Crate Training over a traditional Cage

When it comes to crate training, most dog owners want something safe, secure, and ideally something that doesn’t look like a cage in the middle of the room. That’s exactly why we created PetPen.

Our journey began with Jackson, our much-loved Puggle, who we sadly lost earlier this year at the age of 15. As a puppy, Jackson had a frightening accident when he got his teeth stuck in the bars of a traditional metal crate. That moment stayed with us. Years later, when we brought home our first Chihuahua, Pixie, the memory of Jackson’s accident came flooding back. We knew we didn’t want to risk it again. When we couldn’t find a safer, better-looking option, we decided to design one ourselves.

PetPen was born from that experience. Today, we share our home with four Chihuahuas - Pixie (7), Maddie (6), Nellie (4), and Bonnie (3) - and they’ve all grown up using PetPen. It’s become more than just a crate to us. It’s a part of our daily life.

Here are 5 reasons why we believe PetPen is the ideal choice for crate training, especially if you want something safer, kinder, and more stylish than traditional cages.

1. A Safer Alternative to Metal Cages

PetPen was designed to eliminate the risks we experienced with Jackson. Instead of bars and wires, it has smooth, solid panels that prevent injuries from chewing or getting stuck.

Whether you’ve got a curious puppy or a small breed like our Chihuahuas, PetPen provides a space where your dog is safe and secure without the dangers that come with traditional cages.

2. Designed to Fit Into Your Home

Let’s face it. Most crates are ugly. We hated the look of metal cages in our living room or bedroom. That’s why PetPen is designed to look like furniture. It blends in with your home, not stands out awkwardly.

It’s ideal if you want to crate train without your space looking like a kennel. Stylish, minimal, and practical, it’s one of the only dog crates you won’t want to hide away.

3. A Calm Space Your Dog Can Truly Relax In

We learned from our own dogs that a more enclosed, private space actually helps them relax. PetPen gives your dog that den-like feeling they naturally seek out.

Instead of being overstimulated by everything going on around them, your dog has their own space to rest, sleep, and reset. That makes crate training easier and helps build healthy routines.

4. Built by Dog Owners Who’ve Been There

PetPen isn’t a big corporate brand. It’s just us - Matt and Hayley. We designed PetPen at our kitchen table after years of living with cages we couldn’t stand and worrying about our dogs in them.

We’ve gone through crate training multiple times, and we know the challenges. That’s why every detail of PetPen was carefully thought out, not just for the dogs, but for the humans too.

5. Made to Grow With Your Dog

PetPen comes in small, medium, and large sizes, so there’s one for every stage of your dog’s journey. Whether you’ve got a new puppy or an older rescue, we’ve made sure PetPen gives them a proper space to call their own.

You can also add matching accessories, like beds, blankets, bowls, even lights - to turn it into a proper little home for your dog. Because crate training should be more than just confinement. It should be comfort.

Why We’ll Always Choose PetPen

We created PetPen in memory of Jackson, and for the dogs who’ve filled our lives and home since Pixie, Maddie, Nellie and Bonnie. It’s our way of giving other pet owners a safer and more thoughtful option - one that puts your dog’s wellbeing first, while fitting seamlessly into your home.

Crate training doesn’t have to feel cruel. It doesn’t have to look ugly. And it doesn’t have to be temporary. With PetPen, it can be calm, kind, and something you’re proud to have in your home.

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