Hi, We have tried to train Zoey to stay in the playpen when we are at home so that she is comfortable, as long as someone is in the house she is fine. When she is in the house by herself, she screams, whines, etc. We put up a webcam to check to see if she stops, so far after 1 week, she nearly topples the playpen over. We fixed it so she can't but we still worry. For 1 and 1/2 hour this am I watched on the webcam, she only quit going nuts a couple times for maybe a minute. My son thinks she should be in the small crate that she sleeps in at night, the playpen seems to be much homier. What do you all think?
thanks, I feel sooooo sorry for her.

How long is she along? How old is she? The crate is a MUCH safer and more effective way to contain her while you are gone. Unless she is along for over 8 hours at a time she can be crated (if she is an adult) crating time for puppies depends on age and breed.

She is still a baby. do you really think our pen is not a good idea, shucks it was $50 and I thought would give her more room to play, pee, and sleep.

oops I forgot, she is alone about 3 hours at the most.

Yeah, three hours at most is okay for your puppy to be crated. You don't really want to confine them in a "den" (which is what the playpen simulates) that is large enough for her to potty in one spot and play in another, because that will interfere with housebreaking-- she will think it's okay to potty in a certain spot in the house, as long as she doesn't sleep in it. Dogs typically do not like to potty in their beds, so it is better to crate her in something just her size when you are gone. She might even stop whining, since she might feel more secure in there.

Do you think we will be able to use the playpen in the future or maybe I should try to sell it? She is doing really well on the puppy pads in the house but she won't go outside, she only sits in one spot, she doesn't seem to like it outside... and we live in Hawaii for gosh sakes! lol

I would hold on to the playpen for times when you are outside and might need to contain her for some reason. Both crates and playpens have their uses.

[lil mutt]

Try leaving your pet in the playpen for 30 mins first then gradually increase the time until your pet adjusted to being alone in your home.