Crate vs Playpen: Which One Is Right for Your Dog and Why

As dog owners, we want to provide our dogs with the best environment possible while also ensuring they're maturing appropriately. Whether you have a puppy or an older dog, one question may arise. Crate vs playpen - which is better?

According to experts, they're both good! If you're looking for a clear, sophisticated, functional pet playpen or crate, you can find it at Shop Hiddin. Our range of sleek acrylic products for dogs can be used for puppies and older dogs alike.

If you're unsure about whether a dog crate or puppy pen is right for your dog, consider your options. According to experts, the pup crate, dog crate, puppy pen, and dog playpen all have their unique advantages and disadvantages.

Puppy Playpen Training vs Crate Training: Which Is Better?

A dog crate and a puppy playpen are used for similar and different purposes. As animal experts explain, rather than choose a dog crate over a puppy pen or vice versa, pet owners should use both to complement each other. Typically, a dog crate is preferable for potty training because, during the crate training process, a dog is unlikely to go to the bathroom where it eats and sleeps.

That said, dogs and pups love to move around, so a dog crate is not ideal for extended periods. This is where puppy playpens offer more comfort and freedom than dog crates.

Understanding The Difference Between a Dog Crate and Dog/Puppy Pen

When it comes to playpen vs crate training, it's not all black and white. As vets will tell you, crate training vs playpen training have notable distinctions. The dog crate is a smaller space for the dog to have some privacy while remaining safe. A dog play pen, by comparison, is more suited for fun, exercise, and other training activities.

The Definition of a Dog Pen

Dog pens may also be referred to as exercise pens, X-pens, puppy pens, and playpens. Whether used inside or outside, dog pens offer necessary space for both adult dogs and pups to eat, exercise, and play.

If your furry one is still a pup, the puppy pen can also be used for potty training. Pee pads may be ideal for this. Think of it like a child's playpen.

The dog pen is typically made of plastic, metal, or in the finest cases, clear acrylic. Many dog owners may even customize a dog pen by removing or adding panels. This can help turn a smaller dog enclosure into a larger dog exercise pen or play area.

The Definition of a Dog Crate

When it comes to the crate vs playpen debate, most animal experts recommend the dog crate to be used inside. These dog crates or kennels can be made from many materials to suit your dog's personal space. Some may need a wire crate while others may benefit from a larger crate made of lucite.

Whether you have a single dog, or many puppies and fur babies, you can use a dog crate to keep dogs and puppies safe.

The Dog Crate Is Not an Exercise Pen for Your New Puppy

Basically, the dog crate is a confined safe space to familiarize your dog with the home, or to transport your dog between destinations. According to experts, the ideal dog crate should be big enough to allow some movement but not too big. If you need a small crate, you can always use dividers to split the space.

If you have a puppy, the small space of a dog crate can ensure your little one gets properly crate trained. When you're away for short periods, most trained dogs will probably be fine in their crates. A puppy, meanwhile, will be better in a playpen for extended periods.

How Long Can a Dog Stay in a Puppy Playpen vs Crate?

The crate is a more temporary space unless used for sleeping. Generally, animal trainers advise keeping your puppy for longer hours in a playpen because of the expanded space. Dogs naturally refuse to go to the bathroom where they sleep, so if you're out for several hours, your puppy might try to hold it in a dog crate.

If your puppy is in a playpen, however, the little one won't suffer and can take a potty break on a puppy pad or in a potty area of the playpen.

Potty Training and House Training with a Crate vs Playpen

Animal experts do caution that when puppy training, the limited space of the dog cage is better for keeping the dog from going to the bathroom. During long periods or more than two hours, a playpen may be preferred for your young puppy.

Potty accidents during longer periods will be less of an issue in a puppy pen compared to a dog crate.

That said, older pups and adult dogs can typically manage up to four hours in a dog crate, assuming they're crate trained.

If you need the right size dog crate or are debating a puppy crate vs playpen for new puppy training, you can shop for a range of clear, acrylic designs at Shop Hiddin. Our customers have found these outdoor and indoor dog pens and crates to be great for house training.

Using a Playpen for Obedience Training Your Puppy

According to dog trainers, both a crate and a playpen can be used for reinforcing good behaviors and reducing destructive behaviors, like destructive chewing, indoor peeing or pooping, and potentially dangerous 'exploration.'

