Wednesday, January 9, 2013

Introduction to Puppy Play

Puppy 101

This has been written in part for the Puppy 101 class at International Puppy Tampa 2012 by
Christopher “Tyger”/”Woof” Roth. Some information has been taken from Informed Content,
Animal Roleplay Wiki and humanpups.com please feel free to use this for your own group, event
or contest. All I ask is that the proper credits are given.

Ever have someone come up to you at a bar or event and ask you what puppy is all about?
How many have or ever had a cat or dog as a pet? How many times have you come home from
a stressed day and think what a wonderful life they have? Someone to pet, feed, play with them.
They are happy, mostly carefree (unless you don’t get them the treat when they want it or you
aren’t awake when they want you to be).

That’s what the “headspace” of puppy/pet play is all about. Putting the binds of the human world
to the side for a while and “puppy out” Puppy play is NOT about bestiality. Human puppy play
does not involve real pups/dogs in sexual activities and it does not mean someone desires to
perform sexual activities with real biological pups/dogs.

To elaborate a bit more, there are a variety of explanations of what puppy play actually is.
Something important to remember that puppy play is not “cookie cutter” it’s unique to each pup.
Not every pup is into the puppy gear aspect, sexual aspect and so on.

Non-sexual animal roleplay, or therianthropy, was a common and integral part of ritual in
many tribal cultures both in recent and likely prehistoric times, where a member (or members)
of the tribe would take the role physically and often spiritually, of an animal that was either
revered, or hunted. Examples of the former include many of the American Indian tribes and
Arctic native peoples, examples of the latter are evidenced by cave paintings. In 1911 Julia Tuell
photographed the last Animal Dance ("Massaum") performed by the Northern Cheyenne of
Montana.

It is also sometimes used in education, especially physical education, as an enjoyable way to
encourage people to exercise the body in unusual ways, by mimicking various animals.
Dog play evokes many feelings for both the Master/Mistress and the Dog/Puppy. Typically, it is
a combination of training, humiliation, discipline and control. Whilst some practitioners would
consider that humiliation is paramount to the activity it does not have to be; it has as many limits
and boundaries as the participants want it to have. From a simple perspective it is enjoyable,
relaxing and similarly empowering. It can be whatever people want it to be, but most of all it's
fun.

Public participation in human animal roleplay is varied. A couple could inconspicuously roleplay
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). 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
(ie. 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.

It should be pointed out that each type of play can focus on a certain "strength" of an animal
character. Puppy play often can involve BDSM related discipline. 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.

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 partner to "transform" into a werewolf or mischievous anime catboi or girl, they may take
the upper hand and dominate the partner. Again, how the play is interpreted is entirely up to the
people involved.

Pup Play in BDSM Community

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.

What is a human puppy / dog?

A puppy or dog is a human pet. It can be a male or female who identifies closely with real
biological pups/dogs and lets go their human inhibitions and stress to embrace their animal
instinct. They live in the moment, their entire existence revolves around getting a pat on the
head, being told they are a good puppy, exploring anything and everything that looks interesting
or fun, even if it's sniffing someone in public. A pup/dog may take on the persona of a biological
canine to varying degrees from being on all fours chasing balls and barking instead of talking to
only taking on the personality of a pup/dog but retaining their human abilities.

What are the differences?

A puppy is younger (no matter what their human age), they are more playful, mischievous and
less obedient.

A dog is older, less playful, more serious, protective and obedient.

A wolf can be older or younger. They are usually not easily identifiable as a specific breed.
Many will have an untamed, wild streak. Wolves can be quite the handful and tend to demand a
higher level of respect.

An Alpha is a wolf, dog or puppy that tends to be a leader, a mentor, a teacher. They will usually
be the one that less experienced pups look up to. A lot of times you will see an Alpha be the
organizer of a group or contest.

Gear/Furry pups are more into the role play playing aspect. They love the gear and the acting more than the mindset. When the gear comes off, they retain little or none of the pup/dog
personality.

