Puppy Play - The Facts 2.1 (+Other pets!)

At long last I've managed to scrape up a bit of decent info on pup play. This has been taken from the Wikipedia page about pet play. It covers most of the animals associated with pet play but I will focus mainly on pup play (for obvious reasons). If you haven't done so already, please check out my two previous "The Facts" posts. The Facts 1 & The Facts 2

Once again, I'd like to point out that this isn't my view on pup play and that it is completely in someone else's words.
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Taken from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Animal_roleplay

Animal roleplay may be either a non-sexual or an erotic sexual role-play (when it may also be called petplay, ponyplay, ponyism, kittenplay, or pup-play). In its erotic sexual role-play form, one or more of the participants takes on the role of a real or imaginary animal in character, including appropriate mannerisms and behavior, and sometimes a partner will act as another animal, or, in a sexual context, may take the role of rider, trainer, or caretaker (or even breeding partner).

The principal theme of animal roleplay is usually the voluntary transformation of a human being to animal status, and focus on the altered mind-space created. The most common examples are probably canids (pup, dog, wolf), felines (cat, kitten, lion) or equines (pony, horse). Animal roleplay is also used in a BDSM context, where a person may be humiliated by being treated as an animal.

In psychodrama, animal roleplay may be used for a person to explore their personality, as a form of role reversal.

The origins of animal roleplay and petplay are probably various and diverse, again depending upon the participants involved. However, its origins are certainly influenced by costuming, fiction, myth and legend, roleplay and psychodrama in their various aspects. The first commercial manifestation of this fetish was created by Simon Benson the founder of the Petgirls website.

Like much of erotic play and roleplay, animal roleplay in an erotic or relational context is entirely defined by the people involved and by their mood and interests at the time of play. It ranges from the simple imitation of a vocal whinnying of a horse to the barking, panting or playful nudging of a puppy, or playful behaviour of a kitten, to crawling around on all fours and being fed, or petted, by hand. (In the latter instance, its motives may be similar to those of ageplay, i.e. taking on a role that one feels spiritually appropriate or which allows for nurturing, and a change from usual roles in everyday life). To the greater extremes of dressing up as a pony in modified horse tack, masks, prosthetics and temporary bondage based body modification (such as binding the forearms to the upperarms and/or the calves to the thighs).

Public participation in human animal roleplay is varied. A couple could inconspicuously role-play a silly but loving pet play scene in public, but it would look like one partner is merely stroking the other's neck innocently to the casual observer. In the case of many convention-going furries and some BDSM fetishists, one partner may wear a dog collar with a leash attached.

The reasons for playing such a character or animal can vary as much as the actual physical manifestations and intensity of the play. Some people enjoy being able to "cut loose" into a different, or more dynamic personality (e.g., Were-creatures or Catgirls; see other variations). In some cases, pet play is seen as a loving, quiet cuddling time where there is no need for verbalizations and the simple act of stroking, rubbing and holding the other partner is satisfying or reassuring in and of itself for those involved. For others, there may be a spiritual side to it. Some feel closer to their animal totem, while others may identify with something akin to a deeper side or part of their own psyche (see:Therianthropy). For still others, there is the experience of power exchange setup in a context or structure which they can accept. Clearly, again, it depends on the people involved and what they bring to it or take from it.

Additionally, some cases could be considered a type of animal transformation fantasy. They can have strong elements of exhibitionism, be totally enjoyed in the privacy of the home, or lie somewhere between either boundary. While not widespread, erotic human-animal roleplay is still enjoyed by a sizable number of people. However, it is still primarily identified with BDSM practice, or as being associated with furry or other alternative lifestyle activities.

For many participants, it has no connection whatsoever with bestiality, which is controversial and would usually be considered edgeplay in BDSM circles.

It should be pointed out that each type of play can focus on a certain "strength" of an animal character. Pony play often involves the practice and training that a horse owner or trainer would put their horse through to learn how to walk, canter, etc., as modified for human limbs. Puppy play often can involve BDSM related discipline. Cow Play often involves fantasies oflactation and impregnation. The usual limits of safe, sane and consensual apply to roleplay as much as any other activity between humans who accept and respect their partner's interests and limits. For most, this does not include bestiality.

