5 Points to Consider When Choosing an Exercise Pen For Your Dog

Dog Pen

Of course, you wouldn’t want to compromise on the safety of your canine friend, no matter what their age or size may be. But with them going haywire and running around all the time, watching over them all through the day and night certainly becomes a cumbersome task.

They cannot decide for themselves what is good or bad for them, so you have to take this decision for them. Dog exercise pens come as a great solution to this problem. Although they do restrict the play or exercise area of your pooch, they at least assure you that your pet is safe, wherever you want it to be, either indoors or outdoors.

These are sometimes extremely useful when you’re trying to train your pet. Or, even when he’s recuperating from an illness or surgery that requires him to take a lot of rest in solitude without being bothered by anyone and without being harmed by any harmful thing that he may unknowingly tiptoe around in the house.

If you’re a true fan of your dog (I would say most dog owners are – right?) and hate to leave him in the house when you’re out on a holiday or a business tour, these dog pens increases the probability of your four- legged friend being welcome in hotels, restaurants.

With so many pros to count for these amazing pens for your pet, here are a few things you should consider while choosing a pet exercise pen for your dog:

  1. Your Pet’s Age And Size – Your dog’s age and size determines the size of the pen. A younger dog will be much more active than an elderly dog. Also, some breeds of dogs are more active than others. So, you need to keep all this in mind when you are choosing the exercise pen.
  2. The Location – You must then consider where you are going to place the pen. Will it be indoor, outdoor or will you move it in and out of the house according to the weather? An outdoor pen should be made of materials that
    will keep him warm, safe and secure. The pen should be protected and should keep the predators out. Place the indoor pen at a sheltered place so that no harm is done to your carpet or flooring in case of any unintentional accidents when your pet is ill or otherwise. At the same time, it should also not be slippery.
  3. Pen Construction – This is an important aspect that you must consider when you are choosing the exercise pen. What is the pen made of – is it wood, plastic or metal (What are the advantages or disadvantages?) Another aspect is the construction of the pen. It should not have any sharp edges, peeling paint (that can be poisonous), or any loose wires. All these will harm your pet. Also, if you do not have enough space, you can consider getting a folding pen or a portable one.

When you get the exercise pen, don’t be in a hurry to push your dog inside it. Let him adjust to it gradually. Watch how he reacts to the pen and if he is curious about it. Be with him till such time that he adjusts to the pen and feels safe. Also, make sure that you place many chewable toys for him so that he does not start chewing the interiors and fall sick.

Brenda Lyttle is a pet lover and recommends you to visit petsless.com, if you wish to buy dog pens at highly affordable prices.