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According to the Pew Research Center, 62% of Americans own pets, and nearly all consider their pets part of the family. But with so many dog owners sticking to hybrid schedules, managing pets in and out can be a challenge. Dog pens are a great tool to add to your dog supplies, and PEOPLE Tested can help you choose the right one.
We spoke with Tom Davis, dog trainer for Patrick Mahomes and Brittany Mahomes, among others, to get his thoughts on the best ways to use dog pens. “Any dog owner can use this playpen, but it’s important to know that it’s a safe place for your dog to throw toys or take a nap while you work,” he told People magazine. This is not a backyard or a backyard. Don’t take up walking space. You can use it at many stages of your dog’s life and with any other dogs in the future. However, he suggests that if your dog has behavior problems or is showing signs of aggression, a fence may not be the safest option, especially if there are guests around.
Whether you’re looking for a secure indoor space or an outdoor fence so your pup can safely enjoy the sun, we’ve tested 19 different dog fences to suit different needs and stages, including large dogs, small dogs, traveling dogs, top picks for puppies and much more.
Since it weighs 25 pounds, this pen is not as easy to transport compared to some other models we’ve tested.
If installing a dog pen seems like the most difficult part of the process, consider that you’ve already gone through the process. We were initially worried that the handle would require a lot of work, but all it took was unfolding it into the shape we wanted and attaching it using easy-to-use hooks. In just 90 seconds we had the handle ready and working.
When securely in place, the Frisco Pen is easy to use, although the door has two latches and may require some force to open and close. However, this is not what prevents us from buying it. The metal walls make this pen versatile enough to be used in a variety of indoor and outdoor locations; it comes with wooden pegs making it more durable for outdoor use and its size is suitable for many dogs;
We think the product’s size, versatility, and ease of installation and use are worth the money spent. Installation and removal are intuitive; Despite the thin wire frame, it is surprisingly durable. The only real downside is that this dog run isn’t the most portable we’ve tested. It weighed about 25 pounds and we didn’t want to carry it around for long periods of time. However, it can be moved from place to place if necessary, and it easily fits into the trunk of most cars for transport.
Sizes: 24, 30, 36, 42 and 48 inches | Dimensions: 62 x 62 x 24 inches, 62 x 62 x 30 inches, 62 x 62 x 36 inches, 62 x 62 x 42 inches, 62 x 62 x 48 inches | Weight: 18 to 33 pounds. Material: Metal Color: Black | Included Accessories: No
This is a very easy to understand and use product right out of the box. It folds or folds easily and has a zippered roof. The zippered doggie door is also easy to use.
What we don’t like about this product is that it is too light – an ambitious dog could chew it or even damage it. It is also not as versatile as some other unidirectional dog fences. Still, it’s a good choice for what it’s intended for, and the price is reasonable. Ultimately, we would recommend it to anyone who has a small dog that needs to be kept in one place for a short period of time.
Our budget option is also great for puppies or other small dogs. We find the zippered entry keeps the dog inside while being easy to operate from the outside. This is great for work-from-home parents who need to keep the dog still while the Zoom call times out.
Sizes: medium, large, extra large | Dimensions: 29 x 29 x 17 inches, 36 x 36 x 23 inches, 48 x 48 x 23.5 inches | Weight: 2.4 to 4.6 lbs. | Material: Polyester | Color: Aqua | Included Accessories: Collapsible Carry Bag, 16 oz. Food Bowl
Since the instructions are short and simple, setting up the dog pen will take about eight minutes. It’s also very versatile: panels can be added or removed to change the size, and the door is very cute and easy to use.
This pen is useful both indoors and outdoors – it will definitely go anywhere. The walls are very short, so they are best suited for small dogs. Puppies that are adventurous or prone to running away may not be able to safely stay in a pen, which is where a GPS dog tracker can come in handy. This is a great option if you have a dog that wants to hang out in a fenced area and you want to give him a permanent place. If not, you may need something with taller walls.
Without a carrying case or a way to make the panel more compact, moving this dog pen is a breeze. To carry the panels, you have to stack them on top of each other, and their shape is a little difficult to maintain, requiring more effort than is ideal. However, we found this handle to be worth it due to its overall ease of installation and removal.
