Playpen vs. Crate...
Both will work equally well, but quite frankly - so does a large, sturdy cardboard box. I simply prefer the puppy playpen as the initial training home for a tiny pup, as it can be set up in the middle of the home/room without looking “cagey” or tacky, while a metal crate always looks a bit like "doggy boot camp".
If you already have a metal or plastic crate on hand – by all means use it. Please continue reading through all of the playpen pages though, and consider adding a second-hand play pen in addition to your crate. You will love the easy access, convenience and easy mobility of it! For my teacup babies, I simply prefer raising them in a toddler or puppy playpen. It's not only more practical on a day to day basis – it also looks nicer ;o).
If you already have a metal or plastic crate on hand – by all means use it. Please continue reading through all of the playpen pages though, and consider adding a second-hand play pen in addition to your crate. You will love the easy access, convenience and easy mobility of it! For my teacup babies, I simply prefer raising them in a toddler or puppy playpen. It's not only more practical on a day to day basis – it also looks nicer ;o).
I recommend a playpen because...
... it's easily accessible from the top – no doors to wrestle with.
… it's quieter than a metal crate, no rattling trays, jangling or sticking doors, simple and easy access to your teacup at all times.
… it's easier to check on sleeping or resting teacups and tiny puppies without disturbing them, waking them up or getting them all worked up and exited.
… it helps with housebreaking [and spot clean ups] - you have easy access, and don't need to crawl into the crate with the pup bouncing all over your face with poopy paws, LOL.
… you can play with your wee pup in a low key way, without it being underfoot or it wearing itself out bouncing all over the house trying to keep up with you [remember in order to avoid hypoglycemic episodes, it is important that your pup does not exhaust itself playing or following you around all day long].
… you can feed tidbits and supplements or encourage it to eat, as the need arises – monitoring food intake and restricting excess exercise is much easier when you have ready access to the pup, without getting it all exited or hyped up.
… the puppy playpen used as the initial training home, allows the pup to be safely contained and still be with you, while you are otherwise busy, working or sleeping.
… the pup can be safely contained and protected from the kids, their friends and your other pets, that may feel that it is an adorable squeaky toy that you got especially for them to play with :o)
… as your tiny pup gets older [and matures beyond potential hypoglycemic episodes] as well becomes more reliable in potty training, one side can be let down in some playpens while you are at home and it can freely come and go. Simply put up the side when you need to leave or can't supervise the pup.
… the pup is raised slightly off the floor, less likely to get chilled on cold floors or during the colder seasons.
… it's quieter than a metal crate, no rattling trays, jangling or sticking doors, simple and easy access to your teacup at all times.
… it's easier to check on sleeping or resting teacups and tiny puppies without disturbing them, waking them up or getting them all worked up and exited.
… it helps with housebreaking [and spot clean ups] - you have easy access, and don't need to crawl into the crate with the pup bouncing all over your face with poopy paws, LOL.
… you can play with your wee pup in a low key way, without it being underfoot or it wearing itself out bouncing all over the house trying to keep up with you [remember in order to avoid hypoglycemic episodes, it is important that your pup does not exhaust itself playing or following you around all day long].
… you can feed tidbits and supplements or encourage it to eat, as the need arises – monitoring food intake and restricting excess exercise is much easier when you have ready access to the pup, without getting it all exited or hyped up.
… the puppy playpen used as the initial training home, allows the pup to be safely contained and still be with you, while you are otherwise busy, working or sleeping.
… the pup can be safely contained and protected from the kids, their friends and your other pets, that may feel that it is an adorable squeaky toy that you got especially for them to play with :o)
… as your tiny pup gets older [and matures beyond potential hypoglycemic episodes] as well becomes more reliable in potty training, one side can be let down in some playpens while you are at home and it can freely come and go. Simply put up the side when you need to leave or can't supervise the pup.
… the pup is raised slightly off the floor, less likely to get chilled on cold floors or during the colder seasons.