Puppies are cute adorable little bundles of energy. They are active and always ready to play. If only we had the same levels of energy and enthusiasm, right? While it is lovely to have a tiny fur ball running around, there will be times when you need them to be still or restricted to one area. But they don’t listen when you ask them to sit and not move, do they?
So how do you keep puppies in one part of the house and also allow them to play?
You need a playpen. Yep, a playpen is a larger version of a dog crate and is more comfortable for puppies. It’s pretty similar to the baby cage, where you can leave your kid to play and not worry about them wandering off or hurting themselves.
Our Top Recommendation For Playpen For Puppies!
Pet One’s puppy pen is made of durable powder-coated steel. The meshing is wide enough to provide a sense of openness without allowing the puppy to pass through it. Contains enough space to romp & play and is very easy to set up and store.
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A playpen for puppies is a safe house that makes them feel secure and gives enough breathing space to not feel suffocated. It also helps you potty train the puppy in less time. You can keep a close eye on the puppy from afar and know that it’s safe and happy in the playpen.
Well, buying a playpen should be easy, isn’t it? After all, there are so many variants and models in the market. And that’s where the problem lies. How do we know which playpen is the best for your puppy? What if the puppy doesn’t like the playpen you bought or finds it scary? No need to worry anymore. We have got answers to your questions.
Best Playpens For Puppies
We’ve tested various playpens in the Australian market and listed the top 5 best playpens for puppies. Read through our reviews to get a better idea and choose the one that’s perfect for your tiny bundle of fur and love.
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | FEATURES | PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|
| PET ONE PUPPY PEN | • Durable • Portable • Easy setup | Check Price |
 | PAWZ PORTABLE DOG PLAYPEN | • Customisable configuration • Connectable fence • Lockable gate | Check Price |
 | PAWZ DOG PLAYPEN | • Rust-proof • Lockable gate • Lightweight | Check Price |
 | Akinerri Pet Playpen | • Looks Appealing. • Good quality fabric and mesh. • Removable and washable top cover. | Check Price |
 | AUSWY Soft Pet Playpen | • Suitable for indoor and outdoor use. • Hassle free to install. • Foldable. | Check Price |
1. PET ONE PUPPY PEN
The Pet One Puppy Pen is a perfect playpen for puppies, especially if they love to explore and you wouldn’t mind finishing a few household tasks while they’re at it. With the Pet One portable puppy enclosure, you can keep your puppy secure while giving them the space they require to run about and play all day.
Durable
The Pet One Puppy Pen is made of powder-coated steel, which ensures a long lifespan and strong durability. This playpen is sturdy and can be fixed to the ground, thus keeping it steady and confining your canine companion securely within the enclosure.
Portable
This Playpen from Pet One is also very easy to store and transport. This puppy playpen can easily be folded and stored in your vehicle or under your furniture when not in use. Moreover, it can also be taken on camping trips or vacations and can easily be relocated if you move apartments.
Easy Setup
Pet One Puppy Pen is also incredibly easy to set up. It has a very simple design, and the panels can easily be connected to one other without any inconvenience as and when needed.
Perfect For Adventurous Puppies
This playpen is a perfect choice for adventurous puppies. It has an optimum height that will not allow your canine companion to leap over or jump through. It securely gives your puppies a big enough space to play around unsupervised. This playpen can also help you in toilet training.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Durable
- Portable
- Easy setup
- Perfect for adventurous puppies
- Aids in toilet training
Cons
- A little pricey
Also Read: 5 Best Luxury Dog Beds in Australia [Expert Choices]
2. PAWZ PORTABLE DOG PLAYPEN
The PaWz Portable Dog Play Pen is another favourite choice among many dog owners. This playpen is pleasant and secure for your pet, and you can Build an enclosure for them outdoors or set them up inside.
Customisable Configuration
The PaWz portable dog playpen is unique in that you can build this enclosure in any shape you want. This feature is extremely helpful in such cases where you’d like to use this product in multiple locations, indoors or outdoors.
