Ever thought of just setting your dogs free without having to put them on a leash? Then you may have thought of getting a dog run or a pen, which you can easily place in your backyard. Dog playpens come in many forms, with some outright resembling kennels where your dogs can even sleep in. If you live a busy life but still want to make your dogs happy, getting a dog run could be the best choice.
Dog runs can benefit you and your dogs in a lot of ways. You won’t need to worry about them getting out, even when you give them the freedom they need throughout the day. Just make sure you’re getting a durable dog run that can withstand even the friskiest, most playful dogs.
Wondering which dog runs and playpens are best for man’s best friends? Here, you can check out a few reviews that you’ll truly find handy.
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Whenever you want to have the perfect enclosure for your pup, this product could be just right. It’s a foldable pen that’s ideal even for heavy-duty use, so you wouldn’t need to worry about biting and scratching, which could well lead to damage to its panels.
It’s great for easy storage whenever you want to put it away, which is also handy for traveling. The downside? It doesn’t really have a latching system to keep the dogs out, and users would have benefited more from a latching system.
- Dog run fencing withstands abuse
- Can easily be stored
- Doesn’t have a latching system


This pen is overwhelmingly well-received by a hefty number of reviewers, perhaps for a good reason. Compared to the other pens and dog runs on this list, it’s relatively inexpensive. It’s also ideal for dogs of different breeds, sizes, and personalities since you can easily adjust it to how they want it.
You won’t have much of a problem with moisture with its rust-resistant build, but speaking of which, some users have noticed some poorly-built components, which may be an issue for you.
- Inexpensive
- Adjustable to your pet’s liking
- Rust resistant
- Problems with workmanship


Introducing the AVC Designs Pet Dog Pen Puppy Playpen! This versatile and durable indoor/outdoor enclosure is the perfect solution for pet owners looking to provide a secure and spacious space for their furry friends. With a height of 91cm, this large-sized playpen offers ample room for your pup to stretch out and roam freely while keeping them safely contained.
Made for Energetic Pups
Made with high-quality materials, this dog pen is built to withstand even the most energetic pups. The sturdy metal frame ensures that it can withstand indoor and outdoor use, making it suitable for all environments. The convenient door with a secure latch allows easy access while ensuring your pet stays put.
Safe and Secure
Not only does the AVC Designs Pet Dog Pen offer safety and security, but it also provides peace of mind. Whether you need to leave your pup unattended indoors or outdoors, you can trust that they will be safe in their designated area. Additionally, this playpen gives your four-legged friend plenty of space to exercise and play without any restrictions – perfect for encouraging healthy habits and preventing boredom.
- Provides a safe and secure space for pets to play and exercise both indoors and outdoors
- Even larger dog breeds can be comfortably contained within the playpen
- Easy to assemble, disassemble, and transport
- Durable construction of the enclosure
- The design includes an accessible door for easy entry and exit
- The large size may require ample space both indoors and outdoors
- May not be suitable for toy-sized dog breeds due to potential gaps between bars


This model features connecting rods instead of fixed hinges, making it easier to attach and reliable. It is made from a heavy-duty box tubing finish in silver-black powder coating suitable for indoor and outdoor use. It comes with a removable heavy-duty plastic floor, but still, note that this playpen is not galvanized when used outside.
The COZY Playpen is a great alternative to your traditional dog cage; it doesn’t have a roof giving you much better access to your pet.
- Durable for outside and inside use
- Spacious with easy front access
- Can quickly be folded flat for storage
- Not made with galvanized material


Featuring 8 panels, this playpen is suitable not only for puppies and dogs but also for cats, rabbits, and other small animals. Each panel of this pen can be attached to the next, which allows you to put your playpen in different shapes.
If you buy an extra playpen, it could be attached and combined with the other one so you can create a larger pen on which your dogs could roam around. The AVC Playpen also has a hinged doorway with a secure latch making it safer to release your pets without having to lift the playpen.
- Foldable and easy to store
- Can be used indoor or outdoor
- Features a secure latch
- Needs to buy an extra pen to make it larger
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a dog run?
Technically, you can take your dog out to play or to go for a walk on a leash. This is always the best approach when it comes to getting your dog outside. On the other hand, you may not have a lot of time on your hands to take your dog on a walk.
With a dog run, you can leave your dog alone to play, and you can do whatever you want without worrying about your dog getting out.
Of course, this depends on the strength and height of the dog run, but for their function, dog runs are very convenient and useful for many dog owners out there. If you’re still thinking of whether or not you should get a dog run, consider how beneficial a dog run is for you.
And then, you’d have to determine next which dog run is best for you and your dog. With the many choices available for you out there, you’ll see the benefit of every one of them, regardless of which one you pick.
How big of a dog run do I need?
The easy answer? It depends on how big your dog is and the number of dogs you have. Aside from that, it also depends on how active your dog is, so if you’ve got a really frisky canine with you, then you’re definitely going to need a bigger enclosure. Be that as it may, for the most part, the bigger enclosure, the better it is for your dog.
Another thing to consider, however, is the space you have in your home. You may not be able to fit a big enough dog run in your home or your yard, so it’s another thing to look into. Nevertheless, there is plenty of dog runs available in the market that will suit your needs and the needs of your dog. Choose well!
What ground cover is safe for dogs?
Ideally, you should have a ground cover for your dog’s run. Covers help keep out dirt when you have your run indoors. The type of material used, however, is also an important thing to look into. Dogs are avid chewers, and certain materials could well be fatal for canines. So, what are the materials safe for dogs that are used as ground covers?
You may use gravel as a ground cover, which is cheap and good enough for protecting your yard, but it’s only ideal when placing your pen outside. Covers made of Irish moss are also ideal, although Irish moss requires consistent watering. If you’re keeping the pen outdoors, then these natural ground covers are quite ideal for your dogs.
It’s imperative to get a ground cover for dog playpens, especially when you’re thinking of getting runs that are permanent or built-in. You probably won’t have that problem with a more portable run.
What are some ideas for dog runs?
You may be wondering how you can make dog runs better for your dogs, especially during their playtime. You wouldn’t want your dogs to stay in one place after all and be bored out of their wits.
You also want it to have the right materials in place, the right enclosure, and the right playtime environment. Pick the right spot in your backyard, something that’s good enough for a large done run for dogs to run around in.
You should make sure your dog runs in a shaded area, especially when the weather is hot. Your dog could suffer from dehydration after playing and running around on a hot day, so it’s best to look for a well-shaded spot for dog playpens.
Another question that comes to mind is if you should get a dog run that is portable or built-in. Consider how you want your yard to be like. If you don’t think you can sustain something a bit more permanent, or you don’t need it, then you’ll benefit from a portable dog run. Otherwise, consider something that’s built-in, and you’ll be on your way.
Conclusion
Choosing a dog run need not be complicated. I myself would want one, since I find it convenient for many reasons, especially with how busy I can be, even at home. I think a dog run is a great investment, especially if you’re busy with dogs at home. If you want to give your dogs a good degree of freedom while keeping them safe from the outside world, then why not get a dog run? You’ll find that it may be the best thing you’ll ever get as a dog owner.