Puppy potty training! 3 points to consider when choosing a playpen

A playpen is essential for potty training a puppy.

Dogs are clean animals, so they won't defecate in their beds, and they don't have a habit of using a toilet in one place.

Therefore, you need to use a playpen to help your puppy learn where the toilet is.

However, with so many different types of playpens available, some people may be unsure which one to choose.

So, in this article,

"How do I choose a playpen for my first puppy?"

"Is there a relationship between potty training and playpens?"

"What should I do about playpens once my puppy has learned to use the toilet?"

For owners who are worried about this, we will introduce how to choose a playpen and recommend some indoor playpens.

Get your puppy used to the playpen from an early age and get him used to going into the playpen or cage (house/crate).

Why is a playpen necessary for potty training?

Dogs are animals that have lived outdoors, so they don't naturally have the habit of using the toilet in one place.

If you don't potty train your dog, it will defecate all over the house, so you need to train it to know where the toilet is.

And because dogs are generally clean animals, it's hard to let them defecate in their sleeping area.

If you place a toilet in their sleeping area, they may end up holding it in, which is not good for their health.

It's also possible that they'll defecate in a different place and fail to use the toilet, because they don't want to soil the toilet in their sleeping area.

By using a playpen to separate the toilet area from the sleeping area, your puppy will be more likely to learn where the toilet is.

For more information on toilet training methods and tips using a playpen, see the following article.

[Beginner's Guide] Introduction to Dog Toilet Training. Just keep these things in mind and you'll be fine!

Three Points to Consider When Choosing a Puppy Potty Pen

When choosing a toilet pen for your puppy, consider the following three points:

① Check the size of the enclosure

② Check the installation location

③ Make sure you can fit a crate (cage) in it

From here, we'll explain each point in detail.

① Check the size of the playpen

Choose a playpen that is neither too large nor too small, with enough space for your puppy to feel comfortable.

When you first get your puppy, you should generally not let him outside his playpen to reduce stress from the change in environment.

He'll be spending all day in his playpen, so a playpen that's too small can be stressful.

The appropriate size of the playpen will vary depending on the breed.

For example, a standard-sized playpen will be fine for a small dog.

On the other hand, if you have a large puppy, it's best to prepare a slightly larger playpen to accommodate its growth.

Also, toilet training tips may vary slightly depending on the breed's habits and characteristics.

The following article explains toilet training for Shiba Inu dogs, which have different toilet training tips than other dog breeds. If you're considering adopting a Shiba Inu puppy, be sure to read this article.

[Cute Shiba Inu puppy! Toilet training tips that are a little different from other breeds】

②Confirm the installation location

To prevent your puppy from feeling lonely, place the playpen in a place where it can sense your presence, such as the living room.

Knowing your presence will help your puppy feel more comfortable during potty training.

It's also recommended to install the litter box in a location with little temperature fluctuation and good ventilation.

A comfortable location allows both puppies and owners to concentrate on potty training.

If you can't find a litter box that fits your location, it's a good idea to make a homemade litter box.

Making a litter box to fit your dog's size will help prevent waste from spilling out. You can also create a stylish litter box that matches the interior décor.

The following article explains in detail how to make a DIY toilet.

【Make your dog's toilet stylish with DIY! Introducing 5 DIY Tips】

③ Check if a crate (cage) can fit inside the playpen

Check if a crate can fit inside the playpen.

Dogs originally lived in dens, so they can sleep safely in small spaces.

Therefore, having a crate or cage will make the enclosure a better environment for your puppy.

Furthermore, if you get your puppy used to using the crate or cage, it will be able to use it without any problems when traveling by car, in the event of a disaster, or when guests come over.

Get your puppy used to using the crate from a young age so that it can use the cage without stress.

Place the crate or cage inside or near the enclosure.

What indoor playpens do you recommend? Introducing Popular Products

Next, we'll introduce two recommended indoor playpens.

Both are popular and easy to use, making them ideal for toilet training.

Combination Circle Toilet Training Set P-CS-1400 Brown

Source: Iris Plaza

The "Combination Circle Toilet Training Set P-CS-1400" is a popular product that can be freely customized to suit your puppy's growth and purpose. It sells for ¥14,800 (tax included).

The circles can be freely connected vertically and horizontally to increase the number of circles, making it a great choice for expanding your family.

The great thing about this product is that no tools are required for assembly. Simply snap the parts together, and anyone can easily assemble it.

The playpen also comes with casters, making it easy to move.

For example, the playpen can be easily moved when cleaning the room, making it very convenient.

The litter tray is also made of plastic, so it can be washed thoroughly with water after using the pet sheet.

The "Combination Circle Toilet Training Set P-CS-1400" is recommended for those who want to customize their own circle.

Woody Circle Low Type PWSR-1260L Available in 3 Colors

Source: Iris Plaza

The "Woody Circle Low Type PWSR-1260L" is an indoor playpen popular for its interior-friendly design. It's priced at ¥16,800 (tax included).

The circle comes in three colors:

• White
• Natural
• Ash Brown (online only)

Choose the color that best suits your room's decor.

Assembly is incredibly easy; simply insert the fixing pins into the four corners of the circle.

Furthermore, the plastic litter tray is easy to wipe clean and can be washed thoroughly with water, making it extremely easy to clean.

The "Woody Circle Low Type PWSR-1260L" is recommended for those looking for a stylishly designed litter box that blends in with their interior decor.

Summary (Puppy Potty Training Circle)

Potty training a puppy isn't an overnight process.

It will take patience on the part of the owner to fully train your dog to use the toilet, but using a playpen has the benefit of making it easier for your dog to remember where the toilet is.

When choosing a playpen, check the size and location. Placing it in a too-small or secluded area can be stressful for your puppy.

Create an environment where your dog can feel comfortable inside the playpen, and patiently work on potty training.