[JGenis]

We got our last boxer puppy when my husband's shop was much smaller, with an enclosed office, which we used to keep him safe and contained. This time around, the shop is in a new location that is much larger and wide open. It's also on the second story inside a large warehouse, with metal railings around three sides that a puppy could easily fit through. Needless to say, we need a solution for keeping puppy safe, as he will be going to work with my husband as soon as we bring him home.

Our plan is to set up a crate with bedding, and attach a 'play pen' type barrier around it, so the puppy can come out of the crate and play, but still be confined to a relatively small space. I know I can get plastic and metal play pens from PetSmart, is one type better than the other? How large should the play area be? Also, the shop floor is concrete, so I'd like to put something down in the play area so the puppy is not sitting on the cold, dusty floor. A friend suggested stall mats from our local co-op store, but what if puppy has an accident on them, will I be able to clean the mat well enough to keep puppy healthy, and prevent him from peeing in the same spot again? Any advice or ideas would be greatly appreciated, we'd like to plan this out as best as possible before bringing the little guy home!