“Come, Spot!” | Our Guide to BDSM Puppy Play

In one part of the BDSM universe, kneeling and calling "Come, Spot!" can take on an entirely different and often arousing meaning - welcome to the wonderful world of puppy play! But what draws people to puppy play, what kinds of games do they play, and how can you begin to explore this tail-waggingly enjoyable BDSM activity? Well, grab a bone and settle in!

What is BDSM puppy play?

Many of us long for a walk on the wild side to be free and frisky with our sexuality, just as others dream of having a beast to play with, train, and possibly tame. This is what BDSM puppy play is all about: finding pleasure in assuming an animalistic persona or taking a commanding leash to someone who has.
 

Before we get started, let's touch on what puppy play is and, more importantly, isn't. First off, it doesn't include real animals. Instead, puppy play is when a person takes on a canine role in a BDSM scene. What this involves varies from person to person, or pup to pup to be more accurate, but it can be anything from playing fetch with their Owner to be rigorously trained to be awarded Best In Show. 

The main idea is that the puppy becomes, and is treated as, a dog: they bark, growl, wag their tails, whimper, whine, and can sometimes do tricks when instructed by whoever holds their leash. 
 

Getting into a BDSM pup frame of mind

Just as there are many dog breeds, the reasons why puppy players enjoy the experience have a lot to do with the core of BDSM. The consensual relinquishing of personal control to another person or, on the other side of the relationship, getting mentally or physically aroused by Dominating another person. In these kinds of scenes, the puppy is submissive; with the enjoyment coming from becoming another person's pet, just as others enjoy being a slave and therefore a Dominant's property.
 

But there's often another side to the allure of puppy play: that by assuming the persona of an animal, puppies feel liberated from being themselves. While immersed in their BDSM pup persona, they can leave behind the complexity of being a human to frolic and scamper: sometimes under the command of an Owner in a BDSM play context or even just on their own.

And, of course, the kind of BDSM pup they become is unique to themselves, like being a ferocious wolf cub, the shy and whimpering runt of the litter, or a spoiled pure-bred.

Want to know more about BDSM pet play? Take a look at 'Introduction to Pet Play' at the BDSM Training School.
 

The play in BDSM puppy play

What happens in a puppy play scene is always dependent on the pup and their Owner, if they desire one, that is. For example, they might be groomed and shown off to an appreciative audience or put through obstacle courses at certain kink events.

In other scenes, the focus might be on training - for example, the puppy learning, through rewards and punishments, how to be their Owner's perfect pet. This might involve learning how to eat from a bowl, playing fetch, or performing other services: it all depends on what the puppy and their Dominant negotiated beforehand.

In some cases, a puppy might go the whole furry route by wearing elaborate costumes to help them get into their animal persona. At the same time, others might prefer pup bondage, a black leather muzzle, ears, and even an anally-inserted tail they can wag when they're happy. 
 

Image: All Ears by Istolethetv via Flickr Creative Commons 2.0 license.
 

Want to try being a BDSM pup?

If the idea of trying your hand or, in this case, your paw sounds interesting, there are all kinds of ways to put on your collar and give puppy play a go. It's better to take it slow before leaping four feet-first into an elaborate BDSM pup play scene - this is particularly important because getting into a new animal persona, even a canine one, can initially be a bit disconcerting. Why? Because it could expose an unexpected side to your personality: when you find at heart, you're more of a wolf than a puppy, for instance.

So first, try out your new puppy personality in a safe space before trying anything more intense. After you get your paws under you, you can begin exploring some play options. But even then, remember to play safe, and even though you're taking on the role of being a dog, you should always consent to whatever happens in your play scene.. Stay in constant communication (even if it's by barking) with your playmate/s, keep a clear head about you, and if things become uncomfortable, end the scene or ask for a break.
 

Who's a good pup!?  

BDSM puppy play can be a lot of frisky fun with all kinds of potential for a hot dog (excuse me for that) BDSM intensity, an excellent opportunity to get in touch with another side of yourself, or even lead to a kind and nurturing experience. And no matter if you're a tame pup or a ferocious beast, always play smart, play safe, and keep your tail wagging!

M. Christian is a respected author and BDSM educator, having taught classes on everything from polyamory to tit torture for venues such as the SF Citadel, Good Vibrations, Beat Me In St. Louis and many others.
 

Wanna find other BDSM puppy play players? Sign up and head over to the Fetish forum.  

Cover image: 547W27 by Istolethetv via Flikr Creative Commons 2.0 License