Just a thought, there always seems to be a tonne of stuff to carry when we go to any shows but at least with most champ shows, we have a bench to store it on but there isn't always much room underneath for the trolley.  This is going to be more important if I start taking two dogs to the champ shows.

I was wondering whether to invest in a bench guard instead of hauling crates around.  How secure are they if the dog jumps up the front?  (At least these will sit on sack truck whilst I walk dogs in.)

It's either that or a grooming table with wheels so that I don't have that to carry as well! (and 2 crates can sit on top)

I can see pros and cons of both, especially in very wet weather and a hike from car park to hall!  At open shows I tend to use the "Lion cage" as at least I can use the top as a table too, just wish it had bigger wheels!

I have a bench guard... it seems pretty secure, but I've always used a bench chain too just to be on the safe side (I have a whopping great Lab, so if he was really determined I don't know how well it stay in place).  I like it though, I'd definitely recommend one!  I'm not sure how well they attach to adjacent benches though, I've only had one in the past so you may want to check that out before buying 2. 

Something you've not told me Jaspersmum ;-)

Could you not change the wheels on the lion cage? Iv never used a bench guard as am unsure if a bullmastiff would just walk through it LOL, I have seen one exhibitor in our breed use one but their dogs were very calm so didn't test its capabilities.

I'm not a fan of the bench guards myself.  I have a smallish breed and a friend brought one for her young dog.  They dont tell you when you buy them that they are NOT a dog restraint, just a means to stop prying noses reach your dog.  Benching chains are always to be used with them.  As I say, my friend wasn't told this when she brought it.  It certainly looked secure, and as i say we dont have a big powerful breed, but as she was in the ring with her bitch he got his nose through the gap in the side.  A bit of determined wiggling later and he had managed to get the bars to give enough to get his rib cage through, and then he was well and truely stuck and pertrified poor little thing.  Should note that he normally creates well.  Guess it just depends how you want to use it.
I use a light weight trolley with big wheels- light to carry, can cope with curbs, long grass and mud, but as its not a table costs £40/£50 instead of the £100+!  I take one metal cage which either both dogs go in for the short walk to benches if its raining, or all my bags if its dry, and a clothe cage on top to keep everything light.  Works well for me!

> Something you've not told me Jaspersmum

Heidi and Charlie of course you suspicious woman! I live in hope of ooooudles of coat growing

i use a bench guard with our akita, our bench guard has a top attachment as well,he is also bench chained to it as well it was easier for me to use when by myself instead of carting around a large heavy cage.

Thank you for the input.  I think I will stick to upgrading my table/trolley rather than the guard option.  Not in a hurry so will look for a second hand first.

I wouldn't guarentee one of mine jumping up the front and ending up with the whole lot on the floor and would not want to use the benching chain with them.