Sizes: 4, 6 or 8 pieces | Dimensions: 35.13 x 35.13 x 23.75 inches, 60.75 x 60.75 x 23.75 inches, 60.75 x 60.75 x 23.75 inches, 63 x 63 x 34.25 inches | Weight: 21.51 lbs. Material: Plastic | Color: Black or White Accessories Included: No
Please be patient when installing your dog pen. We found this product to be difficult to assemble alone and often required extra hands. There was also some trial and error during the installation process.
However, once everything is in place, it is a good and durable option for large dogs, especially as an outdoor fence. The dowels that hold the frames in place and connect them also serve as stakes driven into the ground for stability. The fence gate is also a little higher off the ground than other fences we’ve tested, so we don’t recommend this model for dogs with limited mobility.
Although it can be used indoors, this pen is better suited for outdoor use. It is especially durable and we use it in one place due to the long installation time and breakage. We almost want to put it in the backyard and buy a travel pen. However, it can also be stored under a bed or in the garage, stored vertically or on a shelf.
Overall, we would recommend this pen to anyone who is looking for a reliable tool for outdoor use and doesn’t need to travel with it. This would be great for two dog parents who have outdoor space and a larger dog that needs to be taken care of.
Dimensions: 8 panels, 4 sizes available | Dimensions: 51.6 x 51.6 x 25 inches, 53 x 53 x 31.5 inches, 55 x 55 x 40 inches, 86 x 29 x 47 inches | Weight: 24 to 43 lbs | Color: Black | Accessories included: No
We tested this model at home for several months to see how the pen helped our puppy overcome separation anxiety. This is almost an alternative to crate training for dogs, but allows for free movement over a larger area since the pen has more space than a dog crate. We found these railings to be virtually indestructible and also assessed the height of the frames because if they were less than 40 inches tall, our dogs would likely find a way to jump over them. Overall, we have always considered this pen to be one of our favorites.
It is ideal for raising puppies or small dogs without confining them to too small a space.
Because it is large and heavy and does not come with a carrying case, it is difficult for one person to carry.
Thanks to the simple instructions, it only took us six and a half minutes to get started with this pen. It’s ideal for backyards or other outdoor spaces, and the pegs make it stable on grass or other open surfaces.
However, it is not the most versatile handle as it is much less durable without the peg. And since there are no doors, you won’t be able to get in and out like some of our other winners. It’s not easy to carry since it doesn’t have a case, so consider it a single-position model. We found it to be quite large and heavy and we needed help to carry it.
Overall, this pen is great for puppy training, new dog owners, or dog sitters. It’s also quite a reasonable price considering its size.
Sizes: XS, S, S/M, M, L, 42 inches, 62 x 62 x 48 inches. Weight: 10 to 29.2 lbs. Material: Alloy steel | Color: Black | Included Accessories: No
Whether you’re getting a new puppy or taking your dog with you to work, mobility will be a priority. The Parkland Pet Portable Folding Playpen takes less than a minute to set up and is easy to use when traveling or just moving from one place to another.
The pen has a door and roof that zip open and close, both of which are easy to use. Traveling with it is just as easy: not only is it lightweight, but it also fits easily into the included shoulder bag. It fits almost any car and is easy to take with you. The low price is the icing on the cake for us. This pen is worth the money and makes traveling with your dog very convenient.
The only big drawback we found was the versatility of the handle. This is not your dog’s main play area because it is small and not very durable. It’s really only suitable for traveling, relaxing at the beach or park, and at the airport. Ultimately, we would recommend this product, along with a good harness, to anyone who likes to take their puppy with them but doesn’t want to carry a heavy playpen every time. The package also includes a pull-out water bowl, which adds value to the product. It’s definitely not fancy, but it’s easy to set up, use, and carry.
Sizes: One size fits all | Dimensions: 27 x 27 x 17 inches | Weight: 2.09 lbs. | Material: Fabric | Color: Brown | Accessories included: retractable water bowl, handbag.
Velcro compartments on the sides are handy when you need quick access to your pup.
Some parts of the installation were tricky, especially lining up the zippers to ensure a seamless closure.
