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Best Dog Playpens for Puppies Potty Training This Fall (2026)
Moving in the fall or starting puppy potty training indoors? This guide focuses on easy-clean, soft-pad–friendly playpens and crates that make short-term moves and indoor training less stressful. You’ll learn which models fold flat for travel, which include leak-proof trays for quick cleanup, and which sizes best fit small to medium puppies. We selected products based on build quality, size options, ease of assembly, cleaning features, and real customer feedback about durability and latch ease, so you can pair a sturdy crate with a soft, washable pad for comfortable, hygienic training during a busy season.
Quick Answer
For fall moves and indoor potty training, the PayLessHere 36-inch metal crate (ASIN B0CJ2QNGB3) is our top pick — it combines an easy-clean slide-out ABS tray, fold-flat portability, and a removable divider that works well with washable pads. If you need the lowest cost, choose the 36-inch black budget variant (ASIN B0CJ2PZ5ZS).
Our Top Picks
Quick Comparison
Select 2-3 products to compare side-by-side
| Compare | Product | PetPickLab Score | Price Tier | Key Feature | Best For | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
PayLessHere 36" Crate (Blue)
|
Mid-Range | Slide-out leak-proof ABS tray | Puppy potty training during moves | Check Price | ||
PayLessHere 36" Crate (Black)
|
Budget | Value fold-flat design | Budget-conscious buyers and short-term moves | Check Price | ||
PayLessHere 42" Crate (Blue)
|
Premium | Larger interior for growing pups | Larger breeds or multi-puppy setups | Check Price | ||
PayLessHere 42" Crate (Pink)
|
Premium | Bright color option with same features | Owners who want style + function | Check Price | ||
PayLessHere 30" Crate
|
Budget | Compact size for small breeds | Small breeds and tiny apartments | Check Price | ||
PayLessHere 48" Crate
|
Mid-Range | Extra-large interior | Large breeds or longer-term training | Check Price |
1. PayLessHere Large Dog Crate Kennel for Medium Large Dogs 36 inches Metal Dog Cage Double-Door Folding Travel Indoor Outdoor Puppy Playpen with Divider and Handle Plastic Tray,Blue
A versatile 36-inch foldable metal crate with a removable divider and a slide-out ABS tray that makes indoor potty training and travel easier. Buyers praise its size, quick assembly, and value—while some report mixed build quality and tricky latches.
Key Specs
- Slide-out ABS plastic tray (leak-resistant)
- Fold-and-carry design folds under 3" thick
- High tensile-strength wire with epoxy coating
- Two large doors with dual latch locks
- Removable portable split divider
Pros
- Easy-clean, leak-proof tray protects floors
- Collapses flat for storage and moving
- Flexible divider and two doors for training layouts
Cons
- Some users report mixed build quality
- Latch mechanism can be stiff or tricky to engage
Best For: Puppy potty training during moves
Check Latest Price on Amazon2. PayLessHere Large Dog Crate Kennel for Medium Large Dogs Metal Dog Cage Double-Door Folding Travel Indoor Outdoor Puppy Playpen with Divider and Handle Plastic Tray (36 Inch, Black)
The budget-friendly 36-inch option delivers the same core features—slide-out tray, foldable frame and divider—at a lower price. It’s a practical choice for temporary indoor potty training during a move, though some shoppers note latch and long-term durability concerns.
Key Specs
- Durable leak-proof tray with integrated lip
- Fold-and-carry collapsible construction
- Epoxy-coated high tensile-strength wire
- Two large doors with dual latches
- Removable carrying handle
Pros
- Great value for the features included
- Tray contains messes and cleans easily
- Quick, tool-free setup
Cons
- Durability may vary between units
- Latch ease is inconsistent for some owners
Best For: Budget-conscious buyers and short-term moves
Check Latest Price on Amazon3. PayLessHere Large Dog Crate Kennel for Medium Large Dogs Metal Dog Cage Double-Door Folding Travel Indoor Outdoor Puppy Playpen with Divider and Handle Plastic Tray (42 Inch, Blue)
This 42-inch model increases interior space for growing puppies or two small dogs and keeps the same practical cleaning and folding features. It’s a strong pick when size and comfort (with added padding) matter, though buyers should inspect latches and frame after setup.
Key Specs
- Durable ABS composite slide-out tray
- Collapsible fold-and-carry design (<3" thickness)
- Epoxy-coated wire for rust resistance
- Two doors with heavy-duty dual latches
- Portable split divider included
Pros
- More room for larger pups or two small dogs
- Easy-clean tray suitable for potty training
- Sturdy-feeling epoxy-coated finish
Cons
- Some reports of early durability problems
- Dual latches can be awkward to use at first
Best For: Larger breeds or multi-puppy setups
Check Latest Price on Amazon4. PayLessHere Large Dog Crate Kennel for Medium Large Dogs Metal Dog Cage Double-Door Folding Travel Indoor Outdoor Puppy Playpen with Divider and Handle Plastic Tray (42 Inch, Pink)
The pink 42-inch variant offers the same large interior, removable divider and easy-clean tray as its blue counterpart—good for puppies that need space and owners who prefer a colorful option. Expect the same quick assembly and similar notes about latches and long-term sturdiness.
