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It’s no secret that many dogs have a penchant for mischief. Sometimes just turning your back for just a few minutes is long enough for your mutt to wreak havoc on your home. And an indoor dog pen could be the perfect solution.
Indoor dog pens are a great option for active dogs who don’t like to be tied down and for puppies that can’t be trusted with the full run of the house. They give you peace of mind, knowing your dog’s ability to make trouble is limited, but also give your pup more freedom to play than a crate.
There are many dog pen options out there, and some models work best for certain types of dogs. So, choosing the right dog pen can be surprisingly challenging!
Here are some things to consider when shopping for an indoor dog pen:
- Size
It should go without saying that the larger your dog is, the larger her pen needs to be. The idea is to give your dog space to play without getting into trouble. - Security
If your dog is a real Houdini, or prone to chewing, you might need to consider a more heavy-duty exercise pen with taller sides. - Location
Some exercise pens are made for indoor use only, while some can move in and out. Do you want a dog exercise pen to use indoors, outdoors or both? - Portability and storage
When your dog isn’t using the dog pen, you want to be able to store it out of the way. It’s also a good idea to choose one that you can move easily. - Adjustability
Some indoor dog pens pop up into a set shape and size while others can be adjusted by adding or removing panels. - Material
Dog pens tend to come in metal, mesh and plastic. Choose the right material based on your dog’s chewing tendencies and the desired durability of the pen. - Setup
Some indoor dog pens require more assembly than others, so consider how quick and easy it is to set up the pen before you buy.
We’ve scoured countless reviews to bring you some of the best options on the market for different types of dog pens. So, without further ado, here are our top picks for the best indoor dog pens:
1. Best All-Purpose Indoor Dog Pen: Yaheetech 8-Panel Pet Playpen
These pet playpens are bestsellers, and it’s not hard to see why. Constructed of strong, high-quality iron, the Yaheetech playpen can be used both indoors or outdoors. It’s weather-resistant for use in the yard but has rubber feet to protect floors in your home.
Coming with eight interlocking panels, you can position this playpen in different shapes to suit your pet’s needs. You can remove a panel or two for smaller space; or, if you want extra space, you can buy additional sets and combine them together. And at 61cm high, this is one dog exercise pen that your dog won’t be able to jump out of!
Buy Now on Amazon2. Best Indoor Dog Pen for Large & Energetic Dogs: FEANDREA Heavy Duty Dog Enclosure
This strong, secure dog exercise pen is made of iron fencing panels coated to prevent rust and corrosion. Each panel is up to 1m high, so your excitable large-breed puppy won’t be able to jump out. The secure gate makes it easy for you to get in and out of the pen without letting the dog escape, and the accompanying stakes let you secure the pen in the yard so your dog can safely enjoy the great outdoors (supervised, of course).
Not only is this indoor dog pen durably constructed, but it is surprisingly simple to assemble. You don’t need any tools and you can arrange the panels in a variety of different shapes. When the pen is not in use, you can simply collapse it down for easy transport or storage.
Buy Now on Amazon3. Best Soft-Sided Indoor Dog Pen: Mcdear Foldable Pet Playpen
If you need a lightweight, roomy and portable playpen for your puppy, look no farther. This soft-sided dog exercise pen is perfect for creating a safe play space on the go. It sets up in seconds and packs into an included travel tote to move from space to space.
Best for small dogs and puppies, the fabric is waterproof and durable, but too lightweight for heavy-duty chompers and runners. Online reviewers love the zip-able top panel, which can be secured to keep your pup from jumping out.
Buy Now on Amazon4. Best Portable Indoor Dog Pen: Amazon Basics Metal Exercise Pen
Amazon’s portable metal playpen is made from rust-resistant coated iron, so you’re fine to set it up indoors or outdoors, whatever the weather. The included ground anchors will keep it securely in place on your lawn, and the smooth coating and rounded edges help prevent any injuries from doggies who like to jump up.
Although it’s sturdy and durable, this high-quality exercise playpen is also portable. The simple tool-free assembly and versatile panel construction means you can easily fold it away when not need it or pack it up to take it on the road.
Buy Now on Amazon5. Best Pop-Up Indoor Dog Pen: Unleashed Pets Portable Foldable Pet Playpen + Carrying Case
This handy portable dog kennel sets up with the flick of a wrist. Just remove it from its carrying case and let it unfold. When it’s time to move to the next spot, simply fold it up and put it away. Pop-up playpens are great for camping, travelling, backyard barbecues, supervised playtime at the park—pretty much anywhere you want to keep your dog safe and enclosed.
As a bonus, this portable pop-up playpen comes with a collapsible bowl for water and food. Choose from three different sizes to accommodate your pup’s needs and two bright colour options.
Buy Now on Amazon6. Best Budget Indoor Dog Pen: BUNNY BUSINESS 8-Panel Playpen
At under £25 and with free delivery for Prime members, this indoor dog pen is a great choice for puppies and small adult dogs alike. With such a low cost, you could even buy two pens and join them together to create a larger area—with each pen measuring 63x63cm.
This indoor dog pen features an easy-access doorway with a clip closure and can be assembled in an octagonal or square shape, depending on the space you want to use. You can also buy a separate safety net to stretch over the top of the pen if you want that extra peace of mind.
Buy Now on Amazon7. Best Indoor Dog Pen for Puppies: Ellie-Bo Easy-Up Playpen
Puppies have a tendency to make a mess of things, even when they’re doing nothing more than playing. This puppy pen is the perfect solution for keeping your puppy (and her toys) contained. It features a light but sturdy design and a hinged door that allows your puppy to come and go (though if you want to keep your puppy inside for a while, you have the option to lock the door).
The pen itself is made up of eight panels, with varying heights up to 122cm high, so even the tallest of pups shouldn’t be able to escape! And when you’re not using the pen, it’s easy to dismantle in just 15 seconds with its convenient concertina construction.
Buy Now on AmazonFinal Thoughts
Whether you’re looking for something to keep your dog confined for a short period of time or a simple way to supervise puppy play time, an indoor dog pen could be the perfect solution. To pick the best playpen for your dog, consider her size and temperament before taking into account practical features like setup, durability and portability.
If you’re looking for a different solution, a pet gate or specialised puppy playpen might be more appropriate. Read on for more about these other types of fences and gates.
