Your New Puppy: Dog Training and Dog Behavior Lessons to Help You Turn Your New Puppy into a Well-Behaved Dog

YNP#077: Using a Crate vs Using a Pen

Your New Puppy: Dog Training and Dog Behavior Lessons to Help You Turn Your New Puppy into a Well-Behaved Dog

Show Notes

A lot of new puppy owners wonder if it’s OK to use a pen in addition to or instead of a crate.

The idea of giving your puppy or young dog room to move around and play is a very appealing one. BUT there are some drawbacks to giving them this extra space.

A emphasize using the crate because I believe it is an essential tool to have throughout your dog’s life. A pen can be an extra accessory but we have to make sure that we are using it correctly.

In this episode I talk about:

The biggest difference between using a crate vs using a pen.

The drawbacks during potty training.

How to use a pen after potty training.

Three common follow up questions I receive when talking about using a pen.

Press play and enjoy!

Other resources mentioned and related to this episode:

YNP #005: Crate Training: How (and why) to Make Their Crate Your Dog’s Best Friend

YNP #028: 5 Reasons to Use the Crate When You’re Home

YNP Special Edition: Q&A Tuesday: Crate Training

YNP #072: Should You Use a Potty Bell?

YNP #056: Potty Training for a Working Household

Playtime Paws Academy: A brand new program for dog and humans no matter where you are in your training journey.

More from Your New Puppy: Dog Training and Dog Behavior Lessons to Help You Turn Your New Puppy into a Well-Behaved Dog

Jun 17, 2026

It’s been a great day. Your puppy has been an angel.

Jan 28, 2026

You’ve prepared for your puppy.

Jan 14, 2026

Dinner should be a chance to relax, not a nightly negotiation with your dog.

See all episodes →