A dog run or exercise pen is six or eight hinged panels that form a closed ring that you can put your dog or other types of pets in for semi-supervised time, either indoors or outdoors. Dog parks come in different sizes and are constructed of steel wire, similar to wire dog crates, plastic, or a newer emerging variety that is similar to soft dog crates.

The advantages of owning and using an exercise pen is that, just like a dog crate, they will help speed up and simplify training at home. You can always have your pup in training close to you due to the portability of the exercise pen. You can put your puppy or dog in the pen while others visit, which provides a good area for confinement other than the crate. The run provides a safe, enclosed area for a puppy or dog outside, instead of running all over the backyard. The pens are lightweight and easy to attach, making them ideal for confined areas while on the go. A pen area might be a good place for a recovering dog who must be confined while recovering from surgery or illness.

The disadvantages of using a dog exercise pen are caused by portability. Pens are lightweight and portable, therefore they are not suitable for a large breed puppy. Most are too small for larger dogs, in which case a kennel may be more suitable. There are no anchors for this type of exercise pen. I imagine you could get some garden U-shaped fillets to anchor this well enough to keep it from moving.

If you have a reserved puppy or a small breed puppy or dog, a dog playpen can be a great alternative so that you can let your dog get some exercise while you do a few things around the house. These exercise pens work great for other types of small pets, such as cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, etc. Some of the newer soft-sided pens come with lids to provide a completely enclosed area.