Puppy pen at night?

Yes, but the conversation has turned to crates! And no, a puppy pen isn’t a good idea; you just need to show the pup that the family isn’t far away... Does that sound okay?

No need to Talk, quite right, my reply was originally about puppy pens, but I then replied to @Axxx regarding crates as that’s what their comment was about. Sorry for going off-topic.

The original question is about using a puppy pen and absolutely not about using a crate.

Hi there, A crate is a good idea, but keep it open so the puppy doesn't feel 'trapped'; he’ll learn to feel comfortable in there in time.

Look @Axxx, I wasn't belittling you. I just said that using a crate is the easy way out. You’ve got to admit that putting the dog in a crate to avoid cleaning up wee or dealing with destruction is a lot easier than having to mop up when you get back... It’s just making life easy for yourself and it often saves you the hassle. Without any real groundwork besides using the crate, I still reckon it’s only for those who don’t want to take the time to respect the animal's nature. If you have done the proper training, then fair play to you, but mindlessly recommending a crate without explaining that there needs to be work done with the dog is a bit simplistic, isn't it? It would be much more constructive if you explained what training you actually put in place alongside the crate. And if you’re going to get aggressive or disrespectful just because I won’t back down and bow and scrape to you, then there’s going to be an issue, because that’s just not my style.

Look, @Axxx, I have every right to speak my mind because if my opinion doesn't sit well with you, don't forget that others do agree with it 👍. I honestly don't see how using a crate isn't just taking the easy way out. You need to take the time with a dog, teach them how to settle and relax without having to resort to force; you have to work with a dog. I’m not on this forum to play politics; if I think something, I’ll say it, and in my view, I still maintain that using a crate is the lazy option. If I’d wanted to please everyone, I’d have stood for election. Let’s be clear, I’m not looking for trouble, but I won’t compromise my ideas and values for the sake of being "politically correct" or worrying about what people might think. I’m a direct and honest person, so I’ll say what I think exactly how I think it. If that’s a problem for some of you, I invite you to express your grievances in a PM and we can discuss it like civilised adults. If you don’t fancy that, let’s avoid settling scores on the original poster's thread, as it doesn't help them move forward. I hear what you’re saying; this is a place for debate and sharing. I simply don’t agree with you, and I’ll say it again: implying that crate = easy way out is nothing more than a judgment on your part. That is YOUR point of view! I expressed mine without belittling your methods; you should do the same if you want a respectful conversation.

Look Axxx, I’ve got every right to speak my mind. If you don’t like my opinion, don't forget that others do 👍. I really don’t see how a crate isn’t just the easy way out; you need to take the time with a dog and teach them how to relax and settle without having to resort to force. You’re supposed to work *with* a dog. I’m not here to play politics—if I have an opinion, I’ll say it, and as far as I’m concerned, using a crate is the lazy option. If I’d wanted to please everyone, I’d have run for office. Let’s be clear: I’m not looking for trouble, but I won’t compromise on my values just to be "politically correct" or because of what people might think. I’m a straight-talking person and I’ll say what I think, exactly as I think it. If that’s a problem for some of you, feel free to send me a PM to vent and we can discuss it like civilised adults. If you don't fancy that, let's stop settling scores on the OP’s thread, as it’s not helping them move forward. I should also apologise for replying to Axxx here instead of in private, but I wanted to make my position clear to every member of the forum. To the OP: trust yourself and trust your dog. You’ve got a Shepherd—they’re sensitive, intelligent dogs. Don’t underestimate that; learn how to use it to your advantage and your bond will be all the stronger for it.

Look @Axxx, I’ve got every right to speak my mind. If you don’t like my opinion, don’t forget that there are plenty of others who do. 👍 I really don’t see how using a crate isn't just taking the easy way out. You have to take the time with a dog, teach them how to settle and relax without resorting to force. You’ve got to work *with* a dog. I’m not on this forum to play politics; if I’ve got an opinion, I’ll say it. And as far as I'm concerned, I stand by what I said: using a crate is the lazy option. If I wanted to please everyone, I’d have gone into politics. Let’s be clear: I’m not looking for trouble, but I’m not going to compromise my values just to be "politically correct" or because I'm worried about what people might think. I’m a direct and honest person, so I’ll say exactly what’s on my mind. If anyone has a problem with that, feel free to send me a PM and we can discuss it like civilised adults. If you don’t fancy that, let’s stop settling scores on the OP’s thread – it’s not helping them get anywhere.

Frye_2000 Your puppy currently sees their playpen as a punishment. A playpen shouldn't just be somewhere to lock the dog up for hours on end; it needs to be an inviting area so that every time they go in, they’re happy, motivated, and above all, feel safe. It’s just like an indoor crate or an outdoor kennel—it shouldn’t be a punishment, but a nice spot for them to rest so they actually want to go back there on their own to chill out later. There’s a big difference between restricting their freedom and setting up a secure zone for when you're out. Putting your dog in a playpen gives them their own safe space that's adapted for them, where they can have all their toys and bits and bobs without any danger. Even a living room can be full of hazards. Whether it's a baby gate, the utility room, a hallway, the garage, a kennel, or the living room, it’s really just the name and the size of the "pen" that changes. As for the bedroom, the bed, or the sofa—choosing whether to allow that is more a matter of hygiene or even health. That’s your call to make for the rest of the dog's life. It’s up to you to work with your pup so the pen becomes their "quiet zone" and a place to rest, where they can play, get up to a bit of mischief, and find their food, water, and a bit of sanctuary.

@Kikaah, I don't know you and I’m a new member so I’m not looking for trouble, but I stand by what I said: putting a shepherd (or any dog for that matter) in a playpen is the lazy way out. I’d rather be a bit blunt with adopters than see yet another Aussie ruined by "easy-fix" methods recommended by people I’ll bite my tongue about. I’m sure they mean well, but if they really want to do what’s best, they need to ditch the pen. Kind regards. It all depends on how you use the playpen. Personally, much like with a crate, I don’t see any issue with it at all. The main goal is to create a quiet space for the dog, a place where they won’t be disturbed. So, it’s brilliant for a family with children, for example. The puppy needs to view their crate in a positive light. Leaving them to cry for hours inside, locking them up as a punishment, or using it to "shove the puppy away" when they get too hyper are all things that should be avoided. As for me, I used a crate and found it incredibly helpful. I had a puppy who just wouldn’t settle and followed me absolutely everywhere. I literally had to sit down myself just so he would go to sleep. He very quickly understood that when he was in his crate, it was time to rest. Nowadays, he goes in there all by himself. I think it’s quite reductive to say that crates (or playpens) are only for people who don’t want to put the work in. It’s a training method like any other; and while it clearly isn’t your cup of tea, don’t forget that it works well for others...!