Four Fawn Puppies Have One Shared Mission, and It Involves the Playpen Wall

Four little faces, eight little paws hooked over the edge, and one shared mission: get out. The fawn puppies have hauled themselves up on their hind legs against the mesh wall of a gray playpen, front paws gripping the padded rim. Two in the middle stare straight ahead with big dark eyes, the one at the back peers over with determination, and the pup on the far right has managed to climb highest of all, clinging sideways like a tiny mountaineer. A forgotten slipper and a potted plant sit just out of reach on the floor outside.

Playpens, sometimes called exercise pens, are handy tools for puppy owners. They give a young dog a safe area to play and rest while you're busy, keep it away from hazards like cords and stairs, and help with house training. To make a pen a happy place, include soft bedding, water, a few chew toys, and a potty pad if needed, and practice short stretches of time in it while you're nearby. Gradually building up time alone in a safe space can help puppies learn that being by themselves for a while is okay, which may help prevent separation stress later. If your puppy can climb out, a taller pen or one with a top cover is a good idea.

Based on this effort, the pen may need an upgrade very soon. These four are clearly working as a team.

Every great escape starts with a plan. This one starts with a lot of wiggling.