Forum Discussion

chezmoose's avatar
chezmoose
Explorer
Aug 11, 2014

Exercise Pens

I'm thinking of getting an ex pen to keep our dogs contained while we're just hanging around our campsite. I'd like something that's relatively lightweight and easy to set up but sturdy enough that if a 40-55 lb dog jumps up on it, it won't tip over.

Any recommendations or things to avoid? I'd like one large enough to keep two medium-sized dogs. I never leave my dogs unattended, so not really worried about them escaping.

14 Replies

  • I found the best ones are Pro-Select and luckily they can be found at any Petco. They are lighter than the Midwest ones.

    I did buy and have shipped to me the expen hinged wire covers from Midwest for all my expen's.

    Keeps little curious CG kids from putting their hands over the expen's, heck it actually helps keep out more curious adults than children. :C

    BTW: once you get the expen's your next problem will be where to store them! I bought a Square Bumper Mount RV Bike Rack on my first go around with expens.

    Expen's attach to it 'perfectly'. Slip expen's thru holes of extended arms and ratchet strap them to back rails.


    OR

    Add hitch to the back of your MH, Toad or TT and add a cargo carrier.


    4 expens' and a crate dolly on the back of my Toad! :C
  • Dog Folks wrote:
    Exercise pens are great, but I have to tell you in a just a few of the many parks we have stayed in, they were not allowed.

    Doesn't make sense, I know.

    Just curious but have any said why they don't allow them?
    Makes no sense since they want dogs contained or controlled.

    Sher
  • Exercise pens are great, but I have to tell you in a just a few of the many parks we have stayed in, they were not allowed.

    Doesn't make sense, I know.
  • I have a Midwest portable pen I use for my dogs. I'm very satisfied with it. Very easy to set up and fold up. I have large dogs, so mine is heavier (not sure how much it weighs--the box is long gone. Of course the weight depends on the height and how large a play area you get. Do a search on-line for weights, heights and prices to get an idea. Just an FYI: Years ago we had a Bullmastiff who truly was just like a bull. When he wanted something there was no stopping him. He saw some geese coming down the road and just knocked the whole fence over (he never did hurt or catch the geese). I had it secured to the ground with a few tent stakes. From then on I added a LOT more tent stakes to secure it to the ground and also kept an eye on him, never letting him alone in the pen. Things were fine after that.