Connectable Fence
With this product, you can also alter its size as your dog grows older. You can easily purchase extra panels and attach them to the fence. Thus, increasing its enclosure area, making it suitable for your pet as they grow bigger and even accommodating a new canine member.
Lockable Gate
This playpen also features a lockable gate to keep your pet safe and secure while you’re not around. This gate allows easy access to your pet to let them in or out of the enclosure. It enables you to safely lock them in if you’re going to leave them unsupervised for a while.
Easy to Clean
If you’re going to use this product outdoors, there are chances that it could get a little dirty with mud and dirt. You can just wipe it clean or use a hose and leave it to dry in its current location. This will help you save a lot of time and energy.
Durable
This puppy pen is also durable and will last you a lifetime. It is made of hard plastic and hence will not rust. This makes it suitable for use even during wet weather. It is also sturdy enough to contain your canine companion.
Portable
It is perfect for a camping trip and also for use inside your apartment. It doesn’t take much room and can hence be easily stored when not in use. This playpen from PaWz can also be easily dismantled and carried around elsewhere if needed.
Suitable For Multiple Pets
This product comes handier if you have multiple home pets that enjoy playing together. Since you can increase the enclosure area as and when required, you can personalise this playpen into a very well-developed enclosure giving each pet a touch of their preferences.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Customisable configuration
- Connectable fence
- Lockable gate
- Easy access
- Easy to clean
- Durable
- Portable
Cons
- A Little pricey
Also Read: 6 Best Dog Gate Reviews
3. PAWZ DOG PLAYPEN
The PaWz Dog Playpen is another product from PaWz that assists in giving your dog a safe and secure environment to run about and stroll during their playtime. With its unique design and special features, this playpen has captured several hearts!
Rust-Proof
This playpen is made of steel and features a powder-coated finish which ensures that the product remains free of rust and tarnish. This feature particularly enhances durability and keeps your canine companion entertained for a lifetime.
Lockable Gate
To keep your furry friend safe and secure at all times, PaWz has also added a lock to this gate. Thanks to this feature, you don’t always have to be around during your pet’s playtime, especially if you have other chores waiting for you to attend to.
Suitable For all Animals
This playpen is suitable for all animals and can prove extremely useful if you have multiple pets who love to lounge together. This playpen is perfect for a household with multiple canines or just multiple pets.
Lightweight And Portable
Although made of stainless steel, this playpen is also incredibly lightweight and easy to move around. It is also easily foldable and collapsible and doesn’t take up much room. Hence, you can easily store it in any corner of your house when not in use.
Customisable Configuration
This playpen is also designed in such a way that you can arrange it into any shape you like depending on your pet’s preferences. This makes it easy to assemble at any place given the area you have available and will also keep your pet entertained, especially if they get bored with the same places easily.
Weather-Proof
In addition to all this, this playpen from PaWz also features a tarp that can be placed overhead. This tarp helps keep your furry friend safe from the scorching sun as well as the sudden unexpected rains. This feature makes the PaWz Dog Playpen a great outdoor pen.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Rust-proof
- Lockable gate
- Suitable for all animals
- Lightweight
- Portable
- Customisable configuration
- Weather-proof
Cons
- Pricey
Also Read: 7 Best Dog Clippers to Buy in Australia
4. Akinerri Pet Playpen
Akinerri Pet Playpen is a foldable, portable, and sturdy playpen for puppies, dogs, cats, and other little pets. The playpen has a hexagonal shape and should be folded as per the instructions provided by the manufacturer. This makes it easy to install and use the playpen anytime you want and prevents damage.
The playpen has a strong base that holds the structure. It can also survive the scratching of the puppy. The base cannot be removed or replaced. However, the top can be unzipped and attached as and when necessary. Do remember that the top cover is half mesh and half fabric. The door has a mesh lining, with all the side walls having mesh and fabric in half and half.
Akinerri has designed the playpen in three attractive colours- green & grey, blue & grey, and black & grey. Depending on the puppy or pet you own, you can buy the playpen in three sizes. Opt for a bigger size to allow the pup free movement inside. The poor little thing shouldn’t feel cramped.
