I have soft-sides, wires and vari-kennels. I LOVE my soft siders... I do use one with my GSDs, they really like them - I also use them with the dals. I have one set up in the basement and the dogs get used to it at home so I can make any corrections (punching with their noses, etc) so I don't have to do it at shows. I would NOT travel with one in my vehicle as they offer no protection in accidents (though Varis aren't much better as when my mom was in her accident some years ago - two broke in half and the door popped off one). They are great at shows, if you know your dog and check in often. They are the best in hotel rooms (I have hauled way to many crates up and down steps in hotels). For cross-country, I would definately do fold down wire-crates for safety and durability. Jess Mac Paisley Dals (www.paisleydals.com) & The Shepherd Girls _________________________________________________________________ Boo! Scare away worms, viruses and so much more! Try Windows Live OneCare! http://onecare.live.com/standard/en-us/purchase/trial.aspx?s_cid=wl_hotmailnews ============================================================================ POST is Copyrighted 2007. All material remains the property of the original author and of GSD Communication, Inc. NO REPRODUCTIONS or FORWARDS of any kind are permitted without prior permission of the original author AND of the Showgsd-l Management. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. ALL PERSONS ARE ON NOTICE THAT THE FORWARDING, REPRODUCTION OR USE IN ANY MANNER OF ANY MATERIAL WHICH APPEARS ON SHOWGSD-L WITHOUT THE EXPRESS PERMISSION OF ALL PARTIES TO THE POST AND THE LIST MANAGEMENT IS EXPRESSLY FORBIDDEN, AND IS A VIOLATION OF LAW. VIOLATORS OF THIS PROHIBITION WILL BE PROSECUTED. For assistance, please contact the List Management at admin@xxxxxxxxxxxx VISIT OUR WEBSITE - www.showgsd.org ============================================================================