There are several reasons you might opt to use an exercise pen for your dog. Perhaps you have a small yard and want to give your pup some extra space to run around. Maybe you live in an apartment and need a safe, enclosed area for potty breaks or playtime. Or, your dog may simply love having his own private space to lounge and explore.
Whatever the reason, exercise pens can provide a great solution for both you and your furry friend. They give dogs a chance to stretch their legs and burn off some energy, while still keeping them safe and contained. And, they offer peace of mind for pet parents who want to make sure their pup is never too far away.
Ahead, you’ll find the best dog pens on the market.
Table of Contents
Our Top Picks in 2022
The 5 Best Reviewed Dog Exercise Pens
1. MidWest Foldable Metal Dog Exercise Pen

Keep your pet safe and secure with a Midwest Foldable Metal Dog Exercise Pen with Door. This sturdy pen is made of metal and folds down for easy transport and storage. It has a door for easy access and includes ground stakes to keep it in place. The versatile pen can be used indoors or outdoors and is ideal for dogs, puppies, and other small animals.
- Each panel measures 24″W x 30″H, Exercise Pen folds flat for convenient storage
- Exercise Pen provides 16 square feet enclosed area (1.5 meters) for your dog and other pets, suitable for Dogs 26 – 40 lbs
- 8 ground anchors for outdoor use and 4 thumb-snaps for easy assembly
- The durable black e-coat finish on the Exercise Pen provides long-lasting protection against rust and outdoor elements
Folds flat for storage
Lightweight and easy to transport
Quick to assemble/disassemble
Larger dogs may jump or climb out of shorter models
Less durable than some options
2. Ruff ‘n Ruffus Portable Foldable Pet Playpen

This handy portable dog kennel sets up with the flick of a wrist. Just remove it from its carrying case and let it unfold. When it’s time to move to the next spot, simply fold it up and stash it. Pop-up playpens are great for camping, traveling, backyard barbecues supervised playtime at the park, and pretty much anywhere you want to keep your dog safe and enclosed.
As a bonus, this portable pop-up playpen comes with a collapsible bowl for water and food. Choose from three different sizes to accommodate your pup’s needs.
- Available in 3 sizes
- Roomy 8-Panel design with protected seams and reinforced corners
- The removable zippered top can be removed easily removed for indoor use & closed for outdoor use to provide shade
- Zippered door provides easy in/out access for your pet. Close the door to keep your pet safely inside.
Durable water-resistant materials
Indoor use and outdoor use as well
Great for camping, traveling, and backyard barbecues,…
Cannot be easily transported
Size is not adjustable
3. ESK Collection Small Dog and Puppy Playpen

The ESK Collection pet playpen provides a safe and secure area for your pet to play and exercise. The sturdy 8-panel design features a door for easy access, and the panels are made of durable, weather-resistant plastic. The playpen can be configured in multiple shapes to fit your needs, and it folds up for easy storage.
Your pet will love the freedom to play and exercise in this ESK Collection pet playpen.
- Simple to install – 8-panel design allows for extremely easy set-up and talk down
- Waterproof 600d oxford cloth material
- Approximate pet puppy dog playpen exercise pen kennel dimensions: 48″ (diameter) x 25″ (height) x 20″ (panel width)
- It can be stored practically anywhere when not in use
Waterproof and durable
Helpful zip-off top and bottom panels
Lightweight, roomy, and portable playpen
Easily move from space to space
Do not come with a cover or top
The included plastic floor mat is not very thick or durable
4. IRIS USA 8-Panel Pet Playpen

The IRIS USA 8-Panel Pet Playpen is a great way to keep your pet safe and secure while allowing them to play and exercise. The sturdy metal construction is durable and easy to assemble, and the eight panels can be configured into multiple shapes to fit your space.
The powder-coated finish is easy to clean and provides a stylish look, and the included ground anchors help keep the playpen in place. Your pet will love spending time in their new playpen, and you’ll love knowing they’re safe and sound.
- Entire Unit- 63.0 x 63.0 x 34.3 Inches,Each Panel – 26.3 x 1.5 x 34.4 Inches, Door Opening- 15.25 x 20.75 Inches
- Includes 8 interlocking panels made from commercial-grade plastic
- Easy assembly; suitable for indoor or outdoor use
Eight-panel wire playpen with a door
Choice of colors
Folds flat for transportation or storage
Simple to set up
Can work as a freestanding door barrier
No included top cover or floor mat
May need to be reinforced to prevent collapse
5. Paws & Pals Wire Heavy Duty Playpen

Paws & Pals Wire Heavy Duty Playpen is the perfect solution for your pet’s exercise needs. This playpen is made of sturdy wire and features a locking door to keep your pet safe and secure. The included ground stakes keep the playpen stable in any terrain, making it perfect for use indoors or outdoors.
- Available in 24”, 32”, and 40” inches tall, All pen tube gates are approximately 30 square feet, Sets feature extra-wide panels
- The ½ inch heavy-duty tube frame with an 8-panel design
- Features rounded edges and a rust-resistant coating
- Simple to set up
Easy to put together
2 common sizes
Longevity and durability
Great for both indoor and outdoor use
Big and bulky when compared to other models on the market
Dog Exercise Pens Buyer’s Guide
There are a lot of different dog exercise pens on the market, and it can be hard to know which one is right for your dog. Here is a buyer’s guide to help you choose the best dog exercise pen for your pup.
1. Size
The first thing you need to consider is the size of the pen. It should be big enough for your dog to move around comfortably, but not so large that it is difficult to manage.
2. Material
The material of the pen is also important. Some pens are made from plastic or metal, while others are made from fabric. Plastic and metal pens are more durable, but fabric pens are more portable.
3. Type
There are also different types of dog exercise pens. Some pens have a roof or a bottom, while others do not. Pens with a roof or bottom are more sheltered and secure, but they are also harder to transport.
With these factors in mind, you can choose the best dog exercise pen for your pup. Remember to size it appropriately and choose a material that will be durable and easy to transport. Your dog will love having a space of its own to play and exercise in.
Conclusion
We know that it can be frustrating to find a dog exercise pen, which is why we put together this review list for you. Our top pick is the IRIS USA 8-Panel Pet Playpen, which is easy to set up and perfect for both indoor and outdoor use. If you are looking for a durable and affordable option, the MidWest Foldable Metal Dog Exercise Pen is a great choice.
We believe the best dog exercise pen is the one that meets your specific needs and fits well into your home environment. All of the pens we reviewed are top-quality products, but there is no “one size fits all” solution when it comes to pet supplies.
Last update on 2022-06-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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