Need advice on equipment! (Leashes, prongs, crates.)

[Wild Wolf]

Greetings everyone,

My puppy arrives in approximately 5 and a half weeks, and I am currently looking to make purchases on the final few things I need. I have seen a lot of crates and prongs, but the majority are half in half in terms of positive and negative reviews.

I am looking for opinions on the following items, including a brief review, the name of the product, price, quality and where you've purchased it:

Wire crate. (Want one with a divider.)
Prong collar. (For everday use and for Schutzhund)
Harness. (For Schutzhund)
Leashes. (For tracking/Schutzhund)

If anyone is willing to share their opinions on certain products and tell me where you purchased them, I would be very grateful. I am having a hard time deciding on which ones to go with, and I want to make the right decision.

Thank you!

[mthurston0001]

It really is just a preference thing. You have to obtain a certain level of experiance before you know what you like. I tend to like biothane material (the synthetic leather) it is a little more difficult to hold on to if it's wet. I like the old school Herm Sprenger pinch collars too. For me the more simple the design the better, and the less the chance of failure.

[Wild Wolf]

Originally Posted by mthurston0001

It really is just a preference thing. You have to obtain a certain level of experiance before you know what you like. I tend to like biothane material (the synthetic leather) it is a little more difficult to hold on to if it's wet. I like the old school Herm Sprenger pinch collars too. For me the more simple the design the better, and the less the chance of failure.

Very true!

A friend of mine uses Herm Sprenger and recommended it, and I saw it online for a fair price and it looks quite simple. I would certainly prefer a simple prong.

Thank you for your comment!

[n2gsds]

1. Large or X-Large wire crate with a divider=Mine is made by Mid-West
2. Doggie seatbelt or car carrier for pet's safety when riding (never put pet in the front seat because of the airbag.)
3. Collar and 6' leash for training-I like the Martingale type collars-brand name Lupine. Many other brands out there.
4. Rope tug toy
5. Kiddie pool for the hot summer days-All of my GSDs have loved it.
6. Portable water bowl for trips out and about-brand name Outward Hound-It's a canvas type material that folds up so it doesn't take up space.
7. Pet ID-whether tags, microchip, tatoo or all of them!
8. Grooming items

Looking forward to seeing pics!

[angelas]

As far as wire crates go I have/had three:

1) 42" long Midwest w/ Divider (single door)- loved it, felt like heavier gauge wire than the other two, came with a divider. $125 at Canadian Tire about 8 years ago. No longer have it, loaned to a friend and never returned.

2) 20" long Pet Mate (single door)- no the most sturdy but works for the Shih Tzu, unless the larger ones are heavier gauge wire I wouldn't bother with it. No divider with mine. $44 @ Walmart 3-4 years ago

3) 36" long Petsmart brand w/ Divider (double door)- brand new, maybe a little lighter guage than the Midwest, but it might feel lighter because it is smaller. $80 at Petsmart 2 weeks ago w/ discount card. I think it's great because I can set it up and fold it down INSIDE my Aveo with the back seats folded down and it fits in length wise or width wise.

[elisabeth_00117]

I have pretty much one of everything at my place, you can come and see them and feel them and test them out on Stark if you like.

Did you get the email I sent you with my list?

[elisabeth_00117]

Oh, and the one thing *I* think is essential for puppies and that I will NEVER be without is an excerise pen.

I used that x-pen so much it was insane.

[VomBlack]

Originally Posted by elisabeth_00117

Oh, and the one thing *I* think is essential for puppies and that I will NEVER be without is an excerise pen.

I used that x-pen so much it was insane.

I second this, i've made a lot of use out of the one I have here, it's heavy plastic and each panel can break off so you can adjust the length/size, I often shorten it to block off doorways.

I'm a fan of the herm springer prong, I haven't had any issues with it coming apart or anything. I have a biothane lead but like mentioned I find it difficult to hang onto if it gets wet, which makes holding back an 82 pound dog difficult during bitework, but it's great for everyday use.

At first i've used just regular nylon harness for schutzhund on puppies, and then I eventually got a leather harness.

I've been really happy with Dog Equipment - Police Dog, Schutzhund, Service Dog, Dog Agility as far as being dog supplies goes, they every so often email out promo codes as well.

[elisabeth_00117]

I used the nylon for Stark when we first started and then switched to an agitation harness and still use that most times (haven't done bitework since before Christmas!!!!) but he was using a fursaver/leather collar as well depending on what we were working on.

[elisabeth_00117]

There is a local store in the Forest Glenn Plaza (off of Strasburg?) that will get you things in if she doesn't carry them (she got me my x-pen at cost!).

If you want, we can go and do some shopping.