On the Fence About Crates? Opt for a Puppy Pen
Because we all need to set boundaries sometimes
Share Article
Speak to any dog trainer for a few minutes and you’ll probably hear the phrase “set your puppy up for success”. That’s because pets, like humans, respond well to positive affirmations, and laying the groundwork for your new relationship early on can make all the difference. But how do I create this foundation, you might be asking? Well, it’s all about getting ahead of the curve and eliminating possible negative distractions so you can spend your time rewarding all the good things your pup does.
Why give your puppy all the options in the world when they couldn’t possibly know the difference between a Jimmy Chew toyopens in a new tab and your very expensive and very real Jimmy Choos? Instead, help your pup make good choices by setting boundaries, both literal and figurative.
One go-to tool that trainers count on is a puppy pen, otherwise known as an exercise or play pen, which separates your pup from any possible troublesome temptations. As the name implies, your puppy will begin to recognise this as a space where only good things happen: play, exercise, enrichment toysopens in a new tab, learning and rewards. Of course, it’s never for punishment, isolation or the ‘naughty step’ treatment.
“Puppy pens are a life saver for new puppy owners,” says dog trainer Aislynn Ross. “Puppy pens help so much with toilet training, teaching them independence and keeping your pup safe.” It can also be used to thoughtfully manage interactions with childrenopens in a new tab, new people or other dogs, keeping your puppy and other members of the household feeling safe and secure.
From soft-sided portable pens and convertible room dividers to aesthetic-friendly wooden versions, there’s a range of options to suit you and your dog’s needs. We’ve pulled together five puppy-friendly pens that will set both you and your new dog up for success.
Btw, our editors (and their pets) picked out these products. They’re always in stock at the time we publish, but there’s a chance they’ll sell out. If you do buy through our links, we may earn a commission. (We’ve got a lot of toys to buy over here, you know?)
Cory and Jane Turner
Cory and Jane are daughter-mother partners in just about everything including co-founding Dogly, a platform for pets and their people to live well together. They’re parents to a family full of magical rescue dogs and a bossy street cat from Shanghai who are their resident muses, testers of all things, and advisors on the meaning of life.
Related articles
- opens in a new tab
Gimme Shelter: The Best Dog Crates
Spend less time searching for your dog’s house than you do on Rightmove looking for yours
- opens in a new tab
How to Crate Train a Puppy
Effective techniques to crate train your dog with ease
- opens in a new tab
How To Stop a Dog From Pulling on the Lead
Dog trainer Karen B London promises you’re not doomed to be pulled down the street forever
- opens in a new tab
How to Introduce Your New Dog to Your Kids
They’ll always remember their first childhood pet – this intro is just the beginning
- opens in a new tab
Working Pet Parent? Doggie Daycare to the Rescue!
Find one they love, but not so much they won’t want to come home