If your dog scents a chipmunk, no matter what breed, size, age, or form he is, he will most likely chase after it. Dog playpens are a crucial tool for pets and pet owners alike, whether home, outdoors, or on the road. They can discourage a naughty puppy from chasing other animals or gnawing on the living room furniture, allow exercise in the form of running around and assist with physical or anti-anxiety training.

Dog pens are also designed to provide a secure and enjoyable environment for dogs and their owners. But it doesn't have to feel like a cell. Hence, it's critical to make sure it's spacious enough for your dog to play with toys and jog around.

So here's are seven of the best playpens for you and your furry companion, whether you're looking for one for your living room, backyard, or for the road.

7 Top Dog Playpens for New Dog Parents

Best Overall Dog Playpen - PET LIFE ® 'ALL-TERRAIN' LIGHTWEIGHT PLAYPEN

High-grade mesh and scratch-resistant nylon fabrics make up the Pet Life 'All-Terrain' Lightweight Easy Folding Collapsible dog playpen. These pet playpens include a 360-degree view of the sun and a larger velcro pouch to store different items. The upper removable mesh netting on this collapsible dog playpens prevents your dogs from jumping out of it. This dog playpen also has a mesh zippered side entrance which collapses and folds into 4 inches thin. It's perfect for indoor and outdoor use. You can buy it in a variety of sizes and colors.

Best For Large Dogs - PET LIFE ® 'HOUNDA ACCORDION' METAL FRAMED PLAYPEN

The Pet Life ® 'Hounda Accordion' Metal Framed Playpen Soft-Folding Collapsible Dual-Sided Expandable Dog Crate is designed with three times the space of a lounging room. These soft folding dog playpens have dual-sided zippers that open. It extends like an accordion on both sides for a wide triple lounging space with comfy and breathable Sherpa-like removable resting mats that velcro in place on either side. Zippers are on both sides of the accordion-like extensible mesh structures for additional pet movement. 

The Honda Accordion pet cage is made of a durable nylon exo-Shell, and premium breathable mesh with a medium-weight sturdy metallic frame that folds, collapses, buckles, and closes. However, it locks into place when opened. This kennel also has a zipper on the top compartment for storing items. The frontal and panoramic zippered entrances are also made for accessible pet entrance that zips up, rolls up, and velcro into position while providing perfect ventilation and sun view all around. This collapsible dog playpen also has a built-in safety leash holder and above handle straps for easy handling. It's large enough to accommodate many pets and ideal for travel and outdoor use. You can get a variety of sizes and colors according to your need.

Best For Travel - PET LIFE ® 'DUAL WINDOW' RECTANGULAR PLAYPEN

The Dual Mesh Windowed Outdoor Collapsible Playpen has dual-Sided mesh roll-up windows for a better view of the sun, making it ideal for larger or several dogs. This type of travel dog playpens is collapsible and can serve inside and outside purposes. It also has four sides of mesh vision and a lightweight wiring frame, ideal for pet owners always on the go.

Best For Outdoors - PET LIFE ® 'SKELETAL OUTDOOR' TRAVEL CAMPING PLAYPEN

The Skeletal Outdoor Travel Collapsible Pet Tent has a semi-cylindrical form with a wired outer shell. A frontal mesh roll-up window, a nylon carrying case, and an entrance are also part of the package. It's ideal for use outside. With a waterproof covering and the ability to function as a travel pet house, this tent is suitable for anyone that wants to shop dog playpens for those wet outdoor days.

Best Budget - PET LIFE ® 'ELONGATED CAMPING' RECTANGULAR PLAYPEN

This Rectangular Extended Mesh Canvas Collapsible Outdoor Tent with bottle holder comprises a lightweight wired outer shell and an elongated rectangular structure. It includes a nylon carrying case, dual-sided mesh view, and a frontal window and entrance. This rectangular dog tent also has a mesh and nylon bottle holder, ideal for indoor and outdoor use.

Best For Small Dogs - PET LIFE ® '360° VISTA VIEW' ZIPPERED PLAYPEN

The PVC frame adds stability to the Pet Life ® Folding Zippered 360° VISTA VIEW Collapsible Soft Folding Dog Crate Carrier. This dog crate closes with a mechanical hinge and is secured with a buckle. You can carry it around once folded, thanks to the integrated side handle.

This playpen's scratch-resistant nylon/sherpa padding contains Thinsulate ® Thermal Heat Retention Technology. It is made of ballistic nylon and designed to stand the test of time. This playpen also has a built-in leash holder on the inside of the carrier for enhanced safety and protection. When collapsed, it's only 4 inches across.

Best For Indoors - PET LIFE ® 'CAPACIOUS' DUAL-SIDED EXPANDABLE PLAYPEN

The PET LIFE ® 'CAPACIOUS' is an enormous, heavy-duty ballistic nylon and mesh product that is also expandable with a lightweight wire folding, collapsible crate. It has bending yet durable built-in flexible velcro extenders that stay into place and hold up the two outer mesh expandable sides. Both sides fully expand before collapsing and folding. It's ideal for more than one dog.

It's lightweight and suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. It has a big frontal breathable mesh entry that rolls up into place for enhanced sunlight visibility and exposure. For extra durability, there are two rows of reinforced stitching. A reversible plush inner cushion is included and expands to cover the entire surface area. They come in a variety of shades, sizes, and colors.

Final Words

These are, without a doubt, the best dog playpens available on the market. As you can see, they are priced differently, with some being more expensive than others, but they all provide excellent value for money. Thus, you can choose based on your unique budget and needs.

However, you can let your pups roam around your house once they are more than six months old and have completed their house training. Nevertheless, if you're going camping or doing other outside activities, you can still use your dog's playpen. This will keep them protected and secure while still allowing them to play.