Dog Training Tools: My Honest Review of the Blue-9 Propel
Looking for dog training tools to keep your pup happy and engaged when outdoor walks aren’t an option? Whether your dog is full of energy, battling boredom, or you simply want to create meaningful bonding moments, the right tools can make all the difference.
I’ve been using Blue-9 Pet Products with my Cocker Spaniels for many years, including the KLIMB training platform. But I wanted to strengthen the bond with Sir Alvin, prevent boredom, and keep him active indoors. So the folks at Blue9 Pet Products sent us a Propel Air Platform so Sir Alvin gets physical activity and mental stimulation every single day.
A little background: I’ve spent nearly two decades in the pet industry, and I’ve seen more dog toys, tools, and training products than I can count. As a lifelong dog mom and pet product expert, I’ve been sharing my life with dogs since before I could talk.
In this review, you’ll learn what the Blue-9 Propel is, how it works as a dog training tool, its benefits for dogs of all ages, and whether it’s worth the investment.
Some of the links in this article are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. I am also an Etsy and Chewy affiliate.
Dog Training Tools: What is the Blue-9 Propel?
Since 2014, Iowa-based Blue-9 Pet Products has made the lives of dogs better with their high-quality, purpose-driven tools that strengthen the human-animal bond. Blue-9 isn’t your average pet gear company. Instead, the founders solve everyday frustrations faced by dog parents and trainers from hands-on experience and not guesswork.
In 2023, Blue-9 made dog training at home even more fun with the Propel Air Platform. I use it for balance, fitness, and conditioning, and it can also be used for rehabilitation and to keep your dog in shape throughout their life. Because it is made in the USA, durable, non-slip, versatile, and comes with its own air pump, I had to try it out with Sir Alvin.
At first glance, pet parents may not understand how functional and fun the Propel is. That’s why I tested the Propel with Sir Alvin — to see how it works in real life with an everyday dog, not just in a professional training setting. What we discovered was a mix of exercise, enrichment, and bonding time that fit perfectly into our daily routine.
The Propel is an inflatable, non-slip air platform to help improve your dog’s balance, body awareness, and confidence. There are a few reasons I use the Propel with my dog, including:
- Helping to build my dog’s core strength to ward off mobility issues later in life
- Helping to prevent injury because he lacks core strength and balance (my last Cocker suffered two ACL tears)
- Teaching Sir Alvin to get comfortable with textures and new surfaces
- Having rainy day fun for dogs with indoor activities on the Propel
- Bonding with me through tricks, training, and fun activities indoors
Fun Fact: Dog trainers around the world use the Propel in their classes to build confidence, improve body awareness, and strengthen balance and core muscles. Knowing it has the seal of approval from thousands of professionals gave me extra confidence when testing it with my own dog.
How Does The Blue-9 Propel Work In Everyday Activities?
Here’s an industry insider secret about dog parent must-haves I am asked to try. I am incredibly fussy and will expose pros, cons, strengths, and weaknesses, and I tell the brand that up front. Even though professional dog trainers endorse and use the Propel, I needed to understand how it would work for dog moms and dads. Here are some ways to use the Propel with your dog(s):
Real-Life Fun
- Apartment dwellers can do a complete workout in the living room because space isn’t an issue.
- Working moms and dads can engage with their dog for 10 to 15 minutes before work for mental stimulation and movement.
- Senior dogs can stay mobile with exercises to keep them active and not stressed.
Fitness & Wellness
- Engage in low-impact activities for dogs of all ages by adjusting them to your pup’s age and physical limitations. If I can help avoid expensive vet bills through proactive joint and muscle health by incorporating regular movement on the Propel, that’s a win for both me and my dog.
- Use short sessions to replace longer walks when the weather is bad or you are short on time.
- Engage your dog’s core muscles and balance to prevent injuries (I kept thinking, “What if my dog gets injured because he lacks core strength and balance?”)
Indoor Activities & Enrichment
- Rotate activities to prevent indoor fatigue or boredom.
- Build body awareness by teaching your dog to step on, off, and around the Propel.
- Help anxious or reactive dogs feel secure by practicing balance exercises (rescue dogs tend to love the Propel because it teaches confidence with love).
