Best Portable Dog Fence

If you are looking to buy the best portable dog fence, chances are you are worried sick that your puppy could escape and never come back home. In truth, you are not alone as there are lots of other dog owners and trainers going through the same challenge. So, the goal of this well-researched guide is to help you get the best one on the market.

Just so we don’t jump the gun, it is important that we define what a dog fence is. By definition, a portable dog fence, playpen, or crate is a containment system designed to avert dogs from going beyond certain perimeters. Since it is portable, it is easy to assemble or dissemble and then move from one place to another. If you fail to have a fence for your puppy, you may end up placing a bounty on him when he runs away.

While some of them will return after leaving home, a good number of them will never bother to return. In some other cases, they may be stolen when they are seen loitering around. This explains why it is critical to get your dog a fence. One of the obstacles that this guide will help you overcome is making a pick from a market full of many different dog fences. So, continue reading to find out the best products out there.

How Did We Pick the Best Portable Dog Fence?

We constantly strive to put the interests of our readers above everything else. To make sure we do just that, we use informative and well-crafted articles to simplify the confusing maze you must navigate when choosing products to meet your needs. In a concerted effort to help you get the best from the market, we create product reviews by holistically studying the market and analyzing real customers’ feedback. In the end, you can be sure of a sincere and useful verdict from our team.

If you find our articles useful — please feel free to share them with your family, friends, and colleagues. Follow us on our social media platforms to read the latest online product reviews as they drop.

Best Overall

MidWest Homes for Pets Folding Metal Exercise Pen

Key Features

Why It is Better?

Why Do You Need a Portable Dog Fence?

You already have an idea why you need a pen, don’t you? Well, we will show you other reasons why you should get a playpen for your pets.

  • Replacement for cages: Dog owners have come to love their animals as playmates and friends. As a result, if often feels terrible when they have to confine their buddies in cages. To these people, cages give dogs the feeling that they are not loved. To avert that, the dog or any other pet for that matter can stay in a spacious, see-through dog fence. From there, the dog can look around and see the owner any time they want to do that without getting the feeling that they have been locked away and dejected.
  • Proper watch: Dog cages are always left somewhere outside, making it difficult for the owner to know exactly what is happening to his dog. For instance, there are cases where the dog can be harmed by deadly animals like snakes because the owner does not have an eye on the dog. However, a portable fence for dogs allows owners to have a close look at the dog whenever they want to as the playpen can easily be set up indoors. This way, they don’t have to always leave and go outside to check out how the dog is faring.
  • Replacement for permanent fence: If you live in a rented apartment, there is a possibility that some landlords wouldn’t let you have a permanent fence for your dogs. Well, it is their house, so they tend to decide what you build around the property. With a portable fence for dogs, you don’t need any go-ahead from your landlord before getting yourself a pet and setting one up for them.
  • Important barrier: There are some dogs that find it pretty difficult to get along with other people or pets in the neighborhood. For instance, some dogs can potentially harm other pets on the streets or cause a problem when taken to the mall. You cannot rule out the possibility that some of them can even bite people when they make their way to the street. Some dogs can cause a lot of trouble at home as they keep running around and jumping from one couch to another. While you may enjoy that alone, it can be worrisome whenever you have guests. The reverse can also be the case as there may be some much stronger dogs trying to harm yours – not yours trying to harm others. With the help of an enclosure, you can securely keep your dog in your house without it causing trouble in your neighborhood or elsewhere.
  • Easy to set up: You will particularly like the fact that you don’t have to bre a technical person like a plumber or carpenter to assemble it. On top of that, you don’t need any tools to set it up. All you need to do is follow the instructional guidelines that come with fence and set it up. You can also dismantle it any time you want to. Plus, it is designed for both indoor and outdoor use, making it particularly different from a permanent fence.
  • Flexibility: By design, some of the dog portable fences out there can be made into different shapes and sizes. This means that they are flexible. You can make them into square and rectangular shapes. You can also set them up in homes where space is an issue. All you need to do is find out the size that fits into your cozy apartment and then go ahead and set it up. Indeed, that’s the uniqueness that a portable fence brings aboard as it is not permanently stuck to the ground.
  • Affordability: When it comes to a portable dog fence, you don’t have to pay through your nose to give your dog one. Without mincing words, they are very affordable, making it a must-have for many people who love to have pets at home. It is safe to say that they are cheaper than permanent ones regarding installation and maintenance.
  • Transportability: If you always move with your pets from one place to another, all you need to do is bring your portable dog fence. To do that, you will have to fold the components of the pen and carry them with you. With perimeter fences, this is impossible. Nevertheless, the portable playpen allows you to do that and you can easily set it up whenever you get to your new location or destination. By and large, it is perfect for traveling, potty training, camping, etc.
  • Decoration: We must not fail to mention that some portable dog pens are so attractive that they do more than restricting the movement of the pets. When you set them up inside your expansive, luxury apartment, your dog will have enough space to play around. That adds to the aesthetics of your home.