Slave dogs/curs are rare, not a pet and not a common part of the pup/dog world. They want to be
treated lower than a sub-human, caged, humiliated and disrespected. Many inexperienced Tops
and Sirs mistakenly think this is the normal desire of everyone that identifies as a pup/dog then
attempts to treat any pup/dog they meet as such and gets upset when the pup/dog ignores, growls
or tries to bite them.

A puppy/dog/wolf is not a human slave. Some bois identify also as pups just as some pups also identify as boys. For many they are solely a pup/dog/wolf.

For many it's just a type of role playing but for others it's a part of their inner spirit, it's who
they are whether in pup gear or not. Also pups can be Dominant, submissive or a switch. There
can also be pups that switch roles from pup to Alpha to Handler, depending on the situation or
opportunity.

How should strangers approach a human puppy / dog?

Most pups/dogs love to be petted but a stranger should approach a human pup/dog the same
way they would approach a real canine. If the pup/dog has a human with them, you should ask
the human if it's ok to approach or pet the pup/dog. If the pup/dog is alone and turns away or
growls when you approach them, you should leave them alone. You should never try to grab a
pups/dogs collar or leash and if they are wearing a lock you should never touch it or the collar
as some owners take this as an act of disrespect to them personally. A pup/dog that wants to be
petted will make it obvious and might move toward you or they may lick or sniff you when you
approach.

A human pup/dog approaching another should use some common sense, never just run up and
pounce on the other pup/dog without properly introducing yourself using barks or whimpers or
human language. The other pup/dog might not want to play or their owner/trainer/handler may
not allow them to interact with other pups/dogs.

For some it's completely non-sexual, there is no erotic or sexual interaction at all, simply relying
on someone to feed and reward or discipline them is only an exciting variation of Dominance
and submission (D/s). For others, they are always a human, capable sexual behavior with other
pups or humans. Puppy play has strong naturally occurring elements of D/s, ownership and
control, as well as other traditional BDSM aspects

Puppy play depends on what the people involved are hoping to accomplish, it can be nothing
more than role-play fun or an escape from reality using an alternate personality.

What activities are involved in puppy play?

Anything a real puppy/dog might do! It can range from simply sleeping on a pad on the floor at
night, to housetraining, to chasing a ball or Frisbee to wrestling with a human or other pups to
playing a day in the life of a "pet owner".

Taking care of a human pup/dog can be as demanding as taking care of a real pup/dog or as
simple as living with a roommate. Depending on the pup, there may be a lot of training and care
involved. Most people will not want to clean up the floor or the human pup after it pees or potties
but some might want to have to train them not to. Others may prefer their pet to be more selfsufficient
and clean up after itself as well as help do chores around the house.

What toys/accessories are involved in puppy play? What do human puppies/dogs wear?

This is something that is unique to the Handler/Trainer/Owner/Alpha and pup. Not every pup
needs or wants gear. Sometimes, something as simple as a collar is needed to get into the
puppy "headspace" or some pups like to be fully geared from head to toe.

At home, some demand their pets always be naked other than a collar and sometimes a hood, tail,
mitts, knee pads and maybe socks or shoes for foot protection since real canines don't usually
wear clothes. It's up to the owner/trainer/handler to determine what, if any clothing is to be worn.
At clubs, bars and friends homes pups/dogs usually wear as little as possible ranging from totally
naked, to jock strap, to wet suit, to normal street clothes.

At restaurants and other public places, common sense applies. Normally you can wear a collar
and sometimes some pup gear can be worn, sometimes not, depending on the situation.
The fantasy can be enhanced by props and accessories. What is involved in puppy training?
Always remember Safety First!!

Puppy trainers may want to use behavior modification techniques using the following tools to
train their pup/dog:

A first aid/cpr course is very important. You never know when it will be needed. Always have a
first aid kit handy. In puppy play, bandaids, larger bandages are the most common thing needed.
Muzzles or hoods may be used to prevent the pup/dog from speaking since pups/dogs bark
and whine, they do not speak, they use body language or other antics to convey what they
want. Remember to remove it frequently to allow them to drink. Note: If a human puppy is
never allowed to speak or interact as a normal human being for long periods they may become
psychotic and dangerous to you and themselves.

