Planning the Perfect Dog Pen

Outdoor and indoor dog pens offer security, comfort and a place to exercise and play for the dog and peace of mind for the owners.

For dog owners who care about the comfort and health of their animals, a quality dog pen is not just a luxury, it is a necessity.

Even the most pampered house pet can benefit from playtime in the great outdoors. The fresh air and room to run is essential for a healthy happy canine.

Outdoor dog pens need to be safe, large enough for the animals that will inhabit them, and they also need to provide shelter from the elements so that the dogs can enjoy them even in inclement weather.

Dog pen fencing comes in various types, from the popular chain link fencing that is chosen because it is durable, attractive and safe, to wood, which is less durable, requires more maintenance, but is relatively inexpensive.

Keeping your pooch and its environment safe is the most important aspect will selecting a pet containment option.

Safety is the most important consideration when planning an outdoor dog exercise pen. Whatever material is chosen, it needs to be installed in such a way that it leaves no sharp edges or dangerous spaces that a dog could get his head stuck in, and it must also be strong enough to keep the dog contained.

A rambunctious Rottweiler will require a stronger pen than will a passive Poodle. An aggressive dog needs a pen that will allow it plenty of room to run, but strong enough walls to protect anyone who may venture close.

If your pooch likes to climb or jump here are two very good reason to plan your dog's pen with a top. If you've never seen a determined pooch attempting to escape his enclosure watch the videos below.

If planned well, indoor and outdoor dog pens are great for protecting an animal from the environment around it, as well as protecting the surrounding environment from the animal.

Dog play pens are not only for outdoor play and exercise. They can be very beneficial indoors as well. A dog exercise pen that is inside the home is generally smaller, portable, and can even be collapsible for easy storage when not in use.

There are some pens that are versatile enough for use both indoors and outdoors, particularly for smaller dogs. These are typically made of panels that interlock and can be set up in an octagonal shape to allow a dog to run around without getting caught in a corner, or they can be set up as a square or rectangle and a covering placed over it.

For more active dogs, this type of pen should be anchored to keep them from moving it around. A dog playpen in the house not only benefits the dog, it is also very helpful to the dog owners to know that there is a safe and friendly environment in which to put their canine companion when they are unable to supervise them.

A dog pen is an important purchase and care should be taken to get a pen that protects the dog. It must provide a safe play and exercise area and offer protection from the environment and any elements that may put the animal at risk.

There are many types of pens from which to choose, but the perfect pen is one that fits your particular canine. If your pooch is small and not very active than a portable enclosure might be just find. On the hand, if your pet is big and strong a heavy duty or permanent chain-link containment option would probably be best.

If you have a dog that is determined to escape his pen then you will have to be extra careful when selecting and setting up an exercise area. Consider the most secure options, such as a concrete foundation, chain-link top and a pad lock for the gate latch. If you pup gets out and wanders off he could get into mischief or otherwise come to harm.

The purpose of any dog pen is to keep your pet safely contained while providing some basic creature comforts and peace of mind for you.