Key Specs
- Leak-proof ABS bottom pan with perimeter lip
- Fold-and-carry construction with handle
- High tensile-strength wire with epoxy finish
- Two large access doors with dual locks
- Removable divider for space customization
Pros
- Roomy interior works well with soft pads
- Tray design helps contain and clean accidents
- Quick deployment without tools
Cons
- Build consistency varies by unit
- Latch operation can require extra effort
Best For: Owners who want style + function
Check Latest Price on Amazon5. PayLessHere Medium Dog Crate Kennel 30 inches Metal Dog Cage Double-Door Folding Travel Indoor Outdoor Puppy Playpen with Divider and Handle Plastic Tray,Blue
A compact 30-inch crate made for small breeds or very young puppies. It’s simple to assemble and clean, and its fold-flat design is convenient during short moves, though users occasionally note durability and latch complaints similar to larger sizes.
Key Specs
- Slide-out ABS tray with retaining bar
- Collapsible fold-and-carry design
- High tensile-strength wire gauge
- Two doors with secure dual latches
- Removable carrying handle
Pros
- Sized well for small dogs and puppies
- Easy-to-clean tray and lip to contain mess
- No-tool assembly and fast deployment
Cons
- Some buyers report durability concerns
- Latch ease is a recurring negative
Best For: Small breeds and tiny apartments
Check Latest Price on Amazon6. PayLessHere Large Dog Crate Kennel for Medium Large Dogs Metal Dog Cage Double-Door Folding Travel Indoor Outdoor Puppy Playpen with Divider and Handle Plastic Tray (48 Inch, Black)
The largest option at 48 inches provides maximum interior room for big puppies or extended crate time during a move. It keeps the same tray-and-fold design for cleaning and portability, but shoppers should be aware of occasional reports about latch difficulty and mixed build robustness.
Key Specs
- Durable leak-proof tray with perimeter lip
- Folds into a compact package for transport
- Epoxy-coated high-strength wire construction
- Dual-door design with heavy-duty latches
- Portable split divider included
Pros
- Plenty of room for large or growing dogs
- Removable tray simplifies accident cleanup
- Divider lets you reduce usable space for potty training
Cons
- Some units show early durability issues
- Dual latches may be awkward to operate for some
Best For: Large breeds or longer-term training
Check Latest Price on AmazonWhich One Should You Choose?
If budget is tight → choose the PayLessHere 36" Black (ASIN B0CJ2PZ5ZS). If you need the best all-around balance of cleaning convenience and portability → choose the PayLessHere 36" Blue (ASIN B0CJ2QNGB3). If you want maximum interior space for larger pups or a longer-term crate → choose the PayLessHere 42" or 48" options (ASINs B0CHRX2LYY or B0CHJJJSBP). For any choice, add a thin waterproof pad and a washable fleece cover to get the soft-padded, easy-clean setup ideal for fall moves and indoor potty training.
Best for Specific Scenarios
- Short-term apartment move: PayLessHere 36" (B0CJ2QNGB3) because it folds flat and cleans quickly between stops.
- Very tight budget: PayLessHere 36" Black (B0CJ2PZ5ZS) because it gives core features—tray, divider and foldability—for less.
- Large puppy or two small pups: PayLessHere 42" or 48" (B0CHRX2LYY or B0CHJJJSBP) because extra space with a divider helps training and comfort.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can these crates be used for indoor potty training?
Yes. The slide-out, leak-resistant trays make cleanup fast, and the included dividers help limit the puppy's usable space so they learn to hold it. Add a waterproof pad that allows liquids to reach the tray for the easiest routine.
Do I need extra padding inside the metal crate?
For comfort, use a thin, washable pad or fleece that fits the crate and has a waterproof bottom. Avoid thick, absorbent bedding that soaks up urine—choose pads designed for crate use so accidents go to the tray, not the pad.
Are the trays truly leak-proof and easy to clean?
The models reviewed include ABS or ABS-composite slide-out trays with perimeter lips to contain spills. They’re easier to wipe or rinse than fabric-only playpens, but new plastic parts can have a mild smell that fades after cleaning and airing.
How We Selected These Products
Our recommendations are based on data-driven analysis: we evaluated 40125+ products across 6371+ brands using a composite scoring system that weighs rating (40%), review volume (30%), price value (20%), and demand signals (10%). Every product is ranked by data, not opinions.
Last updated: September 02, 2026
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PetPickLab Score is our editorial ranking based on a composite analysis of product quality, value, and verified customer sentiment. Click through to Amazon for current pricing, availability, and live customer reviews.