How to Pick the Right Portable Dog Fence

Just before you make a pick from our long list of best portable dog fences, there are certain factors that you have to take into consideration. Let’s discuss them briefly.

  • Weight: You see, weight must matter to you if you always travel from with your dog from one place to another. The reason is that you don’t want to keep struggling with the playpen if you have to move it from your backyard to inside of the house, do you? Weight is also important because you don’t want to have a playpen that your dog can easily pull down if not properly staked to the ground. A heavy playpen will be pretty difficult for your dog to pull down. These fences are meant for small animals, so you should always keep that in mind.
  • Height: Another factor that you must take into consideration is the height of the portable dog fence. The reasoning behind this is that some dogs have that tendency to always jump around. Examples are Australian shepherd, kelpie, poodle, Russell terrier, etc. If you have such a dog, you should consider getting playpens that are tall enough to keep the dog in its play area.
  • Design: Do you have an issue with space at home? If so, you should go for adjustable dog fences. The reason is that you can adjust it to any size and shape of your choice just to make sure it can fit into your cozy apartment. Some playpens are designed to either have a small size or be extendable. You should also check the individual parts of the fence. For example, make sure that the hinges work well and that it comes with latches or bolts for adequate protection. Therefore, the design of your preferred playpen should always mean a lot to you.
  • Durability: If you have dogs that always jump around and throw themselves against the fence, the material used to make the fence must matter to you. The reason is that you run the risk of having broken or damaged fences if they continue to hit the playpen. If you always set up your fence outside the house, you should ensure that it is resistant to harsh weather conditions.
  • Material: Among other factors, materials determine how durable the product is. They are typically made of three types: metal, polyester or mesh, and plastic. Of the three materials, metal fences are the most durable. While the plastic types take the second position, the mesh and plastic fences are recommended when you don’t have stubborn pets.
  • Brand: One of the key factors that must matter to you is the brand of fence. While there are countless makers out there, there are just a few reputable ones. The benefit of buying products made by reputable companies is that they always honor their words. In other words, they have high-quality and durable playpens. The good thing is that most of them are reviewed in this guide. Examples are Yaheetech, MidWest Homes for Pets, New World Pet Products, AmazonBasics, Pet Trex, etc.

Top 10 Best Portable Dog Fences

1. MidWest Homes for Pets Folding Metal Exercise Pen Review

Our Rating
4.6/5

Maneuverability

0%

Sturdiness

0%

Easy to fold

0%

Key Features

We Like

We Don’t Like

Taming your puppies just got easier with this enclosure as you can easily assemble and dismantle it. You can fold it up quickly if you need to go somewhere. What’s more is that you can use it both indoors and outdoors, making it one of the best playpens out there. It is spacious enough for your dog to play around in it, meaning that it will never get bored or tired of playing around. Just like humans, your pets need to exercise too, and this playpen provides enough room for that.

With an E-coat finish, the durability of this enclosure is guaranteed. This is not only a see-thru pen but it is also a step-thru pen. As a see-thru pen, you can also keep an eye on your pup to know how he is faring. On the other hand, you can get close to your pup and play with them because it is a step-thru playpen. You shouldn’t limit what you keep in this playpen to just dogs either. You can keep your ducks, cats, and rabbits in it as well. 

Our Rating
4.6/5

2. YAHEETECH Heavy Duty Foldable Metal Pet Dog Puppy Cat Exercise Fence Review

Our Rating
4.6/5

Maneuverability

0%

Sturdiness

0%

Ease to fold

0%

Key Features

We Like

We Don’t Like

This is a see-through playpen that comes with a good door access. Your puppy will definitely have access to safety, security, and comfort when you keep it in this spacious barricade. It has a steel panel with a hinged door and a latch, allowing access into and out of the playpen. You will particularly like the fact that each of the panels is detachable and you can also connect multiple pens together to make it a lot bigger.

