[MyPemCharlie]

Charlie is 5 1/2 months now and is on the verge of outgrowing his "puppy gear". I'd like to know what people are using on a few items before I purchase "adult gear".

1) Collar and Leash - Charlie is currently using a 3/8" flat collar and 3/8" leash, which seem a little now that we're walking everyday. We're working on walking loose on leash and the thin little leash hurts my hand when he tries to pull ahead. I'm trying to decide if 1/2" or 5/8" would be best. Most trainers require a 6 foot lead for classwork.

What is you dog's collar width? Leather or nylon? Do you use several types of leads? If so, what particular uses do you find for each type.

2) Crate/Kennel - I took my large plastic 24" long cat carrier out to pick Charlie up from the breeder, and that has been his bed at night. He can still stand up, lie down and turn around ok. However, we all know how Corgi's like to lie on their back or stomach with their feet fully extended behind them, and Charlie is too long to fully stretch out. I'd like to get a crate or kennel which will work the rest of his life, (not buy and "intermediate" and have to purchase another larger one later).

What type of kennel are you using and dimensions? If you take a yard stick or tape measure, how long is your dog when he/she is "fully extended" (feet out back) from "nose to toes"?

3) Car restraint - I've been moving Charlie's kennel to the car and seat-belting it through the crate handle when we go on road adventures. It's kind of a pain to move from the bedroom to the car and back again. A larger kennel is certainly going to be even more work. I've wondered about harnesses and if they strap the dog in securely somehow. I may also just end up with a second kennel to leave in the car permanently.

Do you transport you dog in a kennel or use some sort of harness device? For harness users, does a standard harness strap in the seat belt, or do you need a special "car harness"?

That's all I can think of right now for gear. If you have some other dog gear you find particularly helpful, I'd love to hear about it. Thanks in advance for your input!