Nature props to use for dog tricks
- Dog Talent Association
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
Task 2 of the International Trick Dog Competition is about tricks with nature-made props:
If you have not entered for Task 1 of the competition- join in from Task 2!
Here are some ideas for the kinds of props you can use for the tricks:
Just a word of caution before doing any tricks with any props please make sure first that the prop/object is safe for your dog.
Wood / Plant-Based Items:
Tree or trees
Bush/shrub
Stick (no sharp ends!)
Log
Log slices (they are brilliant for props but also for distance work, marks, small raised platforms, stepping placements etc.)
Tree stump
Fallen branch
Bark piece
Pine cone
Acorn
Leaf (or pile of leaves)
Bundle of twigs
Wooden plank
Wooden spoon
Tree slice (cut round)
Bamboo stick
Wooden cane or pole (not sharp ends!)
Reed or cane
Wooden bowl
Wooden crate
Driftwood piece
Fallen palm frond
Wooden chair/stool
Hollow log
Grass / Plant / Crop Items:
Bundle of dried grass
Hay bale
Straw bundle
Tall grass clump
Corn stalk, corn head
Wheat sheaf
Sunflower stem, sunflower flower
Potted plant (non-toxic)
Hedge section
Bush or shrub
Nuts (make sure they are safe)
Fruits (make sure they are safe- apples, pears, berries)
Veggies (make sure they are safe- pumpkins, carrots, root vegetables)
Stone / Earth / Mineral Items:
Pebble
Small rock
Large boulder
Flat stone (for balancing or paws-up)
Gravel patch
Pile of stones
Brick (clay)
Clay pot
Terracotta saucer
Sand mound, sand on the beach
Dirt mound
Path stepping stone
Garden edging stone
Smooth river rock
Beach stone
Chalk rock
Limestone piece
Slate tile
Clay lump (air-dried)
Water / Sea-Themed Natural Items:
Shell (empty, make sure it is safe)
Seaweed (dried or fresh)
Driftwood stick
Smooth beach sand (make sure no sharp sand if digging)
Rock pool (controlled trick area)
Pebble circle (marker for tricks)
Tide-smoothed log
Sea sponge (dried)
Natural Objects from Trees or Forest:
Fallen apple
Branch
Logs
Fir cone
Birch bark roll
Mushroom (only fake please avoid real mushrooms for any tricks)
Chestnut
Walnut (in shell)
Seed pod
Maple seed (helicopter type)
Moss patch (for soft tricks or target work)
Garden / Nature-Adjacent Objects
Flower pot (clay or wood)
Watering can (metal or bamboo)
Wooden fence post
Garden spade (wooden handle)
Tree root
Compost heap or wood chip area (safe section)
Rock border
Garden arch (wood)
Pile of autumn leaves
Garden bench (wood or stone)
Natural Household / Handmade Objects
Wooden box
Wooden rolling pin
Basket (wicker)
Woven mat (jute, seagrass)
Wooden spoon
Coconut shell
Wooden chopping board
Wicker tray
Cork (natural cork bark)
Wooden peg
Wooden pole or poles
Wooden parkour obstacles
Wooden table
Wooden chairs
Wooden crate that can be also used as a platform (check for splinter risk!)
Wooden bench
Wooden placement mats
Gardening tools with wooden handle
Toys with wooden elements
Wooden paint brushes and easel
Wooden bowls
Wool rug or blanket
Broom (witches type or household)
Brush with wooden handle or natural bristles
Natural/compostable bags, washing up sponges)
Wooden musical instruments
Light Natural Materials:
Feather
Bundle of straw
Wool ball (undyed, natural)
Jute rope
Hemp rope
Natural fibre ring (for tug)
Wooden ring
Coconut fibre brush
Dried flower bunch
This is not an exclusive list. Once you start noticing - you'll spot the nature objects and opportunities for tricks everywhere.
And of course you can use all of the seasonal decorations and displays for the tricks too: Halloween, Harvest festivals, Thanksgiving etc.
Enjoy! x
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