James,
props are tough -- sometimes they work and sometimes they scare the heck out of the dogs. This guy doesn't seem to have any issues with them and that's always fun.

I will occasionally use props at Xmas time for my show setups and I have to be careful because not all dogs are comfortable being face-to-face with Santa or one of his reindeer .

For portraits, I always bring some props but I don't always use them. Depends on the dog.

Again, nice job.

Jim