Puppy play is an increasingly popular and visible form of role play that is often considered a part of the broader BDSM and leather culture. While dominance and submission are key characteristics of pup play, the dynamics of power exchange in these interactions are often very different from typical master and slave relationships.
In this type of sexual role play, the submissive person might take on the aspect and behavior of a dog. The "puppy" walks on all fours and mimics dog behavior during the role play. This may include barking, growling, and a dog's body language.
The person who dominates (often called the handler) does usually not take on a new persona or role. Instead, they act as the "owner" of the puppy.
Puppy play doesn't have to be of a sexual nature. The key characteristics of this type of role-play are its playful and free nature. The submissive may be asked to perform actions by the handler, similar to a typical master and slave relationship. These actions can be common dog tricks such as fetching, sitting, rolling over, etc. For puppy play with sexual elements, the submissive character of going on all fours is emphasized. At the same time, this allows the dominant easy access to the buttocks and genitals for sexual play using their fingers or sex toys.
Physical punishment is uncommon in puppy play. Instead, the handler treats the puppy in a similar way to how one would treat a real dog. The dog owner usually provides positive reinforcement when commands are executed correctly and at most a "naughty dog" for disobedience. Dogs are playful and mischievous. Therefore, most human puppies are as well. The energy in this type of power play or role-play is playful. In this form of role play, the submissive has much more autonomy.
Unlike dominance play where punishment is the foundation of the role-play, the puppy is often rewarded with a lot of love and praise for good behavior rather than punished for disobedience.
Although rare, punishment can be a part of puppy play. The nature of the punishment and how it is enforced depends on what the participants have agreed upon beforehand. This varies in all puppy/handler relationships and depends on what the participants enjoy and feel comfortable with. A naughty pup can receive a comment like "bad dog," a light tap on the puppy's nose, or be forced to take a time-out. Physical pain can also be a form of punishment (although it is rarer in puppy play) if all participants agree to it.
The power dynamics in puppy play are more playful and have fewer elements of sadomasochism. This may be one of the main reasons why many are willing to try this type of role-play. It may also be one of the reasons why it has become an increasingly popular form of BDSM.
Often, common pet supplies such as food bowls, squeaky toys, collars, and leashes are used during role play. Puppies can also wear fetish gear with a dog theme to further enhance their dog-like physical appearance. These items can also help the submissive get into the right mindset and facilitate the adoption of a dog's personality. Such fetish gear can include anal plugs with tails, leather masks in the shape of a dog's head, and gloves resembling boxing gloves made for walking on all four.
The masks used in puppy play serve several functions. The most obvious one is that they make the wearer look like a dog. In addition to this, the mask restricts speech, sight, and hearing. This serves several purposes. By limiting sight and hearing, relatively simple tasks such as playing with a ball or hearing a command from a handler become more challenging. This makes it easier to engage in relatively simple actions and enter a state of flow. Flow is a state of complete immersion in the activity one is performing. This can facilitate the puppy role-player in entering what is called "puppy headspace."
By blocking sight and hearing, one can also enhance our perception of other senses such as touch and smell! Everyone knows that dogs love to sniff things. So take a deep breath through the nose and fill your lungs with your handler's pheromones!
Sometimes, transport crates or dog crates can be used in puppy play. This is a form of confinement where the submissive is locked inside. This can be used as punishment for disobedience or as part of power play. Usually, the confinement is temporary. In some cases, the confinement can last for a longer period. Never leave a confined person unattended.
Gag balls are common BDSM sex toys that restrict the wearer's ability to speak. For puppy play, there are gag balls with dog bones. A gag ball shaped like a dog bone gives the wearer a more dog-like appearance. This is perfect for beginners in puppy play and those who do not have a dog mask. Dog bones and squeaky toys are also popular and can serve a similar function, as long as they are in the mouth, at least.
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Dogs use their tails to express their emotions, and puppies do too! A popular sex toy for pup play is anal plugs with tails. This naturally complements the doggy look, but more importantly, it allows the puppy to express themselves better. By wagging their behind, the tail swings back and forth, showing joy and playfulness. A sad or scared puppy may tuck their tail between their legs. Rotate the tail butt plug halfway. In this way, you tuck the tail between your legs, just like real dogs do!
Imitating and dramatizing dog body language is how a pup most often communicates during role play.
Our thumbs and our incredible motor skills are traits that dogs lack. Instead, dogs rely on their paws and noses to interact with objects and the world around them. In puppy play, bondage gloves for clenched fists are often used. These resemble boxing gloves. The bondage gloves force the wearer to interact with the world like a dog while providing a soft protective cushion to walk on.
In puppy play, collars and dog leashes are common bondage accessories. Many people who engage in puppy play choose to buy collars with their chosen puppy persona's name engraved, similar to the many pets out there. The collars can be an accessory, but when combined with a leash, they become exciting puppy play gear.
Walking or kneeling on the knees for extended periods can be painful and detrimental to the knees in the long run. Therefore, knee pads are a common accessory in puppy play. These provide soft cushions that protect against friction and pressure while playing on all fours. This allows for longer periods of playfulness.
Common equipment such as food bowls and dog treats can be perfect additions to puppy play. Forcing the puppy to eat from the bowl can be an exciting and playful experience. Here, there are possibilities for play and kink. Find what turns you on.
Filling the bowls with human food and water can be a kinky way to live out the role of a puppy. Fill it with dog food for elements of humiliation or let the handler fill the bowls in hot wet play and cum play. The bowls can be filled with whatever you want!
Puppy headspace is a mental state where one sets aside human thoughts, fears, and desires. Instead, the focus is on the present moment and allowing oneself to let go of the verbal part of the brain and simply play. After all, sex is how adults play. Sex should not be a tense or serious experience. Sex should be fun! So, just like a real dog, puppy headspace is about letting go of worries, and shame, and just living and playing in the moment.
These mental states within BDSM are often compared to stress and anxiety management methods such as mindfulness and meditation. A 2019 study showed that puppy play had psychological benefits for those who engaged in this form of role-play. Pup play was found to help practitioners relax and disconnect from the anxiety of everyday life.
Furthermore, puppy play proved to be a tool for discovering, exploring, or developing new and positive aspects of our personalities. This has previously been shown to be a positive effect of BDSM. BDSM is often compared to mindfulness for precisely these reasons. Being able to momentarily let go of all human thoughts, focus on the present moment, release our inhibitions, and play freely gives the brain a much-needed break.
Puppy play is not about believing that you are a dog. It's about being free, without shame, and just being able to play and enjoy uninhibitedly!
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