- Here are some exercises and activities for the Propel from Blue-9.
Fun fact: When I get the KLIMB and Propel out, Sir Alvin starts wagging because he knows fun times are ahead. How cool is that? Proud dog mama alert for sure!
Specs and Features of the Propel for Dogs
So what exactly is the Blue-9 Propel made of? Before I put anything under my dog’s paws, I want to know it’s safe, sturdy, and designed to last. Here’s a quick look at the specs, features, and benefits that matter most to everyday pet parents.
Propel Specs
- Size: About 23” x 11” x 4” when inflated
- Weight: Approximately 4.5 lbs (lightweight and portable)
- Weight capacity: Holds dogs up to 300 lbs
- Made in the USA
- Made of FDA-compliant, food-grade material
- Free from latex, BPA, lead, and phthalates
- UV-, scratch-, and stain-resistant
Propel Features
Adjustable Inflation: Tailor the level of challenge simply by changing the amount of air. Slightly deflate it for a stable introduction, inflate more for balance training or a wobble challenge.
Durable and Flexible: Unlike more rigid wobble boards, the Propel remains stable even when under-inflated. Its sidewalls maintain form, letting your dog move over the entire surface safely.
Connectable Design: You can easily link multiple Propel platforms or attach one to the KLIMB for creative, customizable setups.
Dual-Texture Surface for Sensory Feedback: One side of the Propel has little raised bubbles that gently massage your dog’s paws and help them become more aware of how they move their body. Flip it over, and the other side is smoother and softer, which is excellent for dogs with sensitive paws or for pups just starting out.
Fun fact: A professional dog trainer colleague shared a story with me about teaching German Shepherd Dogs when they arrived in the States from Germany. He explained that cool surfaces, such as the flooring, freaked out the police dogs in training. So he would take the dogs into pet supply stores and slowly acclimate their paws to the texture while helping to build confidence.
How to Set Up and Use the Blue-9 Propel
On arrival, you’ll receive the Blue-9 Propel Air Platform and an air pump. Inflate it to your dog’s level. It can be adjusted to three inflation levels. Start with less air for puppies, seniors, or dogs new to the Propel. Add more air as your dog’s balance and confidence improve.
Once inflated to the desired level, press gently to be sure the platform feels secure before allowing your dog to try it.
Here’s how I got Sir Alvin used to the Propel in five easy steps:
- Introduction: I let the Propel sit near his KLIMB unit.
- Testing: Later that night, I watched as Sir Alvin sniffed around the Propel. I placed a treat on top, which he tapped at with his paw!
- Reward: With each engagement, I rewarded my dog with a treat or praise. If he sniffed the Propel, touched it, or walked by it, I told him what a good boy he is.
- Simple Steps: We started with front paws on the Propel. I asked for his paw, and Sir Alvin handed it over. Next, I asked for his paw, and instead of putting my hand out, I pointed my finger to the Propel. Boom. My smart boy.
- Repeat and Grow: We continued to work on touching the Propel for a few days. Once I knew he was comfortable, we graduated to forelimbs elevated, rear limbs elevated, and placed the Propel near his KLIMB unit for a step-off point. Step up, step down. Step up, step down.
Here’s a set of exercises we plan to work on for core activation and improving Sir Alvin’s balance:
Blue-9 Propel Pros and Cons: The Complete Breakdown
After using the Propel for over a month, here are the pros and cons in my experience:
Pros
- Easy to set up and get started
- Made, used, tested, and approved by dog trainers
- Fun for indoor dog games
- Helps anxious or reactive dogs transform into confident, well-balanced companions
- Affordably priced and pays for itself over and over
- Three color options: blue, grey, and the stunning new pink
- Ideal for dogs trying to lose weight
- Widely used, recommended, and approved by professional dog trainers, vets, and canine fitness pros.
- Low-impact exercises protect joints while strengthening core and stabilizer muscles.
- Multiple Propel units can be linked together or attached with the KLIMB for variety
- Adjustability allows for customized workouts for puppies, adults, or senior dogs.
