Bringing a puppy home for the first time can have all kinds of adventures. You'll have to worry about training them to not chew on things. You'll want to keep them happy when you can't be at home.
All of these things will bring about new kinds of challenges for both you and your pup.
Sadly, no matter how much we might want to, none of us can stay home with our pets forever. Eventually, we'll need to go to work or head out to the grocery store. And we won't be able to take our puppies with us.
This is where puppy exercise pens can come in handy. They can be useful tools that will keep your puppy from getting into places he shouldn't be, or swallowing items that could potentially harm him. It can bring a kind of peace of mind to a new owner, especially when you are still in that beginning phase of trying to train.
We'll be going over the benefits of these kinds of pens, as well as sharing with you how you can set one up both effectively and safely.
Continue reading to learn more!
The Benefits of Puppy Exercise Pens
Teaches a Puppy How to be Alone
One of the hardest things for a puppy is to learn how to be without its family. Coming into a new home can be a stressful time for young pups, and having its new family leave the house for an undetermined amount of time can make that stress even stronger.
These kinds of pens will help the puppy learn how to be independent and confident whenever you heave to leave the house.
Keeps a Puppy Safe
Puppies love to get into places that they shouldn't. They might try to brave a staircase that they can't quite handle safely. Or perhaps they will go into a room that has a lot of expensive furniture that they just have to nibble on.
This could lead to all sorts of problems for both you and your puppy. You might end up with ruined furniture, and the pup might end up with an upset stomach, or perhaps even an injury.
Puppy exercise pens provide a dedicated and safe place for your puppy to move around and play. You won't have to worry about your new pet finding new and dangerous ways to entertain himself. This can be a great comfort, especially for someone who might be new to pet ownership.
Gives the Family Peace-of-Mind
Not only will you be able to rely on the fact that your puppy is safe whenever you leave the house, but you'll also be able to use the pen when you are still at home as well. Setting the untrained puppy into his pen while you have to be in a different room can help keep them out of trouble.
It can also be a good way to give yourself some time off from constant puppy-watching. Those few moments of stress-free relaxation can be a great asset. Training a puppy is no easy task!
Can Be Used Long-term and Short-term
The great thing about puppy exercise pens is that they can be used for a short amount of time, but can also work if you need to be away for hours. As long as you remember to prepare the pen with all of the necessary things, your puppy will be happy and safe while you are away for the day.
Steps to Set Up a Pen
Step 1: The Exercise Pen
The first thing is to purchase an exercise pen from a store. Alternatively, if you are low on cash, you could make use of a smaller room, such as a bathroom or a laundry room, and a childproof gate.
The pen is more versatile, however, as you can section off a specific part of a room for your puppy instead of needing to dedicate an entire room.
Make sure that the area you choose is easy to clean and free from any furniture or other objects.
Step 2: Furnish the Area
Next is to fill out the sectioned area for your puppy. Include things like his own specific crate with a soft bed, toys of varying types, a chewing toy, perhaps his favorite bone, and other similar things.
It can be a good idea to put in a puppy pad or something of the like if you intend to be gone for a long time, just in case the puppy will need to use the bathroom.
A great tip is to have a particular toy that is specific for the pen. Only give it to your puppy when he is inside of the pen, and take it away when he's being let out. This way, he can have something to be excited for when its time to go back inside of his little area.
Step 3: Introduction
When introducing your puppy to his new pen for the first time, take him out for a walk, and the put him in the pen. Give him a treat to snack on, and then leave him for a few minutes as you go about your business.
In about three minutes or so, let the puppy back out again. It's important that you don't make a fuss over him or give him too much attention. You want it to feel completely normal and not give him any special attention.
Step 4: Getting Used to the Pen
After you've introduced your pup to the pen, all that's left is getting it to become a regular part of his day. Keep putting him in the pen, and leave for smaller increments for the first day or two, and then lengthen the time after that.
Try to vary the length of time that you're leaving the puppy alone so that he doesn't come to expect anything in particular. Maybe go out to get the mail at first, but then the next time you might go up the street for a jog.
Repeat these kinds of exercises throughout the day so that your pup will be able to get used to the pen in a gradual way.
Please keep in mind that this might take a couple of days or maybe even a couple of weeks before your puppy will feel completely comfortable with the pen. It can sometimes be difficult for puppies to get used to the puppy exercise pens, but they get there eventually!
One Last Tip
Your puppy may complain about being in his pen. This could be through barking or whining or other kinds of behavior.
It's important that you don't give him any attention during this, as it will make the transition a lot harder. Make certain he has been quiet for a short period before you let him out again.
You don't want him to learn that making certain sounds will get him out of the pen. It's okay if he makes noises. You know he's safe in there, and eventually, he will learn that he's fine alone for a little while.
If you have any questions or concerns about puppy exercise pens, contact us at any time. We'd love to help you!
