Why Should You Use an Exercise Pen to Train Your New Puppy?

Our puppies are introduced to exercise pens at an early age, starting around 4 to 5 weeks old and continuing until they go home at about 8 weeks.

Exercise pen training offers similar benefits to crate training, but with added space and freedom for your puppy:

• Housetraining: An exercise pen helps with housetraining by providing a designated, confined space for the puppy, reducing the likelihood of accidents while unsupervised. Puppies learn to associate the pen with holding their bladder until they are let out for bathroom breaks.

• Safety and Management: Pens offer a safe space where your puppy can explore and play without getting into trouble, like chewing on harmful objects or accessing dangerous areas. You can step away knowing your puppy is secure.

• Boundary Setting: Much like a crate, the pen establishes boundaries for your puppy, teaching them to understand where they should stay when you can’t supervise them. Over time, they associate the pen with relaxation and comfort.

• Promotes Independence: The pen helps your puppy learn self-soothing and promotes healthy independence. With a bit more room than a crate, puppies have space to play and rest, easing separation anxiety and creating a positive environment for alone time.

It’s crucial to make the pen a pleasant area with comfy bedding, toys, and positive reinforcement, just like crate training. Avoid using the pen as punishment, and always keep the experience positive.