Pet Play BDSM: How To Train, Punish and Reward Your Pet

1) Introduction

Although the pet play kink is a fairly common one within the kink community, it’s also one that the non-kinky folks have never heard of. This guide is not only for beginners but also serves those kinksters in need of inspiration.

2) What Is Pet Play (Is It Different From Animal Play?)

Let me answer the all-to-common question of “What is pet play?”. While one partner takes on the role of the owner or trainer, the submissive partner (could also be the dominant, but less common) takes on the character of an animal pet. The pet usually gives up complete control and wants to be guided and dominated by their owner. As the name indicates the submissive partner wants to be treated like a pet.

Whereas in animal play all partners play animals. Similar to pet play there usually is a dominant animal in the dynamic. The dominant might set the rules, get to eat first, or take the lead during animalistic and hot sex.

3) Temporary vs. Permanent

Before we get to the part where we list the different pets you can play you should know that there are two types of pet play BDSM, temporary and permanent pet play.

In temporary pet play the participating partners might act out their scenario after work for a couple of hours before taking on their roles as adults again.

While in permanent pet play the pet-owner dynamic is rarely stopped. This can become quite complicated and is difficult to maintain, nevertheless, these dynamics do exist.

Some pet plays are more suited for permanent play than others. Kitten play for example can be permanent, while pony play usually isn’t permanent.

4) What Is A Headspace?

This term comes from BDSM and describes the endorphin rush a pet has when entering into the comfort of pet play, not having to stress about anything, and being controlled by their owner.

Total immersion into the characteristics of that animal is often required. Pet players often describe it as a place of trust and comfort where they are able to escape the daily adult stress and submit to a person they truly trust.

5) What's So Thrilling About Pet Play BDSM?

As with many other BDSM practices, it’s a great stress reliever for participants, especially the submissive. Giving up full control and letting go of adult problems can be quite a relief.

The act of giving up control and submitting to a partner requires strong trust and the feeling of safety. This trust and connection only get stronger through safe and consensual BDSM practices.

Obviously, both partners usually love the cute, innocent, and sometimes feisty personality the pet might take on. For the pet, it’s often the strict contrast to their duty-filled adult life, which is so appealing.

But there is more. Many, and I fully relate, adore the costumes, the lingerie, and the gear that comes with this kink. Others are into the humiliation of being treated like an animal. To each their own, and rightfully so.

Kinksters who fully integrate the pet fetish into their lives will realize that the community, available resources, and events are huge in numbers and incredible in creativity.

6) Choose Your Pet Animal

Choosing your pet type is important, but can obviously be changed at any point. Normally the pet player already has one in mind, to which they identify most. If not so, I suggest you try out 2-3 animals to which personality traits you are most drawn. 

Puppy Play

This one is very common, especially in the gay community. As the name indicates, the pet player usually takes on the playful, cute, and exploratory personality of a young puppy. Which is great, because an untrained and young pet requires a lot of fun and challenging training with their owner. 

Being able to choose from countless different breeds is just another amazing plus.

If you want to know more about this kink, check out our complete puppy play guide. 

Kitten Play

Almost equally as common as the latter and often loved by DDLG kinksters, the pet player gets to take on an adorable, playful, and bratty character. Whether they prefer an obedient or not-so-obedient character is up to them. Nevertheless, there are limitless fun and sexy activities this dynamic has to offer. But especially if the pet player likes a lot of attention and the feeling of being cared for this one is perfect. 

For more information on kitten play, read our kitten play BDSM blog article.

Rabbit Play 

Not as common as the ones before, especially because the activities are a bit limited. Nevertheless great for those who want a lot of cuddling, petting, and jumping around. The lingerie and gear can also be really cute. 

Pony play 

Very common in the fetish world, with a lot of communities and gear available. One reason for this might be the limitless activities you can do. Training is usually one of the most common activities owner and pony engage in. From training how to walk to training how to show off, the possibilities really are limitless. 

Some ponies might pull their owners in their cart or have them ride their back. Important to note is that backs are not made for riding. The owner must always support their weight with their own feet to avoid back injury. 

To learn more about this pet play, read our complete BDSM pony play guide.

Cow Play

Although it’s rare, it does exist. Milking the breasts with special pumps and breeding are often activities cow players would engage in. Others just like to wear sexy cow outfits. Some cow play communities might even organize auctions (with consent obviously). 

Fox Play

Unlike the ones named before, this one is more on the wild side. Since foxes can’t really be tamed, they are perfect for a pet play BDSM dynamic. Scratching, play fighting, or light biting can all be great reasons to punish your fox. As they can’t be trained, foxes are usually older in age, independent, and need less attention. 

Wolf Play

Another wild pet play, no doubt about it. Primal play such as biting, wrestling, fighting, and struggling to tame the wolf could all be part of this pet play. Couples that are switchers might find this fun, as the wolf could overpower the owner. Alternatively, you could use puppy play activities and make them so much wilder.

Pig Play

Not very common but great for pets that are into humiliation and degradation.