The playpen has side pockets and a mesh water bottle holder. That said, the small-sized playpen doesn’t come with pockets or a holder. You can use the playpen indoors and outdoors with ease. It’s a lightweight model and can be carried anywhere you go with your pup. The company doesn’t provide a carrying case for the playpen. You’ll need to get a case/ bag separately.
Good Looking
The playpen is good-looking and attractive. If your pup loves colours, it’s sure to like the playpen by sight. That makes things easier to get the pup inside. Of course, treats are just as handy.
Reliable
The playpen has the right combination of mesh and fabric. It allows proper ventilation while ensuring enough shade if you leave the playpen in the hot outdoors.
Lightweight
The playpen is surprisingly easy to carry. You don’t need any help to lift or transport it from one place to another. It needs to be folded in accordion style (refer to the instructions) to hold the shape well.
Easy to Clean
Cleaning the playpen can be a headache but not with this model. The top cover is fully removable and washable. You can vacuum the dirt and wash the rest by stepping inside from the top. Just don’t dry it in the machine.
Well-Built
Despite the lightweight design, the playpen is well-built and sturdy. It won’t topple even if the puppies roll around and knock the sides. However, don’t leave the pups unsupervised when outside (away from home).
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Made of 600D Oxford fabric
- Easy to set up and fold back
- It comes in three sizes and colour combinations
- Removable top cover
- Mesh door and sides for ventilation
- Hard and durable base
- Lightweight and portable
- Sturdy build
Cons
- No water bottle slot in small size
- The zippers aren’t strong enough
Also Read: 8 Best Dog Harness to Buy in Australia
5. AUSWY Soft Pet Playpen
The fifth and last playpen for puppies is the one by AUSWY. The Soft Pet Playpen is portable, lightweight, sturdy, and versatile. The playpen comes with a detachable base and top cover that can be placed indoors and outdoors. You can remove either of them or both, depending on where you set up the playpen and how long the pup needs to stay inside it.
The playpen comes in a carrying case and has additional fibreglass rods to support the structure. Once you unfold the playpen and set it up, insert the fibreglass rods in the slots provided outside. This gives the playpen the necessary shape and structure.
Most of the playpen is covered in fabric. However, half of the upper portion is made of breathable mesh that allows free ventilation and airflow inside. The top cover is also made of mesh and can be removed by unzipping.
Even the base of the playpen is removable. However, it has Velcro to hold the base with the rest of the structure. That said, be careful with the base. The Velcro comes off easily and is of little use if your pup is active. You’ll need to add more Velcro strips or connectors to keep the base attached to the rest of it. The playpen has two doors – One to use as the entrance and the other as an exit. The playpen also has outside pockets to store your puppy’s things.
Steel Frames
The playpen has steel frames to give strength to the fabric and hold the shape. These frames are supported by additional fibreglass rods to add stability to the design and prevent it from toppling over.
Indoor And Outdoor Use
The playpen is suitable for indoor and outdoor use. You can use it anywhere to provide a secure and safe environment for your puppies.
Easy to Store
The playpen can be easily folded and stored in the carrying case that comes in the package. We recommend using the carrying case for transportation and storage. That way, the playpen will not be damaged when not in use.
Simple And Quick Set-Up
There’s no need to assemble the playpen. You only need to open it and insert the fibreglass rods. However, no instructions are provided. This can be a problem if you haven’t ever tried to set up a playpen before.
Two Zippered Doors
We know how much pups like doors. This playpen has two zippered doors so that your pup can use them as entrance and exit gates. It’ll be a fun way to train them to get into the playpen.
