our website to see our full range of dog playpens or to order online.
How to Choose the Right Size
Playpens come in a variety of sizes so it’s important you consider how much space your puppy will need. Here are some tips to help you select the perfect fit.
Standard Sizing
A playpen for 1 or 2 puppies should be at least 1 metre squared. The Somerzby Arena Playpen offers approximately 1.2 metres squared of run space.
You can join multiple Arenas together if you want to create an extra large area for your puppies to play.
Considering Your Puppy’s Growth
Consider how long you want your puppy to use the playpen and then think about how fast their breed grows. It may be beneficial to look for playpens with adjustable or removable panels that can expand as your pup grows.
Some playpens come in multiple sizes to fit different dog breeds and life stages.
Ensuring Adequate Space for Play and Rest
Consider what the playpen will be used for. Exercise pens that will contain your puppy during playtime will need extra room for running around.
If you are only using the playpen for sleep overnight, you could get away with a slightly smaller pen. Allow room for bedding, blankets and a training pad.
Setting Up and Using Your Portable Puppy Pen
Now that you’ve chosen the perfect portable puppy pen, it’s time to set it up and introduce your furry friend to their new space. Here are some tips to help you get started.
Choosing the Best Location
Set up your puppy’s playpen in a safe, quiet area of your home away from hazards like electrical cords or furniture.
Choose a location with easy access to outdoor potty areas if possible. If using a playpen outdoors, select a level spot with shade and shelter from the elements.
Introducing Your Puppy to the Playpen
Introduce your puppy to their new playpen gradually, with plenty of positive reinforcement. Place familiar bedding, toys and treats inside to create a comforting environment.
Start with short periods of confinement and gradually increase the duration as your puppy becomes more comfortable.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Regular cleaning is essential to keep your puppy’s playpen hygienic and odour-free. Wipe down the frame and mesh panels with a pet-safe disinfectant.
If you chose a playpen with a floor, ensure it has a removable, washable liner. Inspect the playpen for signs of damage and repair or replace as needed.
Portable puppy play pens offer a safe, comfy space for your pup to play and rest. They are ideal for travel and help with potty training.
Safety Tips
While portable puppy playpens are a great way to keep your furry friend safe and secure, it’s important to follow some basic safety guidelines to ensure your pet’s well-being.
Supervising Your Puppy in the Playpen
For the first week of use, supervise your puppy in the playpen. You want to watch for signs of distress or attempts to escape. Once you are confident the playpen is secure, you can leave your puppy unsupervised for short periods.
Avoiding Hazards
Ensure the playpen is high quality and no small parts could be pulled off by the puppy (such as zippers or handles). Keep the playpen free of small objects or toys that could pose a choking hazard.
Avoid placing the playpen near windows, balconies or other dangerous areas. Secure the playpen’s latches and doors to prevent accidental escapes or collapses.
Ensuring Proper Ventilation and Temperature Control
Choose a playpen with adequate ventilation to prevent overheating, especially in warm weather. If using the playpen outdoors, provide shade and access to fresh water.
In cooler temperatures, ensure your puppy has warm bedding and draft-free shelter. Monitor your puppy for signs of discomfort or distress.
Playpen Accessories and Add-Ons
To make your portable puppy playpen even more comfortable and functional for your furry friend, consider adding some accessories and add-ons.
Shade Covers
Consider what weather conditions your puppy will be exposed to and plan accordingly. If the pet playpen will be outside in the sun, consider buying a shade cover to go on top.
Look for covers made of breathable, lightweight fabric that attach securely to the playpen frame. Some covers have zippered openings for easy access and ventilation.
Mats and Flooring
If your playpen will be outside on the grass, you may prefer a pen that is open to the ground. This will allow your puppies to play directly on the grass and enjoy the smells of outdoors.
If your playpen will be indoors, you may want to consider adding a mat or playpen flooring onto the base. This will provide a non-slip surface for your puppies to run on plus protect your floors.
Mats with waterproof backing are especially beneficial at protecting your floor from toilet accidents.
Carry Bags
If you are planning to regularly transport your portable puppy playpen, consider buying a carry bag.
Look for bags made of sturdy, lightweight materials with padded handles and shoulder straps. Some cases have wheels for easy mobility. Ensure the bag or case is sized appropriately for your specific playpen model.
Toni’s Wrap
A portable puppy pen can provide peace of mind. By safely containing your puppy, you know it is safe and won’t wander your house wreaking havoc.
When choosing a playpen, consider the features included, the size needed, where it will be located and if it is safe.
Here at Somerzby, we offer a great portable puppy pen called the Arena . It is easy to move and folds flat for transport and storage.
