puppy pens

Discussion in 'Labrador Puppies' started by Teresa, Jul 4, 2015.

  1. Teresa

    Teresa Registered Users

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    I would like to know if anyone has tried an indoor puppy pen. I have to return to work when my pup is 16 weeks. I am going to hire a dog walker but I like the idea of him having space. I remember seeing an article with a photo of the pen/crate arrangement but I can't seem to find it. I have a large room where I can set up a pen but I was hoping to hear feedback from others about their experiences with using puppy pens while at work. If I remember correctly, Pippa suggested putting the crate inside the pen. I am going to try to purchase the one she recommended. I would also like to get extra panels if possible to make it larger. My husband and son will be in and out some days but he will be on his own some as well. I just want him to be comfy and content. Any feedback will be appreciated.
     
  2. Dexter

    Dexter Moderator Forum Supporter

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    Hi there,I haven't used one personally,with you saying you remember a photo I reckon it will have been in a post written by Julie ( JulieT) or Mags (Boogie) they have both used them successfully and happily.Charlie has his crate inside the pen but Gypsy didn't get on with her crate so Mags just used the pen I'm sure they will be along at some point today
    Angela x
     
  3. JulieT

    JulieT Registered Users

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    Hello there.

    Yes, Charlie has a crate inside a pen arrangement. There are lots of reasons to do this - it's the kindest thing to do if you have to leave a puppy longer than it might be asked to hold pee and poo (so you never force it to have to pee and poo in its cage, although you might slow down toilet training), it gives a dog a bit more freedom than a crate alone. And it's also a fantastic arrangement if you have an injured dog.

    I've always use a sleeping area or crate inside a pen. I use margo the dog pens which are expensive (I'll use the ones I have always though), but people report getting them second hand on ebay. One thing to consider is whether you are buying a temporary puppy pen or you might use it for a while. Puppies grow quickly, and my boy outgrew his puppy pen quickly and I had to buy a second much taller one as he became a teenager.

    [​IMG]image by julieandcharlie julieandcharlie, on Flickr

    What arrangements do you have in place for your return to work? It's perfectly possible to work and have a puppy, but it can be hard work making sure they get enough care while you are out of the house.
     
  4. Teresa

    Teresa Registered Users

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    I definitely plan on using a pen for awhile so I want to get the biggest one possible. Do you happen to remember where you purchased your taller pen? As far as arrangements go Ibwill be able to come home for lunch some days. My husband is going to work at home one or two days per week. I have two college aged sons who are in and out but they aren't reliable because of their own schedules. I am gong to hire someone to come in daily. I will also give some of my neighbors who stay at home a key in case of emergency. Several of them have or have had labs so they know about their need for lots of play and interaction. I was at home with my kids when we raised our other two labs. I am anxious about leaving him. It's just like a baby! One good thing about my job is that I have lots of time off. A week in the fall, a week at thanksgiving, two weeks at Christmas, another week in January, a week in the Spring, and 6 weeks in the summer. We will do what we have to do to make sure he gets what he needs. I have already told my team I am no longer available after 4 o'clock!
     
  5. Boogie

    Boogie Supporting Member Forum Supporter

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    Here is Gypsy's, I got it from Amazon, it's an Ellie-Bo pen :)

    I will be putting it up again very shortly as the new pupster arrives on Tuesday!

    [​IMG]
     
  6. JulieT

    JulieT Registered Users

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    Mine is 96cm high, and it's a UK company called "Margo the Dog" - I doubt they ship to the US (is that where you are?). It's actually sold as a whelping pen, rather than a puppy pen but I just bought the panels and gates to make up the configuration I wanted.

    http://dogpen-margothedog.deal-net.co.uk/dog-cages/large-dog-pen-2-extra-panels.html

    Maybe consider day care - a puppy creche (rather than free running day care suitable tor adults) saved me a lot of stress on my return to work. I found one that took only 4 puppies at a time and it was perfect.
     
  7. Karen

    Karen Registered Users

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    I bought a "Crufts" playpen, and was very happy with it.
     

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