For instance, you have separate design that allow you to configure this dog fence to the shape of your choice. This means that you can make it into a square, rectangle, or octagon. Because this pen is made of premium quality iron, it snagged our best premium pen. It is noteworthy that the iron is resistant to rust and weather. If you don’t want to see your pet outdoors due to rain or other harsh weather conditions, feel free to assemble the playpen indoors. Lastly, you don’t even need any tools to set it up.

Our Rating
4.6/5

3. New World Pet Products Foldable Metal Exercise Pen & Pet Playpen Review

Our Rating
4.4/5

Maneuverability

0%

Sturdiness

0%

Ease to fold

0%

Key Features

We Like

We Don’t Like

If you are on a budget, you may want to consider going for this playpen because it is relatively affordable. Hence, it is our best budget portable dog pen. You can use it to keep your turtles, ducks, guinea pigs, and any other non-climbing pets for that matter. With respect to your puppies, they get enough space to play around when you keep them in this pen. You can also set it up both indoors and outdoors. Sure, when the weather doesn’t look so friendly, you should feel free to bring this living area into your home.

That way, your puppies won’t have to be jumping all over the place. The good thing is, you don’t have to be a pro to set up this pen as the instructional guides are crystal clear. Additionally, you don’t need any tools to assemble or dismantle it. It is a see-through pen, meaning that you can check on your pets effortlessly. Lastly, the metal materials are pretty durable, making this pen a must-have.

Our Rating
4.4/5

4. AmazonBasics Foldable Metal Pet Exercise and Playpen Review

Our Rating
4.5/5

Maneuverability

0%

Sturdiness

0%

Ease to fold

0%

Key Features

We Like

We Don’t Like

If you need the most durable puppy fence out there, then you don’t need to search any further as this is the game-changer you are looking for. It is durable because its iron metal is properly painted in black to avert rusting. Designed by AmazonBasics, this playpen remains one of the most sought-after pens on the market because it has lots of perks. For instance, you don’t need to have tools to unfold and transform it into the shape of your choice.

Unlike others that don’t have latches, it uses slide-bolt latches, making it stand out. You can easily dismantle and fold it to move it from one place to another. This is particularly important as you may need to set it up inside your house when the weather is not favorable. When it is fully assembled, your pets have enough space to play around. Although it is assumed to be used for puppies, you can use it for other non-climbing pets like turtles, rabbits, and ducks. It is also a see-through enclosure.

Our Rating
4.5/5

5. BestPet Puppy Pet Playpen 8 Panel Indoor Outdoor Metal Protable Folding Animal Exercise Dog Fence Review

Our Rating
4.5/5

Maneuverability

0%

Sturdiness

0%

Ease to fold

0%

Key Features

We Like

We Don’t Like

This enclosure snagged a spot on this list because it comes with lots of benefits. For example, you can set it up in a matter of minutes. What’s more is that you can collapse it for easy transportation and storage. It has durable welding that gives it strength. This product is a multipurpose playpen because you can use it for all manner of uses like as a kennel, crate, pet hangout, playroom, etc. You can also use the pen to house a number of animals including puppies, rabbits, cats, guinea pigs, turtles, ducks, etc.

Its epoxy coating ensures that it is resistant to rusting, corrosion, and fading, especially when it is exposed to extreme temperatures. It has two latches that guarantee top-notch security. With this playpen, your pets have enough space to play around without disturbing the entire home or running away from home. The doors are big enough for your pets to go in and out unaided. You don’t have to be a technical person to set it up because doing so is pretty easy.

Our Rating
4.5/5

6. Pet Trex Playpen Hogh Panels for Dogs Review

Our Rating
4.3/5

Maneuverability

0%

Sturdiness

0%

Ease to fold

0%

Key Features

We Like

We Don’t Like

By design, this product is the most convenient to fold. All you need is to go through its self-explanatory manual and grasp how you can easily fold it for easy transportation and storage. You will also like the fact that it is built for indoor and outdoor uses thanks to the unique fold-down design. You will also be interested to know that it does not occupy huge space when it is folded and not in use.

