How to Secure a Soft Side Play Yard Outdoors

Quick answer

Use ground stakes designed for exercise pens, like the Precision Pet Exercise Pen Ground Stakes, to anchor the pen's feet securely into the soil. This prevents tipping or shifting when your pet plays or leans against the sides.

Step-by-step anchoring guide

1. Position the pen on level ground: Set up your soft-sided play yard on a flat, even area free of rocks or roots. Uneven ground can cause the pen to wobble and make stakes less effective. Avoid slopes or bumpy turf; a level base is essential for the stakes to hold evenly.
2. Insert stakes through the pen's foot loops: Each corner and door panel of a soft-sided pen usually has a fabric loop or grommet at the base. Thread the stake through that loop before driving it into the ground. This secures the pen's frame directly. If you miss the loop, the stake won't actually hold the pen—just the ground around it.
3. Hammer stakes straight down until flush with the ground: Use a rubber mallet or hammer to drive each stake vertically into the soil. Stop when the top of the stake is level with the ground surface to avoid a tripping hazard. Driving at an angle reduces holding power and can bend the stake.
4. Test the pen by gently pushing on the walls: After all stakes are in place, lean on the sides of the pen to check for movement. If any corner lifts, re-stake that area or move the pen to a different spot. A quick test now prevents an escape later—do this before letting your pet inside.

Product facts

• Precision Pet Exercise Pen Ground Stakes: The Precision Pet Exercise Pen Ground Stakes are stainless steel, come in an 8-pack, and are designed to be hammered into the ground to anchor an exercise pen. Stainless steel resists rust from outdoor moisture, and the 8-pack provides enough stakes to secure all corners and door panels of a typical soft-sided pen.