I am about to get a puppy and have considered using a puppy pen. Has anyone any advice about the best way to use them, or any useful tips they can pass on? Thanks.

hi, we have just started using a puppy pen for our new pup. i wasn't sure what she'd make of it at first, but the breeder i got her from also used one, so she was already used to them. we've been leaving the door open so she can get in and out freely when we're home, put her favourite toys in to encourage her.. and she's been fine. put her in after a play when she got tired, and just gradually increased the time she was left alone. we're still new to it though, so any more advice would be welcome by me too :)

We didn't use a puppy pen as we had pretty much puppy-proofed before our's arrived, but we did have a crate for when he was unattended - which he still has and still uses - but he's six and a half now :)

yes they are a good idea - especially for overnight whilst they are young
just dont use them as a form of punishment
as the op said at first it is a good idea to leave the door open
make sure you put lots of toys etc in there too

I was always under the impression that a puppy pen was a piece of equipment best suited to breeders - as it's a good way to contain multiple small animals, but those pups very soon grow out of the pen and will quickly be large enough to climb up and push its panels about

I have got one of these

http://www.croftonline.co.uk/products.asp?partno=FREEDOM, they are brilliant I would never part with it, i used it for my dogs when i had buliders in, and a whelping pen for my litter of puppies, i no they are a bit expensive, but well worth it,

I have a rabbit run which Badger spends time jumping in and out of !!! but he has a crate like Brude and likes it, although we rarely shut the door

our pup seems ok with her pen at the mo, she won't need it forever mind; though she's in it now (took herself to bed, so proud :) ) and has slept through the night every night except her first night; and always uses her mats (well except for the odd little wee on the rug after a play, but we were expecting a lot worse!). we do spend a lot of time with her, and thankfuly she seems to be settling in. we're playing it by ear, at the minute she's happy running in and out of it, but when she gets more settled in i doubt we'll need to use it.