If you wish to keep your pet in one place, you have no problem at all as this enclosure will help you to achieve that. Your pets have enough space to play around since it is so spacious. Instead of taking your pet out of the pen, all you need to do is use the doggie door. That’s just one of the innovations that this playpen utilizes. Plus, it is uniquely designed as it comes with bells and whistles. With slide bolts and ground stakes, the security of your dogs is guaranteed.

Our Rating
4.3/5

7. Tespo Pet Playpen Review

Our Rating
3.8/5

Maneuverability

0%

Sturdiness

0%

Ease to fold

0%

Key Features

We Like

We Don’t Like

A close look at this pen shows that it is unique as its design and build are quite different from many other products. In other words, it goes beyond serving as a playpen as it can also be used to decorate your home. It is also easy to assemble and dismantle. Hence, the company behind this playpen is truly innovative. It comes with transparent panels that allow you keep an eye on your pet as it plays around.

The DIY expandable feature makes it possible for you to expand the fence to any size of your choice. One thing that you will definitely find fascinating is that your dog will be happier and healthier. More importantly, it keeps your pet in a space big enough for playing around. Moreover, the cable ties and anti-slips are commendable upgrades that show that this portable dog fence is in the league of its own. You can keep your puppy, bunny, guinea pig, or kitty in it, which goes to show that you can keep more than just dogs in it.

Our Rating
3.8/5

8. IRIS USA 24 Exercise Playpen Panels for Dog Review

Our Rating
4.5/5

Maneuverability

0%

Sturdiness

0%

Ease to fold

0%

Key Features

We Like

We Don’t Like

Here comes one of the most affordable dog fences on the market. It is also easy to assemble and dismantle. On top of that, your dogs can easily move in and out of the cage unaided. It is designed for both indoor and outdoor use. It allows your dog enough space to play around and exercise. There is a built-in lock that you can easily twist to lock or unlock the door. One of the perks that you snag from having this dog fence is that it is a durable product. It is not difficult to spot the non-skid rubber foot that protects your floor.

Aside from dogs, this playpen can also be used for keeping other pets such as rabbits, turtles, cats, ducks, etc. Your pets would definitely feel comfortable and happier in this enclosure. It can be used as a play yard, exercise fence, and gate. When you care about the security of your dog, you will have no such problem with this playpen. Hence, it is the most secure playpen in this guide.

Our Rating
4.5/5

9. IRIS 24 Exercise 4-Panel Pet Playpen with Door Review

Our Rating
4.3/5

Maneuverability

0%

Sturdiness

0%

Ease to fold

0%

Key Features

We Like

We Don’t Like

This dog fence is safe because it free from BPA and acid. Notice that such chemicals are capable of harming your pets. With eight square feet of play area, your dog will certainly have enough space to play in. With add-on panels, you can create a big play fence for your dog. Plus, this fence can serve the purpose of play yard, gate, and small dog fence. With the non-skid rubber foot, the floor is protected. Just like other playpens that came before it, this dog fence serves both indoor and outdoor purposes.

Regardless of your indoor space, you can set up this dog fence to fit into cozy apartments. It comes with plastic panels and secure interlocks that seamlessly connect with the rods. The door allows pets to easily move in and out. It is beautiful, which means that it can serve as a decorative piece in your home. Lastly, it is a user-friendly crate as assembling, dismantling, and using it do not require special skills.

Our Rating
4.3/5

10. North States MyPet Indoor/Outdoor Petyard Review

Our Rating
4.5/5

Maneuverability

0%

Sturdiness

0%

Ease to fold

0%

Key Features

We Like

We Don’t Like

If you are in need of spacious dog fence for your pet, you certainly have one in this dog fence. It is designed to have versatile purposes. It is a perfect home for dogs, ferrets, cats, and other small pets, especially if you cannot stand the ugly sight of locking them up in a cage. You can also make several shapes with the playpen. The six panels allow you to make a hexagon. On the other hand, you can use the four panels to make a cozy 7-squre foot crate for your pup.

One of the things you will find most fascinating about this dog fence is that it is easy to assemble and dismantle. Still, it is durable, safe, and ease to use. With regards to its durability, the reason is simply that is made of superior-quality materials. It ships with durable skid-resistant pads that ensure that your floor isn’t scratched whenever it is used inside the home. It is a perfect crate for training and sleeping.

Our Rating
4.5/5

Portable Dog Fences Main Types

Moving on, dog fences are classified based on purpose and materials used. We will treat them separately.