Pros of Using a Dog Pen or Puppy Playpen

This dog enclosure is perfect for energetic breeds especially, as some dogs naturally need to run around and sniff! As a dog owner, your dog's life may substantially improve with that much-needed time to roam around in the yard or house.

When it comes to playpen vs crate use, the benefits of a dog pen are numerous.

Playpen Advantages

• Adjustable Dog Gates
• Simple Assembly
• Ample Space for Anything
• Safety and Security
• More Room and Space

As pet parents, we all want to ensure our dog enclosures are safe, freeing, and happy areas for our pets. With ample space for food, water, beds, chew toys, and anything else, most dogs will relish their playpen dog enclosures.

The Dog Pen Can Help Build Critical Skills

Whether you're using the area for puppy training ("go fetch!") or to keep your furry friend for long or short periods, you can make the most of this play area.

Experts agree that the dog pen is a great area for a puppy to build independence. With these safe, spacious dog enclosures, you can have peace of mind knowing your little one is happily learning.

Cons of Using a Dog Pen or Puppy Playpen

While experts encourage the use of playpens, especially for young ones, they caution against their use for some forms of training. Many playpens provide excess space. While this is good for giving your dog some much-needed playtime and exercise, it is not good for potty training.

Your puppy may simply resort to a pee pad and become dependent on it. Likewise, your puppy may become accustomed to going to the bathroom in certain areas of the playpen and then start doing this elsewhere in your house.

Sometimes, a Puppy May Climb Over or Jump Out

The playpen for dog can also become a risk if the dog is overly excited and large, say experts. Pet parents of bigger breeds may be surprised to find their puppy escaping or jumping out of the pen area.

This can be bad news, especially if the puppy is in someone else's home!

Moreover, vets caution that a puppy should not be sleeping for extended periods in the playpen, as this is reserved for the crate. It's probably not a wise move to allow your puppy to sleep the entire night in a large dog enclosure.

If you are worried about this dog enclosure being unfit for certain occasions, animal behaviorists recommend using a kennel for a short period.

Using a Dog Crate for Obedience Training Your Puppy

Crate vs pen. Which one is better for training? According to canine specialists, the dog crate is best used for training. It teaches your puppy to control the need to go to the bathroom for extended periods of time. It also teaches your dog to prepare for the confined space during travel, or in emergency events.

Some puppies feel safest in their crates, especially in unfamiliar settings. When an animal is crate-trained, separation anxiety also subsides. Puppies can learn self-soothing as a result.

Pros of Using a Crate for Training

The advantages of the crate are quite straightforward. These benefits can help your little furry one mature into a well-behaved, lovely adult dog!

Crate Advantages

• Ideal for Safety and Sleeping
• Functions as a Safe Space
• Adaptive for Travel
• Great for Potty Training

Cons of Using a Crate for Training

Training with a crate can be difficult, experts warn, especially if your four-legged friend does not like the crate. Some animals may approach it with extreme fear or anxiety, which can be difficult for pet owners. Unlike larger dog enclosures, crates are often off-putting at first.

Vets urge all pet owners to take it slowly, gradually extending the animal's time confined. As you crate train, remember that puppies should only be put in the kennel for one hour per month of age, up to a maximum of a few hours a day. Pups will also need frequent bathroom breaks while you crate train, ideally every couple of hours.

To entice your puppy into entering the space, exercise your pup first to tucker them out. Use a few treats to create interest in the space, and be sure to come and go periodically, so your puppy can become accustomed to you disappearing and reappearing.

Again, experts recommend providing incentives to pets if they are reluctant to go into their cages. With some treats and chew toys, most dogs can be bribed into entering the dog crate. These enticements may be perfect for getting your furry little bundle into its puppy crate.

Over time, increase the time your puppy is in the space to improve the comfort level.

Make Your Dog Love ANY Enclosed Space

While it can be difficult, experts agree that your pet should become accustomed to both crates and playpens with proper training, appropriate resources, and time in general. If you're still wondering what is better - playpen vs crate - the answer is neither. They both can work synergistically and for different purposes.

Want to give your pet something special? For clear, blended, highly functional crates, pens, and gates, contact Hiddin today. Our customers love our dog products for a reason.