As frosty mornings return and days grow shorter, even the liveliest puppy appreciates a warm and secure space indoors. Winter brings muddy paws, wet coats, and a fair dose of mischief for young dogs who can’t get outside as much as they’d like.
Creating an indoor puppy playpen gives your home order and your pup somewhere dry and warm to burn off excess energy. It’s a small investment that pays off in peace of mind, protecting your floors and furnishings while helping your puppy learn healthy boundaries. Here are seven practical steps to set up the perfect space for the season.
Every year as winter approaches, many new puppy owners find themselves improvising with old stair gates, blankets and old towels. The result is often a cluttered corner that doesn’t truly work for the dog or the household.
After hundreds of house and pet sits across the Cotswolds and beyond, we’ve seen what works versus what creates stress. A well-planned indoor playpen keeps everyone comfortable and happy through the colder months. Let's look at the steps to take to ensure a confident pup and happy home.
1. Choose the Right Location
Pick a calm but social spot so your puppy can feel included without being underfoot.
- Avoid draughts, doorways, and unheated conservatories.
- Keep away from stairs, fireplaces, and cables.
- Favour washable flooring such as tile, vinyl, or a waterproof mat.
The goal is warmth, visibility, and safety in equal measure.
2. Select a Reliable Playpen
We often recommend the HOMIDEC Dog Pen, a durable, modular, and easy to configure to your space.
Its built-in door is great for access, and its anti-rust coating makes it equally useful outdoors come spring.
Read our full HOMIDEC Dog Pen Review for product details to see if it suits your needs.
3. Lay the Foundations
- Line the floor with a non-slip waterproof mat. This protects surfaces and prevents accidents from soaking through.
- Add a layer of vet-bed fleece or washable bedding to provide warmth without trapping damp.
- Replace bedding regularly to keep the area fresh.
4. Create a Comfortable Temperature
Cold draughts and hard floors can make puppies restless.
- Use a thermostatic pet heating pad or low-energy radiator panel rather than a fan heater.
- Keep leads and cords protected with chew guards.
- Maintain a steady, mild warmth rather than bursts of heat.
If you live in a stone-floored home, consider raising the bedding on a low rubber mat to insulate from cold ground.
5. Make A Safe Environment
Safety is non-negotiable, especially when Christmas lights and cables appear.
- Remove or secure all electrical wires in a heavy duty cord protector designed to resist sharp little teeth.
- Remove small objects that could be swallowed.
- Check that there are no houseplants within reach that can cause tummy upsets or worse (poinsettia, lilies, and ivy are all risky).
- Ensure there's good airflow so the area remains comfortably warm without becoming stuffy.
6. Add Enrichment and Familiarity
Puppies thrive on both routine and sensory comfort so include:
- Two or three tough chew toys (rotate every few days).
- A blanket with your scent for reassurance.
- Soft background sound, such as talk radio or classical music, to lessen separation anxiety.
Pro-tip: Avoid overfilling the playpen - easily done with all the great gadgets and toys available these days!
7. Maintain Routine and Cleanliness
Shorter days can unsettle young dogs. Keep their schedule predictable:
- Morning: quick outdoor break, breakfast, and brief play.
- Midday: main walk in daylight.
- Evening: indoor enrichment or scent games.
Wipe paws before re-entry and clean bedding often. Routine creates calm; cleanliness prevents odours and confusion.
For structured training ideas, see The Ultimate Guide to Crate Training Your Puppy to Build Confidence
Marketplace
PROTECTO Wire Protector | Clear Cable Tidy Tube
Curious teeth and trailing cables rarely mix. The PROTECTO Clear Cable Tidy Tube keeps electric leads safely out of harm’s way — ideal for homes with inquisitive puppies or kittens.
Its flexible, transparent design blends neatly with any décor while giving peace of mind that your pet and your wiring are both protected.
Simple to fit, easy to trim, and a small investment that prevents big vet bills.
Vet Fleece Bedding | Vet Bed Original Greenback
When only the best will do for your dog’s comfort, Vet Bed Original Greenback is the gold standard.
Developed by professionals for veterinary use, it’s washable, non-slip, and wicks moisture away to keep your pet dry and warm — even after soggy winter walks.
Perfect for crates, playpens, and car travel, it gives your puppy that “just-right” layer of warmth and reassurance that ordinary blankets can’t match.
Tip: Trim to fit your crate or pen base — it dries fast and lasts for years.
Foldable Metal Wire Dog Crate with Tray
A dependable crate is the cornerstone of confident puppy training. This Foldable Metal Wire Dog Crate is sturdy, easy to assemble, and includes a removable tray for effortless cleaning.
The secure door latch and open-wire design provide safety without isolation — ideal for teaching your dog calm independence.
Fold it flat for storage or travel, and pair it with Vet Bed Greenback for year-round comfort.
Strong, practical, and built to last — a proper home within your home.
Any products listed are affiliate recommendations – at no extra cost to you, we may earn a small commission if you purchase via these links, helping us keep guides like this free and full of practical advice.
If you’ve recently welcomed a puppy or are planning to, take an hour to create their dedicated indoor playpen. It will make daily life more organised , cleaner, and far more comfortable for both of you.
As a mature, professional housesitting couple, we’ve helped many homeowners prepare homes and pets for winter with thoughtful care and security in mind. For discreet, reliable house and pet sitting while you travel, explore our House Sitting Service or get in touch for a confidential chat.
Author Bio
Glenn Bauer, author of Housesitters Unleashed, is a trusted professional specialising in house and pet sitting for rural homes and estates across the Cotswolds, West Oxfordshire and Wiltshire. Together with his wife Mandy, he provides bespoke care for pets and properties, combining experience, integrity, and absolute respect for privacy. Read Glenn & Mandy’s story here.
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