Classification based on use and purpose:

  • Indoor fence: This type of fence is made of materials that cannot withstand external pressures such as rain, strong winds, etc. The impact of these atmospheric conditions means that they will tear or rust. The main purpose is for containing the dog when you are away from home.
  • Outdoor fence: Unlike indoor fences, this type of fence is specifically made to be assembled outside the home. Consequently, it is usually resistant to wear and tear. They are likely to last longer than indoor fences because they are made of superior materials. When you have your dog in this type of fence, the purpose is to help them enjoy the weather, especially when it is not extreme.
  • Puppy training fence: The last type of fence is one designed to enable you train your puppy to stay in the yard or anywhere else you would like them to be. It is usually very spacious, so there is enough room for your puppy to play around. Mostly designed for outdoor purposes, puppy training fences enables you to secure your dog without using leashes.

Classification based on materials:

  • Physical fence: These are like big cages that have no roofs. More often than not, they are made of metal wire or plastic. Given its capacity to secure your dog, you can be sure that it will not be harmed. The material is usually sturdy, so your pet won’t chew it. Aside from being sturdy, it is also flexible and lightweight.
  • Electric fence: Also known as invisible fences, electric fence are capable of creating a barrier with electric signals. It is made with a radio-enabled collar. To ensure that your dog doesn’t exceed the barricades, it often gives a warning signal when it approaches too close to its perimeters. Oftentimes, it gives the animal a light static shock.
  • Wireless dog fence: This type of fence is made of electric transmitters with an adjustable radius. Because the radius is adjustable, you can make the electric signal cover your entire house, garden, or lawn, depending on the area of interest. The single most important reason why many pet owners go for this is that it does not give the dog a feeling that it is caged.

Disadvantages of Portable Dog Fences

Though these fences have lots of advantages, we must point out that they also have some disadvantages.

  • Instability: Some of them are not resistant to strong weather conditions like winds and storms. Sometimes, they cannot withstand strong pushes from constantly jumping dogs. The reason why they are not stable is that they are often not attached to the wall.
  • Non-resistant to rust: While a good number of playpens come coated in black, they often cannot resist harsh weather conditions. After using it for a while, you will notice that the metals begin to corrode or rust, especially if it regularly used outside the home.
  • Tricky installation: While a portable playpen comes with an installation guide, you will have to understand how to set things up to do it. That’s because it is usually tricky.

Frequently Asked Questions

In this segment, we will discuss some frequently asked questions about portable dog fences.

If you buy a high-quality playpen such as the pens we reviewed in this guide, you won’t need to do that. This is because the playpens will give it maximum security. However, we strongly advise that check on your dog once in a while to keep him company as leaving him in the portable pen may make him feel lonely.

While dog crate and portable dog fences ensure that your dog is protected and contained, they do not mean the same thing. Unlike a dog crate, a portable dog fence gives your pet enough space to play around, run, and exercise.

In truth, the decision to buy a playpen or not is largely yours. However, there are certain instances that will compel you to get the playpen for your dog. These include:

  • You always travel and want to go with your pet
  • You feel that your dog is threatened or he is a threat
  • Your dog is happier whenever it is outside of the house
  • You go camping frequently
  • For potty training purposes

Apart from the points above, there may be other cases and reasons.

Yes, there are. You should never use the portable dog fence as a means of punishing your dog. If you do that, your dog will begin to fear it and you will have always have to force it to enter. Note that you can use a pen for a number of purposes but never for punitive reasons.

Just like human beings, dogs become anxious and depressed when you keep them in such enclosures all day. So, you should always give them some time to run round the home, enjoy themselves, and exercise. If your puppy is more than six months old, you should not leave it in a playpen for more than 3-4 hours every day.

Conclusion

In conclusion, you can save yourself some headaches when you buy your dog a portable dog fence. When you do that, you don’t run the risk of losing and you can travel with your dog whenever you want to. As you already know, playpens give your pets enough room to play about and are relatively affordable.

While you may find it a bit difficult to assemble, it is not usually difficult to use. It is critical that you get the playpen that perfectly fits your dog so it does not escape from it. With that being said, it is crystal clear that buying a crate for your dog has lots of benefits.

To help overcome the likelihood of buying inferior dog pens, we did some research to find the best portable dog fence for you and have reviewed them in this guide. So, all you need to do is select from the list we compiled to start having a great time with your dog. Pick one now!