A puppy pen is one of the most important tools you’ll use during your puppy’s first weeks at home. It keeps your puppy safe, contained, and calm while giving them enough room to play, nap, and explore without getting into trouble. This setup mirrors exactly what your puppy has been using in our foster home, so the transition to your home will feel familiar and comforting
🐶 What Goes Inside the Pen
Your puppy pen should be simple, cozy, and easy to clean. We recommend including:
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A bed
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A litter box with safe paper pellet litter
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A water bowl
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A couple of chew toys
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A small play area for stretching and exploring
This is the same setup your puppy has already been using with us.
🧼 Where to Place the Pen
Your puppy’s pen should never be placed in a bedroom, basement, or tucked‑away corner of the house. Puppies are social animals, and they feel safest when they can see and hear their family.
The ideal location is an area where the household naturally spends time — such as the living room or a family room. This helps your puppy feel included without being overwhelmed, and it prevents separation anxiety from developing.
🐾 Supervised Time Outside the Pen
Your puppy should only come out of the pen when you have the time and ability to keep your eyes on him the entire time he’s out. Young puppies move quickly, explore everything, and can get into trouble in seconds — so full supervision is essential.
When your puppy is out of the pen:
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Close doors to limit access
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Give him a small, safe area to roam
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Keep distractions low so you can watch him closely
If the weather is safe, let your puppy go outside before he’s allowed to explore your home. This helps prevent accidents and gives him a chance to burn off a little energy.
Always keep the pen door open while he’s out. This allows your puppy to return to his pen on his own to:
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Use the litter box
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Get a drink
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Take a rest
This freedom to come and go helps your puppy build confidence and teaches him to make good choices.
🍽️ Feeding Schedule
Puppies should be fed three times a day. Offer the meal, leave the food down for 30 minutes, and then pick it up — even if he hasn’t finished. This helps your puppy learn a routine and prevents grazing throughout the day.
🌤️ After‑Meal Potty Time
As soon as your puppy finishes eating, take him outside to potty if the weather is safe. Puppies almost always need to go shortly after a meal, so this helps prevent accidents and reinforces good habits.
🐾 Playtime After Eating
Once he has pottied, let your puppy run around and play. This is a great time for supervised exercise, bonding, and burning off energy before he goes back into his pen to rest.