Note: Just because one partner is playing the "pet" does not necessarily make them the passive or submissive play partner in the scene. For example, if the form of pet play is for the meek and timid wife to "transform" into a werewolf or mischievous anime catgirl, she may take the upper hand and dominate the partner. Again, how the play is interpreted is entirely up to the people involved.

Some people believe that they have certain animal 'instincts' and through animal roleplay can let them out. This is especially true in the BDSM communities, where some people 'live' as their chosen animal 24/7. This type of mentality goes beyond roleplay and becomes a full lifestyle for the parties involved. There are also 'hybrids'. These are humans who live part time as one type of animal, and part time as another. This is usually determined by the situation.

There seems to be a growing trend among the BDSM scene in animal roleplay, especially pup and kitten play. Playing the role of a pup or kitten is one of giving over complete control over to another, while the 'Master or Handler' expects only unconditional love and obedience from his/her animal.


Puppy play or dog play is where at least one of the participants acts out canine mannerisms and behaviors, it is sometimes associated with leather culture. The dominant role is taken by a "Handler", "Trainer", "Master", or in the case of someone who still identifies as canine, an "alpha". The submissive may be considered a "pup" or a "dog". Unlike other forms of animal roleplay, it is not uncommon for two or more pups to play together as equals, fight for dominance, or play where one is clearly the "alpha". Puppy play is often about being playful, mischievous, and instinctive. In relation to other BDSM play, a "puppy" who is "unowned" or "uncollared" can be referred to as a "stray". Other elements rooted in BDSM play involve bondage and restriction with collars, leashes, cages, and hoods, the submissive's hands are often covered in mitts, both sexual and non-sexual services are requested, and "training" may take place in order to teach commands. The submissive may be asked to bark, kiss/lick the dominant's foot/shoe, and eat like a dog.

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I'd also like to drawn your attention to Puppy Play or Dog Training? Yes, there IS a difference! - An article by Scamp where Scamp points out the differences between a pup and a dog, which I feel is a very important aspect that the writer/s of the wiki article forgot to mention. Also, as I mentioned in my last post, I will be posting about the differences between a furry and a pup sometime in the near future. This is also something that I feel is very important and the above related the two. *eeeeep*

Anyways, I best be off. Too damn hot to think!
*curls up in front of fan*

Puppy Play or Dog Training? Yes, there IS a difference! - An article by Scamp

The other day I posted a very small snippet about the differences between puppies and dogs, from my point of view (click here to view). In that article, I asked for my fellow pups to write in on their opinions of the differences, but I also spoke to a couple of my friends and asked if they would be happy to write a bit for me. One of those friends is Scamp. Scamp, like myself is rather opinionated, and I was over the moon to see he had posted this entry in his blog, only moments before I jumped online this morning. And being such an early hour, my brain isn't at 100% functionality yet, so I'mma stop rambling (as I often do) and let you have a read of "Puppy Play or Dog Training? Yes, there IS a difference!".
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There seems to be a lot of confusion about what constitutes "puppy play" as opposed to "dog play", "dog training", "wolf play", or one of the million other variations.  What I am going to give here is nothing more than personal opinion, sprinkled with my own experience and the opinion/experience of a few others.  What you do with this information is up to you, as I believe that everybody must find their own path, be it religion, sexuality, kink, or even things less important.

Puppy play is commonly overlooked in kink situations, as it sometimes has NOTHING WHATSOEVER to do with sex.  Yes, that's right.  You might be taken aback by this statement, but there is so much more to life than just sex.  Now, for the 25 percent of people who will continue reading past that line, let us continue.

I am going to take this time to explain that this post is meant to help give definition to some of the varying levels of this specific kink.  By this, I mean the most commonly accepted definitions, and you may have varying ideas based on personal experience.  It will not cover every eventuality, and there will be some who fit into these categories and many others.  This is only meant to be an outline of what the "puppy play" scene is becoming in current times, not a reflection of what it may have been.  Things grow and change.  Nothing is as cut and dry as most people would like.

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Puppy Play


Many people call themselves a puppy because they don't understand where they fit in.  Puppy play is an attractive form of power exchange because, for most, it still includes a tenderness reserved for a beloved family pet.

The most common definition of a "puppy" is a person who has some of the mentality of a puppy, and can enter a headspace of total puppy awareness.  These people might perk up if they hear a squeaky toy, stand at full attention if they hear certain words (walkies, play, ball, squirrel, among others), find themselves growling at annoyances in their every day lives, or even wagging their bodies when they get excited.  These are all fairly common, and may confuse the pup until he realizes the truth about himself.

