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Puppies may be a joy to play with, but training them not to drool, chew, or break things in your home is another matter. Enter the puppy pen and crate. Dog enclosures are a great way to keep your pup (and your sofa) safe while training them to be responsible residents of the house.
However, crates and pens are different in terms of their function and size. Knowing when to use one or the other can be helpful for new pup owners who haven’t had experience using these types of enclosures.
While crates and pens both have their benefits, which one will you choose? If you’re on the fence about using a pen or crate (or both), our guide below can help.
What’s the Difference Between a Pen and a Crate?
Playpens and crates are similar, but there are differences in size, function, and structure. As the name implies, a pen keeps your dog in a secure or closed area, much like a child’s playpen.
Puppy pens are also larger as they consist of a series of gates that can be arranged in a circle around a space. However, because there is no top on the pen, you’ll need to make sure it’s tall enough to keep your pooch from jumping out.
A crate, on the other hand, is a box-like structure with four sides, a top, bottom, and a door. Depending on the size of your pup, you’ll want to make sure your crate is large enough for it to move around and lie down in.
While crates and pens serve similar purposes, there are occasions when one might be preferable over the other. There may even be times when you need both. Whatever the case, you’ll need to train your pup how to get used to a crate or a pen. We explore more about these options below.
When Pens Are Best
As mentioned, playpens are larger and consist of a gated-off area without a top. Depending on the size of the room, this can create a much larger and roomier space for your pup. Most playpens are also adjustable and foldable, which means you can take them with you to different areas of the house.
However, if you’re leaving your pup for a while, make sure they have enough food and water, as well as a cushy place to rest their laurels.
So, when is it best to use the pen versus a crate? Below are several instances when a pen comes in handy.
If Your Puppy’s Alone for Several Hours
If you don’t want your dog to have full reign of the house while you’re away, a pen is a great way to keep them comfortable. The benefit of a pen is it gives them enough space to eat, drink, move around, and change positions — unlike a crate which is more confined.
Restricting Access in the Home
During the puppy years, you may want to slowly introduce your young canine to the house rather than let them rip loose and chew everything in sight. If that’s the case, a pen is a great way to keep them away from specific areas. Also, because most pens are foldable and transportable, you can take your pooch with you to different areas of the house, rather than having to “puppy-proof” the room.
Restricting Access Outside the Home
Other times when a pen is useful are if you’re taking your dog to work or visiting someone’s house. Rather than worry about them running around doing who knows what, you can keep an eye on them inside the pen. This will also put your colleagues, friends, and relatives at ease, especially if they’re not used to socializing with animals.
Benefits of Puppy Pens
There are lots of traits puppy pens have that can make them a great option for you and your pup.
Space to Move
Playpens are great for your pup to stretch, move around, and play in. As puppies are highly energetic, a pen is useful for providing ample play space. Just remember to give them toys to keep them occupied!
Exercise
Pens are also great for giving your pup more exercise, especially compared to a crate where they would be less mobile. While nothing beats going for a walk or running freely around the house, a pen is a better option for exercise than a smaller enclosed space.
Safety
Above all else, puppy pens are great for keeping your dog safe. Puppies get into all kinds of mischief, especially as they might get trapped, eat something poisonous, or fall off a high surface. Also, if you have other dogs in the house that are still getting used to the new puppy, you can keep them safe in the playpen and avoid potential fights.
Transportability
Most playpens are foldable and can be put up and taken down quite easily. This makes it ideal if you want to take your puppy to various places while keeping an eye on them.
When Crates Are Best
As mentioned, crates are box-like structures that keep your dog contained. While some crates can be large, they are not as big as a playpen, so it’s something to bear in mind. However, there are occasions when crates are more useful than playpens.
When Confining for a Short Period
If you need to head out for an hour, or if you need to keep your dog confined for a short period, a crate works great. For example, you may have a repairman visiting the house, or you might want to keep your pup away while cooking. While short periods are great, try not to keep them in there for longer than a couple of hours.
For Sleeping
Some dogs prefer to sleep in enclosed spaces because it makes them feel safe. For this reason, you may want to use the crate as a sleeping space for your pup. Just make sure it’s large enough for their doggie bed and that they can comfortably change positions.
During Housetraining
Believe it or not, most dogs will not “do the deed” while they’re in the crate (within reason, of course!) Therefore, crates can be useful housetraining devices if you provide regular and consistent bathroom breaks.
How often your dog needs to go out depends on their age, size, etc., so you’ll have to figure out its pattern. It’s important to take them out at regular intervals, though, because a dog will eventually soil the crate if they’re left in there too long. And if that happens, it can be very difficult to train them not to do their business there!
Benefits of Crates
Just like puppy pens, crates have lots of traits that make them uniquely great.
Safety
If you are ever in an emergency and need to take your dog with you, a crate is very convenient. Not only does it keep your dog safe from whatever is happening, but evacuation centers also usually require pups to be in crates. Also, dogs often feel safer in enclosed spaces, particularly when visiting stressful settings such as the vet or the groomers.
Creates a Refuge
Once they’re familiar with the crate, most puppies and dogs will go to their crate for safety and refuge — especially if you’ve got rowdy house guests!
Transportability
Both pens and crates are portable; however, crates are quicker and easier to transport. Rather than fold down the gates of a pen, you can simply put your pup in the crate, close the door, and go. Crates are thus one of the main modes of transport for dogs if you’re flying or traveling in the car.
FAQS
What size pen should I get for my dog?
The size of your pen depends on how much space you have and how big your dog is. Also, if you have a dog with high energy, you may need a larger space. When it comes down to it, the size of your pen is determined by the size of your home and where you want to place it. For instance, you may keep the pen in only one area of the house, or you may choose to put it in several places.
Whatever you decide, the great thing about pens is they are adjustable and portable. If you have a growing puppy, it’s best to start with a large pen because you can reduce the size according to your dog’s needs.
Crate sizes, on the other hand, are more straightforward. All you need to do is get a crate that’s big enough for your dog’s size and that allows them to change positions.
When should I stop using a pen?
When to stop depends on your dog and how much you trust them. If they’ve been housetrained and you’re fine with them being free in the home, then you may want to do away with the pen.
When should I stop using crates?
There are no hard and fast rules, but sometimes stopping crate use can coincide with their age and how much freedom you want to give. In other cases, a crate is for life; your dog may prefer to use it for sleeping and as a haven. You’ll also want to keep a crate handy for transporting them to various places and for emergencies.
The Bottom Line
While puppy pens and crates serve slightly different functions, their aims are similar. Keeping your pup enclosed keeps them safe and allows you to take them from one place to the next. The difference between using a crate or a pen comes down to the situation, how much space you need, and how long you need to keep your pooch contained.
We hope our guide has given you some useful information about puppy pens and crates so that you can make an informed decision. Happy pup training!