Thanks to the breathable mesh design, this pen is only suitable for warm and sunny climates (if you use it outdoors).
This playpen has not one, but two doors that zip open and close easily, and thoughtful details like multiple compartments on the sides for dog treats and their favorite dog toys. It is beautiful and spacious, making it suitable for all dog breeds.
The installation process for the EliteField Two Door Soft Fence went smoothly until the zippers needed to be aligned, which turned out to be a bit of a headache. In our testing, folding the handle for storage or travel was also a challenge. But aside from these minor disappointments, our testers noted that the pen is easy to disassemble and reassemble once you get the hang of it. It is very convenient to carry with you complete with a case equipped with a shoulder strap.
You can use it indoors or outdoors, but it may not work on rainy days. This works in parks, beaches, or indoors—anywhere the climate is warm and clear.
Sizes: 8 | Dimensions: 30 x 30 x 20 inches, 36 x 36 x 24 inches, 42 x 42 x 24 inches, 48 x 48 x 32 inches, 52 x 52 x 32 inches, 62 x 62 x 24 inches, 62 x 62 x 30 inches , 62 x 62 x 36 inches | Weight: 4.7 to 11.05 lbs. | Material: nylon, mesh, chemical fiber fabric | Color: brown and beige, green and beige, black and beige, burgundy and beige, purple and beige, royal blue and beige, orange and beige, navy and beige | : Suitcase
We’ve been testing this handle for about six months and have never gotten tired of its comfort or durability (seriously, it’s always held up to puppy paws). It’s still very easy to open and remove, although we sometimes had trouble getting it into the storage box. Even though it sometimes became a two-person job, we still knew there was a reason for it. The puppy-proof design makes this mesh pen worth the splurge.
You don’t even need instructions to get started with this dog fence – we found it easy and simple to open. It took us just over three minutes to get it going. The Esk Collection handle is ultra-lightweight and features an easy-to-use zipper and access point for small dogs. A large, slim and compact carrying case is included.
Being able to zip up the top will be an advantage for dogs that might jump or try to climb over a fence. However, folding and disassembling it is quite difficult. We appreciate its mesh design, which keeps rowdy pups out while maintaining visibility and air circulation.
The pen is lightweight and fairly durable, although larger or more capricious dogs may move it from the inside. It’s good value for money as it does the job well, but only for one specific purpose. It’s perfect for a puppy or small dog, but it doesn’t have the versatility to raise a puppy to become a big dog over time.
Sizes: One size fits all | Dimensions: 48 x 48 x 25 inches | Weight: 6.4 lbs. | Material: Oxford cloth, mesh | Color: red, blue, pink | Accessories included: No
Consider your dog’s current and future size. You will need a dog pen that has enough space for your dog to move around comfortably. “If you have a puppy that’s going to grow up quickly, that’s the first thing to think about—that’s what most puppies tend to do,” Davis told People magazine. “You should buy one with big enough handles to realize its adult potential. Please note that some of our award-winning dog pens can be expanded with additional panels to accommodate larger dogs. This may be a smart choice if you and your veterinarian are unsure about how big your dog is likely to grow.
Dog fences are made from a variety of materials, including metal, plastic, and fabric. If you’re looking for a dog pen that can be used outdoors, a metal dog pen like our Best Frisco Wire Dog Pen and Small Pet Exercise Pen is a great choice. Plastic handles are convenient because they are lightweight and easy to clean, while fabric dog handles are extremely lightweight and portable, but may not be as durable as metal and plastic models.
Dog pens serve different purposes that need to be considered when choosing the right pen for your dog. “If you’re using it for potty training, you’ll need less space to reduce accidents,” Davis notes. However, if your dog is going to hang out on the comfy bedding of the kennel while the owner works, a larger space is a better option.
When budgeting for this particular project, consider how many dog pens you will need. Do you need something smaller and more portable as your only dog run, or are you looking to purchase an additional, more permanent dog run for your home? Additionally, you may need more than one fence to give your dog more room to move around. “We like to use them as dog staging areas in a large room, so we connected three together to create one large dog area,” adds Davis.
To begin our search, we researched the market and selected 19 of the most popular dog fences to test.
Post time: Apr-25-2024
