Props with Purpose: Helping Our Dogs Succeed
- Ansi van der Walt
- Jun 4
- 2 min read
It’s easy to think that adding props - platforms, targets, pods, cones - is about making an exercise harder. More height, more wobble, more challenge. But here’s a gentle reminder from the heart of K9Yoga:
Props are not there to trip our dogs up.
They’re there to set them up for success.
Whether we’re using a raised platform to help a dog find a square sit or placing front paws on pods to shift weight backward, every prop has a purpose. When chosen with care, props can clarify the task, make it easier for our dogs to find balance, and gently build strength, awareness, and confidence.
But if we rush ahead - using unstable equipment when our dog isn’t ready, or introducing props without a clear intention - we risk turning helpful tools into confusing obstacles. Instead of facilitating learning, we create frustration.

So how do we use props intentionally?
Start with your goal. What skill or awareness are you helping your dog develop?
Match the prop to the task. A wide, stable platform helps reinforce posture and symmetry. A small target might help a dog find paw placement or alignment.
Adjust for your dog’s level. If your dog is struggling, simplify.
Success builds engagement far better than repeated “almosts.”
Watch and listen. Your dog’s posture, movement, and attitude will tell you if the prop is helping - or if it’s time to adapt.
Remember, props are not a test. They’re a bridge. When we choose them thoughtfully, we help our dogs cross from “I’m not sure” to “I’ve got this!”
And that’s where the real magic of K9Yoga lives.
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