Setting Up the Perfect Puppy Playpen for Your Lagotto
Creating the perfect playpen for your Lagotto puppy ensures their safety, comfort, and effective early training. A well-designed puppy playpen setup should include clearly defined areas for sleeping, potty training, playtime, and water access. By positioning the playpen where you can monitor your puppy easily, you’ll foster healthy habits and a secure environment for your puppy to thrive. Here’s a complete guide to building the ideal playpen for your Lagotto puppy:
​Key Elements of a Puppy Playpen Setup
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1. "Home Sweet Crate"
(Where cozy naps and sweet puppy dreams come true.)
Place a comfortable crate inside the playpen with its door open, offering your puppy a cozy, secure resting spot.
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Recommended crate: A medium-sized crate like the Midwest crate with front and side doors is ideal for Lagotto puppies.
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2. "Puppy Potty Paradise"
(A special spot to handle business like a pro.)
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Set up a designated area for potty needs using washable pee pads or an artificial turf mat with a tray.
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Suggested products:
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Boot tray
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Litter box
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Bedding pellets
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3. "Playtime Paw-some Zone"
(Where adventures and chew toy battles begin.)
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Allocate space for playtime with safe chew toys to support teething and exploration. Cover the floor with washable pee pads for easy cleanup. Keep extras on hand to rotate as needed.
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Recommended product: Washable pee pads
4. "Sip, Slurp, Repeat"
(Hydration without the mess—because Lagottos love their water.)
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Always provide access to fresh water using a spill-proof or attachable water bowl to prevent messes. Lagottos are known for their playful nature, even with water!
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Suggested products:
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Attachable water bowl
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No-spill stainless steel bowl
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Essential Considerations for Your Playpen
1. "The Just-Right Size"
(Not too big, not too small—just like Goldilocks would want.)
The playpen should be spacious enough for your puppy to move freely, stretch, and lie down comfortably. However, avoid making it too large, as this could lead to accidents outside the designated potty area.
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Tip: An X-pen (exercise pen) with vertical slats is ideal to prevent climbing.
2. "The Paw-fect Spot"
(Just the right place for your Lagotto to feel safe and seen.)
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Place the playpen in a visible area where you can monitor your puppy. Avoid high-traffic zones, as too much noise or activity can overwhelm them.
3. Supervision - "Eyes on the Fluff"
(Because Lagottos are adorable, but they still need a watchful eye.)
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Keep the playpen free of potential choking hazards, such as bones, when your puppy is unsupervised. Include a few toys or Kongs to keep them entertained, but don’t overcrowd the space.
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By following these tips, your Lagotto puppy’s playpen will be a safe and happy haven, providing them with the structure they need to thrive. Enjoy your journey into Lagotto puppy parenting—full of playful moments and precious memories!
Clickable Links
 Midwest Double Door Folding crate with divider panel. We like this for all life stages. The divider is perfect for smaller puppies and can be moved and removed as the puppy gets older. |  X Pen with vertical slats so puppy can't climb out as easily |  48" x 48" Washable pee pad floor pad. I'd recommend at least 4 |
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 |  Litter box |  Bedding pellets, low dust |
 Waterbowls that attach to the x-pen help prevent water spilling |  Purina Proplan Salmon is what I like best. I avoid Chicken with Lagotto |  Water Buffalo Cheek Rolls. 100% digestible. Do not give your dogs rawhide |
 Bully rings, or pizzle sticks are all good options for heavy chewers. |  Medium or Large sized Kong's. I'd recommend at least 2 |
Setting Up for a Successful First Night with Your Puppy
Bringing home a new puppy is an exciting time, and setting up a comfortable sleeping arrangement will help ease their transition. We recommend placing a small kennel next to your bed so your puppy can feel secure knowing you are near.
A helpful tool that has worked well for us—and many others—is using a relaxation video to create a calming atmosphere. This 6-hour continuous play video has been especially effective for settling puppies at bedtime. While other videos may be available, this one has provided the best results for us so far.
Before bedtime, place a cozy blanket inside the kennel and keep the door closed to establish a routine. Currently, our puppies sleep from around 9 PM to 5 AM on this schedule.
If your puppy needs a potty break during the night, keep things simple:
• Take them outside on a leash to prevent distractions.
• Allow them to potty and then head straight back inside to their kennel.
Leash training during potty breaks is the fastest and most effective way to establish good habits. Free-roaming outside at night can be distracting, making it easy for your puppy to think it’s playtime instead of potty time.
With consistency and a structured nighttime routine, your puppy will quickly adjust to their new home and sleeping schedule.
