I have both a playpen and a crate for Tia. The crate is a small one and it is in my room by my bed, she sleeps in there at night. I use the playpen for if I have to leave the house for any amount of time since she isn't potty trained. I put her in there with food, a bed, a wee wee pad, one of my tee-shirts and a toy when I leave the house (to take my kids to school, etc since they won't allow dogs on the premises) -- it's been helpful for when I leave and I found one for $40 at Walmart
