GENERATION FETISH

By John McBain

A different kind of bone!

Although considered obscure not all that long ago, one of today’s most rapidly growing fetish activities is puppy play.
The primary theme of all animal role-play is the voluntary or involuntary transformation of oneself from human to animal. One or more of the partners in a scene will take on the characteristics of a real or imaginary beast and adopt its mannerisms, behaviors and even emotions.
One of the great attractions of animal role-play is the opportunity to focus intently on an altered headspace in which your human concerns are put aside, at least temporarily, and more basic, instinctual (and even fun!) behaviors are allowed to be expressed. I think that puppy play has become particularly popular because it lets human subs enter a caring, and playful headspace in which nothing else matters but unconditionally loving their dominant owner or handler. What’s not to like?
As with all fetishes, puppy play has both sexual and non-sexual aspects and its activities vary widely among players. After all, human pups—just like actual dogs—have all sorts of personalities! Some subs identify particularly with animal pups’ playful, mischievous and loving natures. They might enjoy being rubbed or petted while sitting on all fours at their handler’s feet, or playing games like ‘fetch’ and ‘chase.’ Other pups enjoy being protective of their owners and watching out for their property. Some pups play well with others. Others do not. Some are even incorrigible, misbehaving on purpose to provoke your best training responses!
Puppy headspace is a special place. In a world in which almost none of us can be puppies 24-7, it takes care and planning to manage the transition from human to animal and back again. For instance, leaving behind your human nature also means leaving behind your human vocabulary. Handlers must teach their animals new means of communicating that go beyond traditional verbal conversation. Often barking or visual cues are used. One bark for yes and two for no is usually the simplest place to start. Other sounds, body positions, wags, etc. can be used to indicate a wide range of feelings, desires and emotions.
There are many kinds of gear that can be used to help a submissive enter puppy headspace. The first and most important piece is his collar. Collars are a symbol of love and ownership. Sometimes they’re worn only when the sub is in puppy mode. Others pups wear them year round. Collars are very personal and mean different things in every relationship. Because of their significance, it is considered disrespectful to touch or grab one without permission.
Many pups like wearing tails to help them enter puppy space—and as a means to express themselves! One of my favorite devices is made by Squarepegtoys.com. A very realistic silicone dog tail is fused to a specially-engineered butt plug. Thanks to its thoughtful design, it will actually wag too when your pup clenches and releases his hole! He can shake his tail in excitement, tuck it when he’s scared or stick it out when he’s curious, just the way a real pup would.
If you want to transform your sub’s face into something more puppy-like, a number of companies make hoods and head harnesses that cater to pup-fetishists. Rubberdawg.com out of San Diego, another of my favorites, makes incredible, very detailed rubber puppy hoods. You can even choose from different breeds and colors!
I often encourage people who are looking for less expensive puppy gear to consider buying a good pair of fist mitts. Fist mitts come padded or unpadded and are worn on the hands to keep them in a closed-fist position. They restrict the use of fingers much like a paw and are a great basic piece of bondage equipment for everyone, whether you’re into puppy play or not.
Finally, I encourage all pups and their handlers to invest in a good pair of knee pads. Humans aren’t used to spending that much time on their knees (well most of them anyway!). Adjustable, well-padded knee protection can make all the difference between a good scene and a great one.
If you’ve ever been to Gear, you probably noticed the two cages that we have on display. One is a stand-up cage, but the other is the puppy cage. You may even have seen a puppy in the cage from time to time! A pup’s cage is his safe space. There’s something that changes inside your head when you get inside and hear the padlock click closed. Primal instincts kick in. You know you can’t get out, but you also know that nothing can get in. It’s a very powerless, yet paradoxically safe and relaxing space.
Last week I had a chance to sit and chat with a young man who had a bunch of questions about this very topic. He just met a guy who is very into puppy play, and although he had never experienced it, he was overwhelmed by the sense of love, compassion and desire to protect the pup that had welled up within him. Now they are exploring, one the puppy and one the new-found handler. Way to go!
I hope that you enjoyed this first glimpse into the world of the human puppy. Animal role-play is one of my favorite topics and I look forward to talking more about it in the future.
Until next time, Play Hard! rubberdawg.com/

John McBain owns Gear Leather & Fetish, Palm Springs’ store for men who play hard. Email him your fetish questions at pulp@gearleather.com.