Exercise Pens - Everything You Need to Know

by Bailey Coldwell

When getting a new puppy, I have my puppy rotate between being in a crate, attached to a leash with me, in a small room with me, or in an exercise pen (also known as a playpen or a zen den). We often get asked about why we use pens, what pen to use, the introduction of the pen, what to put in the pen, how long to use the pen, and more. Keep reading to learn more about how I use a playpen with a new puppy. 

Why do we recommend pens?

I find that exercise pens are nice transitional areas for a puppy to start getting used to a space, without TOO much space. They are larger than a crate, allowing a bit more movement. Pens are good places to provide some mental stimulation that requires more space, such as rolling treat-dispensing toys. I find it comforting to have another area I can put the puppy in, apart from just the crate. I often hear that handlers worry that their puppies are in the pen and not playing. Understandably, since the pens are often called “exercise pens” or “play pens”. But don’t worry. It is okay for puppies to spend most of their time observing the outside, resting, or quietly chewing on a toy. It is actually great for puppies to learn to be able to settle in areas apart from their crates. The pen, as well as the crate, allows the puppy to gain contentment without always being able to be right at our heels. 

What exercise pens do we recommend?

We have a few on our products page that can be found here: products page. My favorite of these would be the Bonnlo pen. The main reason is because of the vertical slots only. When pens have vertical and horizontal slots, we find that more puppies are able to climb out of pens. A tall, vertical pen helps to prevent this. However, I have heard of some very small puppies being able to slip their heads through the pens with only vertical bars. For extremely small puppies, a pen with both horizontal and vertical slots might be ideal, preferably with a cover. My usual recommendation is to find a pen that is either around 3 feet tall, has just vertical slots, or has a cover, to help give the best chances of the puppy being unable to escape. If a puppy is able to get out of the pen, adjustments should be made to that pen (such as getting a cover), a new pen should be purchased, or a pen should not be used anymore. 

How do we introduce the puppy to the playpen?

We want to introduce the playpen similarly to how we would introduce the crate, but not exactly the same. The pen is going to give your puppy more space than the crate. With more space, brings a higher chance of potty accidents. Because of this and the higher risk of pups escaping, I recommend practicing the pen primarily when you are nearby at first, using the crate when you aren’t in the same room. I will use the pen when I am cooking, watching a show, reading, or otherwise in the same general area. Try to make it positive. Toss in treats, give your puppy toys in there, talk or get closer when they are behaving, and practice short sessions frequently. Similarly to the crate, you do want to try to prevent looking, talking to, or getting closer to the pen if the puppy is crying. If they look like they are about to climb out of the pen, you can interrupt them. But otherwise, try to ignore the unwanted behavior and work on rewarding the good. Once your puppy is content in the pen while you are nearby, is not having accidents in the pen, and you are fairly confident they aren’t going to try to escape or they can’t escape, you can start experimenting with leaving sight briefly. 

What do I put into the playpen?

I would place a snuggle puppy, a hard or rubber toy, and a snack every time. You can try a plush toy beforehand. If the puppy is one to shred these soft toys, remove them. Many handlers choose to put a crate inside of the playpen. This can be a great way to get more crate exposure. You still want to be practicing sessions where the puppy is inside the locked crate. Once the puppy gets taller, they will sometimes try to climb on top of the crate and then out of the pen. If you see your puppy start to try to climb on top of the crate, remove the crate from the pen. Should you add bedding? I usually try a blanket or towel in the pen while I am nearby at first. Many puppies choose to potty on bedding; however, due to it is an absorbent material. If they potty on these surfaces, remove them and give them a break from using bedding. Some handlers will choose to put a covering over the floor to help prevent the puppy from sliding the pen around. We have a recommendation for a mat under the pen on the products page as well. I will often put something heavy on the outside of the playpen to help prevent the puppy from sliding the pen around. Something like a dumbbell or a laundry basket. I do not recommend putting pee pads or other potty alternatives inside a playpen that is not specifically for potty breaks. For those who need an alternative indoor potty option until the puppy is fully vaccinated, a playpen can be put around the potty spot and the puppy can be brought here just for potty breaks. Leaving a potty space in the main playpen area will prolong potty training, as the puppies aren’t learning to hold it, how to let us know they need to potty, and can get confused about being allowed to potty in their living spaces. If an indoor potty space is needed, keep it strictly for pottying.

How long do we use the playpen?

Some handlers, especially those with smaller dogs, use the playpens long term. This is definitely an option if they have enough room for a permanent playpen and the dog enjoys being in there (doesn’t try to get out). I mentioned towards the beginning that I tend to use a playpen as a transitional space for my puppy to be, as I get them used to more freedom in my home. Once my puppy is able to hang out with me in the home without me needing to keep as close of an eye on them, I tend to phase out the pen. I eventually put the pen in storage once I realize I am rarely using it. Remember, however, anytime that freedom is given, it can always be taken away again if the puppy starts unwanted behaviors. We see new behaviors around adolescence (counter surfing, barking out windows, chewing furniture, etc.) that a playpen or more time in the crate could benefit the puppy. 

While not as necessary (in my opinion) as a crate, an exercise pen can be a great tool to use for dog training.