Bondage mittens, or more specialised mock paws, allow an extension to the play that restricts
normal human activities whilst at the same time promoting the feeling of being a Dog/Pup.
Padded bondage mitts or socks to restrict thumbs and pad the knuckles.

A butt plug with an attached tail can simulate a real tail. This is something you do need to be
careful with. You don’t want a tail being worn and go to remove it only to find you just have the
part that goes on the outside separate from the inside part. Some pups have created a harness or
jock with a tail attachment.

An animal-like collar with a leash is common and is used much as it would be on a dog. Care
must be taken when pulling against the throat, as the human trachea is much easier to damage
than a dog's. Most leather dog collars are comfortable enough on a person but will leave a stain
on human skin if worn for very long, so it is worth selecting the right one to start with. Choke
chains are common, but be aware of allergic reactions.

Knee pads to protect their knees while crawling. Make sure you find a pair of pads that fits well
and doesn’t slide easily. (use Boo’s scraped knee example) Hardware stores, sporting good stores
are a good source.

Dog bowls may be used to feed pup/dogs. Human faces are too short for most dog bowls so
use a shallow bowl or one large enough for them to get their entire face in. Being a human pup/
dog requires a lot of energy so keep a lot of water available to them. The human tongue was
not designed to scoop up water so be sure to keep the bowl full or use a water bottle or even a
straw taped/attached to the bowl. To enhance the eating experience, canned human foods such
as beef stew, corned beef hash or breakfast cereals can be used. They can be relabeled if desired.
Human pups/dogs should never eat real dog food! It does not have the correct nutritional content
and may give them diarrhea, make them very sick or poison them. This includes things like dog
bones, rawhides, bully sticks, jerky for pets.

Squeaky toys and balls with rope through them so the pup/dog can grasp it with their teeth.
Again remember that pulling too hard even in play can loosen or pull teeth out. Also toys should
be able to be washed/sanitized on a regular basis.

Restraints may be used to restrict the pups ability to stand up or use their hands since pups/dogs
are always on all fours and don't have thumbs. Note: This can be physically debilitating if taken
to extremes or frequent breaks are not allowed

Cages or shock collars (around their thighs never around their neck) may be used if a puppy
engages in or responds to normal human conversations since pups/dogs can only understand and
respond to simple commands, like "sit", "stay", "come", "heel", "fetch" etc.

A large, well padded dog bed for taking naps or sleeping.

Treats for rewarding good pups/dogs. (dogs treats are not human treats) Be aware of allergies for
both your pup and the pups they play with.

A rolled up newspaper or paddle to correct minor behavior problems.

Chastity devices if your pup/dog tries to hump things or people. Be sure to get one that can be
left on when urinating. Housetraining pads for the floor if needed.
Is that all? Nope, anything else an owner or a pup wants that helps them get into headspace. As
with many activities these props and accessories can be added and improvised such as puppy tail,
chastity shorts, booties, dog bowls, cages and chains all add to the role and the play that can take
place.

Remember this...

Being a pup/dog 24/7 is a fantasy.

The human body needs to exercise as a human and communicate regularly as human to remain
physically and mentally healthy. Being on all fours 24/7 would result in joint, muscle and spinal
damage and never having a normal human conversation could result in a psychotic pup/dog that
may be a danger to you and themselves.

To be a healthy pup/dog, they have to be a healthy human.

2 comments:

BDSM_01 said...

Hello, I thought this post was very educational and I thank you for that. I was wondering the photo when you were talking about chastisity devices, the one with the knot looking penis covering, is that a chastisity device or and accessory. And where the hell can I find it?

MB said...

It looks like a red latex cock and ball sheath to me....an accessory, not chastity :)