- Easy to clean and store with professional-safe, BPA-free, dog-safe plastic
- A key investment in your dog’s health, happiness, and bonding with you
Cons
- A learning curve is involved, as some dogs may hesitate at first (never force your dog to anything they are not interested in)
- Not ideal for every dog, such as those with severe mobility issues, advanced arthritis, significant instability, or those uninterested in platforms like Propel
- Some pet parent training required (from Blue-9’s manual or videos – see below)
- For shorter sessions only, such as 5 to 15 minutes, as the Propel is not a long-duration activity
Where to Buy & Pricing of Propel
If you purchase ANY Blue-9 product directly from the Blue-9 website, you will receive 20 percent off the Propel or any product (except bundle packs). Use code FIDOSE20 at checkout.
The standard Propel Air Platform, priced at $69.95 on Blue‑9’s website, does not include an air pump. It’s a standalone platform sold without accessories.
The Propel Air Platform Kit, sold separately (e.g., on Amazon or other retailers), does include the air pump, along with extras like straps and training materials. Blue-9 also sells the hook and loop straps to connect two Propels together or to a KLIMB Dog Training Platform.
So, if you’re ordering directly from Blue‑9.com, you’ll need to purchase the pump, which is available separately for $5.
Use code FIDOSE20 at checkout for an additional 20 percent off at Blue-9’s website.
Final Verdict: Is the Propel Worth It for Dog Parents?
Key Takeaways
The Propel delivers on its promises as a versatile, durable, and fun tool that works for dogs of all ages. What sets it apart is its fully adjustable stability levels that appropriately challenge dogs without overwhelming them, and its unique ability to remain structurally sound even when under-inflated, a quality unmatched in the current market.
The rigid side walls maintain their integrity, while multiple textures accommodate both tender-footed pups and those needing extra proprioceptive input (ability to know limb position) during recovery.
Fun fact: My dog gets excited when he sees the Propel and the KLIMB because he knows we are about to have fun, which gives this dog mama great joy.
Best For
Families seeking indoor enrichment, fitness, and training support. Perfect for urban dog parents, busy professionals, and anyone wanting weather-independent exercise solutions.
Particularly valuable for rehabilitation work thanks to its safe median plane, which eliminates rolling risks that could damage shoulders or psoas muscles.
Not Ideal For
People who want heavy-duty conditioning for their dog. The Propel is designed for everyday enrichment, not intensive athletic training.
Final Recommendation
Highly recommended for everyday dog moms and dads. The Propel successfully combines fitness, mental stimulation, and fun into one reliable tool that strengthens the bond between you and your pup while keeping them healthy and engaged.
FAQs About the Propel
Start on the Propel with a higher inflation level. Lower amounts of inflation increase the challenge. Since dogs can be introduced gradually to the platform at maximum stability first, most dogs adapt well to it. However, every dog is different, as some may need more time and positive reinforcement to feel comfortable stepping onto any new surface, regardless of stability.
Pet parents and dog trainers worldwide use the Propel and trust its thick and durable material. To maximize durability, it’s generally recommended to keep your dog’s nails trimmed to a reasonable length when using any inflatable training equipment.
When it comes to my dog’s safety, I won’t trust or use anything else that claims to be similar.
Cheaper balance discs, wobble boards, or knock-off inflatables often aren’t designed with dogs in mind. They’re usually made for humans (like yoga or rehab gear) and don’t account for:
* Dogs’ nails scratching and puncturing surfaces.
* Sidewalls that collapse when under-inflated, making them unstable.
* Lack of traction, which could cause slips or injuries
After speaking with your veterinarian or other canine healthcare provider, the Propel can be used for many dogs with joint issues. Each dog is different. Do not use the Propel for dogs in severe pain, those with acute injury or inflammation, or post-surgically without vet guidance. If your dog has severe mobility limitations, talk to your vet about restrictions and follow their advice.
The Blue-9 Propel Air Platform is about 23 inches long, 11.5 inches wide, and 4 inches high when fully inflated. Think of it as about the size of a small ottoman cushion or a folded bath towel. It is suitable for small apartments, condos, or any home without a yard. You can even deflate it for storage or slide it under furniture. We keep our dog training tools in a closet.