Suitable For Several Pets
The playpen is not limited to puppies. You can use it for cats, guinea pigs, etc. Since the playpen comes in two sizes (medium & large), it’s easier to choose the best one for your pet.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- It comes with a carrying bag
- Made of high-quality 600D Oxford fabric
- It is foldable and portable
- The playpen comes in two sizes
- It has fibreglass rods for support
- The floor mat and roof are removable
- Breathable mesh for ventilation
- Additional pockets for storage
Cons
- The playpen doesn’t come with instructions
- The base attachment needs to be better
Things to Consider Before Buying Playpen For Puppies
Before you finalise, here are a few factors you need to consider:
1. Durability
Since some puppies are teethier than others, a dog playpen needs to be able to handle some hard handling, from piercing teeth to boisterous pup behaviours. The type of material used depends on the intended use. You could choose a playpen made of durable plastics for tiny dogs. Even when it rains, it will not tarnish. And if you have huge dogs, you need to use a metal playpen. It happens that animals get chewy. Tougher materials should be taken into account in that situation.
2. Your Dog’s Size
The dimensions of your dog should be taken into consideration while selecting a playpen. Essentially, you need to purchase a huge and sturdy dog playpen if your dog is large in size. If not, it is challenging to keep them inside.
However, at the other end, you can choose a compact dog playpen that is built from plastic mesh or lush playpens if your dog is significantly smaller or you have other tiny pets. Pick something that would be high enough so your pup can’t jump it or leap over it, but it should have plenty of room for playing.
3. Temperament
Certain canines are much more likely than most to wander off. Genetics can play a role in that, but other elements like training as well as how regularly your dog utilises the enclosure also play a role. Consider a playpen with enough room inside so that your dog may roam about, explore, and stroll along without difficulty or disruption. Lack of room can cause them to become unhappy or troublesome. Water and food must be available, as well as toys, a comfy mattress, and a tray or potty mat, among other things.
4. Ease of Use
If you have to consult the handbook each time you need to set up the playpen, it might be extremely inconvenient. It must be quick and simple to set up if you want to utilise it, whether for regular play dates or perhaps occasionally. Otherwise, you won’t really use it.
5. Portability
Choose a playpen that collapses down or packs conveniently because you wouldn’t want it to take up an important room in your house when it’s not in use. As a result, you can take it with you everywhere you go and set it up for picnics or when you move into a new home.
6. Adjustable
Whether you have a little breed or a large breed, you should consider size, metabolic rate, development, and other bodily changes. You may add or remove pieces to alter the shape and size of some pup playpens because they are constructed of interconnecting panels.
7. Place of Use
Dog playpens come in a variety of materials. Determine if you’ll use the dog playpen within the house or even outside when you purchase one. Employ playpens constructed of quality materials, such as strong plastic or metal, for outdoor purposes.
Additionally, you could choose a hardwood or plush crate for interior use. You might want to take into account a pen with a cushion while using it inside. The flooring will shield the carpeting from harm from spilled foods or liquids, nail scrapes, or aging.
If the location is outdoors, you might want to think about a shaded alternative that will protect your pet from sunlight.
8. Safety
The safety of your dog is the foremost crucial consideration. A dog playpen needs to be sturdy enough, with the sides securely fastened and the floor barely protruding. Verify that the puppy playpen’s locking configuration is accurate. They should be cautious about making absolutely sure they don’t forget the latch.
FAQ’s For Playpen For Puppies
Are Playpens better than crates?
In theory, neither the crate nor the playpen is superior to the other; instead, they serve different functions. Your dog ought to have a specific crate in which to unwind and rest, while a playpen maintains her safe in a more contained portion of your house.
Do I need to get a playpen for my dog?
Playpens offer a controlled area for your pup to expend some extra energy inside while you still have various tasks to do within the household, although they aren’t a replacement for a decent kennel. These also function effectively if you need to keep your dog away from visitors while allowing him access to a playroom.
How can I get my dog to stop barking when he’s inside the crate?
Appreciate your dog for being calm. Be free to behave yourselves as usual if your dog can see you and is in the playroom. Nevertheless, unless your dog quits barking, pretend that he is not even there. Then let the dog calm down for a while when it becomes silent before praising and rewarding positive behaviour.
The Bottom Line
Playpens for puppies are super helpful when you need to take care of the littles at home or outside. You can be assured that the pup isn’t going to harm itself by running around or tripping over something.
Luckily, you can find playpens in different models in the Australian market. Check out our article to have a better idea when researching the perfect playpen for your puppy. After all, you want nothing but the best for the little furball. Right?