While many pups are just as much a pup on 2 legs as they are on four legs, they relish the time they get to spend in puppy headspace.  It's a full release from the cares and worries of the day-to-day human world.  A time where the pup can truly be himself.  Many pups can't achieve this state of awareness without a trigger..  It might be their handler's praise, the jingle of their dog tags on their collar, a certain touch (scratches behind the ears; WOOF!), or a number of things.  The thing to take from this is that it is common for a pup to not be in puppy mode 24/7.  As a matter of fact, it is fairly rare to find a situation in which a puppy gets to (or even wants to) live as a full time pup.  The necessary evils of the human world make this nigh impossible.

Puppies are loyal, playful, energetic, and loving.  It is fairly common to find a puppy edging closer and closer to his human (or even another pup that he may have a relationship with), trying to get physical attention.  Personally, I am nearly constantly chewing on something (straws, plushies, rope toys, pens, pencils, sunglasses...).  The behaviors that puppies exhibit are fairly easy to identify, if you know where to look.

Dog Play


Dogs and puppies are different animals.  To say otherwise is to try and call children "little adults".  It may have common practice in the past, but growing and evolving needs have made the distinction a necessary one.

Puppies often exhibit the physical characteristics of dogs, but "puppy play" is more about the mental state of those involved.  Dog play is most commonly referred to as the act of acting like a dog, while maintaining the mind and thoughts of a human.  Am I saying that there isn't some crossover between the two?  No.  It is nearly impossible to have things this closely related without crossover.  It's just a matter of which one you feel yourself more drawn towards.

Dog play and puppy play are both entered into willingly.  There isn't usually humiliation connected with these acts.  There may be humiliation in other aspects of your kink and laid on top of puppy or dog play.  It's more about the mutual enjoyment of these activities which brings fetishists together to enjoy them.  Commonly, dogs and puppies will gather together for events or play times.  It is only small differences which separate them.  These differences wouldn't be worth mentioning, except for the new and expanding interests in the puppy community.  It is important that those new to the "scene" know where they fit in, what is commonly accepted practice, and that they are not alone in their feelings.

As I have said, dog play focuses more on the physical, and puppy play focuses more on the mental aspects of the kink.  This is not true for everyone, and this doesn't mean that dogs can't get into a puppy headspace and puppies can't spend a few days on all fours.  Individual interests and desires shape and mold kink.  If they didn't, we'd all still be vanilla, wouldn't we?  That being said, these two practices (once again) are entered into willingly and because the pup/dog thoroughly desires the time.  There is a practice which is more forced and more about humiliation, however.

Dog Training


Dog training is the act of taking a submissive and forcing him to take on the mannerisms and role of a dog, usually as a form of humiliation play.  The Dominant will force the submissive to eat from a bowl, bark, stay on all fours, and other things commonly associated with training an unruly dog.  This is accomplished after the submissive lets known his desire (or at least acquiescence) to either a session or longer term of humiliation play.  I DO NOT CONDONE NON-CONSENSUAL POWER EXCHANGE.

The forced act of becoming a dog can be a very trying thing on the human psyche, and aftercare should be observed if you are engaging in this kink.

This fills the Dominant's needs to humiliate the submissive (or maybe even a hidden desire to have his own pup or dog), and it also fulfills the submissive's desires to be humiliated and dominated.  This can be fun, and there are some pups or dogs who also participate in this aspect of the kink.  Once again, it is not a "one or the other" scenario, nor is it an "all or nothing" situation.  Desires cross over and you may find yourself in one or more of these groups, or even more.

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I hope that my readers have found this to be informative.  I will once again remind everyone that this is mostly my personal experiences/opinions and the experiences/opinions of others that I have met who are involved in the pup community in one form or another.  Also, I used the male pronouns to fill out my definitions because gay male puppy play is what I am familiar with (being a gay male puppy).  This is not to say that straight or lesbian members of the kink community might not also benefit from this information.  I was not trying to dis-include anyone.
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I'd just like to say a huge THANK YOU to Scamp for allowing me to use this on my blog! You're awesome! If you enjoyed this article, make sure you visit Scamp's blog! Don't forget to follow! =)

Till next time....
*tail wags*