A common problem with dog playpens is that they tend to slip around too much. Therefore, we’ve decided to round up the best tips on how to keep dog playpen from moving. We’ll break down the process in stages and steps that you can take to properly stabilize your pup’s indoor movement accessory.
Leaving your dog unattended for extended periods of time can be very problematic. On one hand, an unrestrained pooch can get hurt or cause all kinds of mischief throughout the house. On the other hand, leaving your furry friend in a crate too often can lead to prolonged suffering, especially if they’re just a puppy.
Luckily, dog playpens offer enough room for your pet to move around without getting into trouble. In addition, the boost of exercise will be fantastic for pups that spend a lot of time indoors. We know that your four-legged buddy loves their playpen, but let’s see how you, the owner, can rest assured that their playpen stays in place.
Steps to Take:
1. Choose the Right Playpen for Your Dog
Before you learn how to keep dog playpen from moving, it’s important to make sure you have the right one. If the playpen you’re using is not adequate for your dog, you may be fighting a losing battle. In order to choose the most suitable model for your dog’s needs, take the following aspects into account:
- Size. The playpen you get should provide enough room for your dog to move around freely. Consequently, the bigger your dog is, the bigger its playpen should be.
- Construction. As obvious as it may seem, you should look for the sturdiest playpens possible. Not only do they offer more stability, but you won’t have to change them every couple of months either. Also, keep an eye out for playpens that come with thick and heavy bars that would withstand chewing.
- Materials. Of course, the playpen you decide on should be made of high-quality materials that will ensure its durability. Aside from quality, also consider the weight of the material for added stability.
- Accessories. Thankfully, some dog playpens include accessories that may reduce their mobility. Among them are stabilizers for the legs of the playpen. Additionally, some playpens might also have roofs, which add extra weight that could help ground the playpen.
- Setup. You should also keep the installation process in mind. Some playpens are erected by putting together various panels. While they are convenient and easier to assemble, panel playpens might not be all that stable.
2. Consider the Floor Surface
Some types of floors are more useful than others at maintaining structures immobile. Before trying to determine how to keep dog playpen from moving, you will want to make sure that the floor will actually help ground the playpen and not the other way around.
Linoleum and tarp are excellent floor options for increased stabilization. Alternatively, you can place a slip-proof mat or carpet in the area where the playpen will be.
If you go with a carpet, however, try to make it a high-traffic one that’s as plain and fuzzless as possible. By doing so, you can also avoid having to clean it too often. Regardless of what flooring you choose, make sure that it’s tightly and securely installed.
3. Use Anchors for Stability
Anchors can work wonders for stabilizing the playpen. If your model didn’t come with any, you should know that you can use any object that is heavy, flat-bottomed, and difficult to budge. A few examples of makeshift playpen anchors are:
- Kettlebells
- Concrete bricks
- Weights
- Piece of heavy furniture
If you have the possibility, you can also place the playpen against one or two walls. Choose a well-lit spot in your home with enough airflow to ensure your dog’s comfort and safety. Secure the playpen by fixing the anchors against the sides that are not touching a wall.
4. Take the Dog for a Walk or Exercise Session
Playpens tend to move around because dogs become restless and hyperactive when left inside of them for longer periods of time. In other cases, it may also be the dog’s attempt to communicate something to us.
As a result, you should consider calming your dog’s excess of energy the healthy way. Try walking and/or exercising with your pup for a good period of time before putting them in their playpen.
After that, when they’re back in the pen, they’ll be ready for some lighter play and perhaps even some rest.
5. Reduce the Time Your Dog Spends in the Playpen
Before we wrap up, it’s always a good idea to make sure that your pooch has done their business prior to entering the playpen. Dogs, by instinct, do not want to soil their own space. For that reason, if your dog feels the need to relieve themselves, they may try to break out of their playpen in any way possible.
Finally, you need to find the ideal balance of time in and out of the playpen. If you leave your doggo in the pen for too long, they may want to break out, causing the playpen to move. Ideally, your dog should not be in there for longer than three or four hours at a time.
All Steady Now?
Keeping a playpen steady and in its place is no easy feat. However, with the right information, you can have a good, happy, and healthy pet that will not move its playpen or cause any other problems.
Do you have any suggestions or tips and tricks of your own on how to keep dog playpen from moving? If you do, share them with us below!
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