educational

Puppy Play Fetish Brings Imagination Into the Bedroom

Puppy Play Fetish Brings Imagination Into the Bedroom

Role play is one of the best ways to reenergize your sex life. It gives us license to shed inhibitions and express who we truly are in the bedroom. And as many of us can attest, playing a character that’s different from your everyday self can turn simple routine sex into a mind-blowing affair. But before you slip into someone else’s stilettos, have you ever thought about getting down on all fours instead?

Puppy play is something most of us believe is for other people. Some may even think it’s quite strange. But ask any “trainer” or “pup” (yes, those are technical terms) and they’ll tell you it’s the ultimate role play experience. Pet play is more common than people realize and the more comfortable you are with this playful kink, the more your customers will be, too. There’s a wide world of play styles and accessories out there for eager pups and other pets, and XR Brands is one of retailers’ go-to sources for the very best gear.

Although imagination is the most important tool for puppy play, gear can really make the experience.

What is puppy play?

Puppy play requires someone to fill the role of trainer or handler and at least one other person as the puppy. Human pups take on dog-like characteristics, such as walking on all fours or playing fetch, and like regular role play, this gives participants permission (and makes it much easier) to lose their inhibitions.

XR Brands fields all kinds of customer inquiry about some of the more unique items in our catalog and here are answers to three of the most common questions we get about puppy play and other kinds of pet play: 1) For some, pet play incorporates sexual elements and for others it does not; 2) Pet play is different than being a furry, which involves participants usually wearing full-body animal suits; and 3) Pet play never involves actual animals.

Is puppy play considered hardcore BDSM?

That all depends on how you play. Some go for a tender, nurturing play style with lots of cuddles and praise. While this does utilize dominance and submission, it does not incorporate the rougher elements of BDSM.

Those that prefer puppy play with a heavy dose of sadomasochism may enjoy discipline devices like the Jolt Electro Puppy Trainer Shock Collar. BDSM gags can also be adapted for puppy play. Putting a puppy spin on the classic bar gag, the Hound Bone Gag Head Harness uses a silicone bone as the gagging device. The Pup Puppy Play Hood and Breathable Ball Gag is ideal for sensory deprivation. And the Muzzled Universal BDSM Hood with Removable Muzzle is a hood, eye cover, and gag set that adapts for puppy play with its optional mouthpiece.

Why is puppy play appealing?

Human pups are free from the confines of language and focus on basic creature comforts — something many of us feel deprived of in our busy lives. This simplified existence fosters deeper levels of vulnerability and freedom than more typical role plays and pets are happy, adored and carefree. They also live in the moment. Expressing only animal desires allows pups to get into a unique headspace similar to BDSM subspace.

Being a trainer has its benefits, too. They enjoy the dominance and control they have over their pups and the unconditional love, loyalty and companionship trainers receive in return can be incredibly rewarding.

Is it difficult to get into the role of a puppy?

Although imagination is the most important tool for puppy play, gear can really make the experience. If you’ve ever role-played, you know that putting on a wig or new article of clothing can help get you into character. The same is true for pet play.

Accessories like hoods, mitts and collars can help prospective pups slide into the right headspace. Don’t forget tails, bones, or feeding dishes, too. The Strict Leather Premium Puppy Play Set perfectly transforms the wearer into a dog with its full headgear and mitts. To get into character from head to tail, the Pedigree Puppy Play Tail Plug is also a must.

Are there other types of animal role play?

Puppy play and pony play are two of the most common kinds of pet play, but it doesn't stop there. With animal role play, you can be anything you want; kitties and bunnies are just the tip of the iceberg. There’s plenty of gear on the market for these kinds of animals, too, and we created the Tailz collection to give shoppers a variety of clever butt plugs equipped with cat, rabbit, fox and pony tails in different colors and fur textures. Some even vibrate for extra fun.

Pet play can be the anecdote for couples searching for a little extra spice in their sex lives, though it may not be the first type of role play that comes to mind. Finding the right gear to set the mood can help shoppers discover how pet play could become a regular part of their regular routines and can help make the experience feel playful in a whole new way.

Related:  

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More Articles

opinion

A Retailer's Road Map for First-Timers' Anal August

Anal August offers a prime opportunity for brands and stores to capture new customers and drive growth in a category that’s gaining mainstream momentum. As consumer interest in anal play continues to rise, now is the time to meet first-time buyers where they are, with approachable products, trusted education and a clear path to pleasure.

Matthew Spindler ·
opinion

Optimizing Your Leadership Through Wellness Practices

For many of us, 2025 has proved intensely stressful — and we’re still only halfway through the year. In times like these, it may seem counterintuitive or even irresponsible to talk about seeking pleasure. Yet pleasure, presence, joy and connection can help you return to a mental and physical state that allows you to face and handle stressors.

Sarah Tomchesson ·
opinion

Chastity Play Is Trending: Why It Should Be in Your Marketing Strategy

From chastity fetishes to power play, erotic control — once considered an esoteric niche within the world of BDSM — is now entering the mainstream. Google searches for “chastity cages,” “chastity fetish” and “orgasm denial” have exploded over the past year, with interest especially high for beginner-friendly models.

Naima Karp ·
opinion

A Look at Adult Retail's Role in Community Care

In the adult retail industry, we focus on empowerment, exploration and connection. We connect people with products that can transform their relationships with their bodies, with their partners and with themselves.

Rin Musick ·
trends

A Deep Dive Into Key Trends Shaping Pleasure Products

In 2025, the pleasure industry is evolving in intentional ways. Rather than racing toward newness for novelty’s sake, brands are reassessing everything from shape and function to what price intended shoppers can afford.

Ariana Rodriguez ·
profile

WIA Profile: Jia Jeng

Modern branding is all about storytelling — and Jia Jeng certainly knows how to tell an authentic, perspective-shifting tale. As brand manager for ID Lubricants, Jeng applies her creative talent to shaping the long-established company’s public image in a way that aligns with her own vision for an ethical future.

Women in Adult ·
profile

Spicerack Market Offers Indie Brands a Launching Pad

Spicerack Market is an ecommerce platform with the heart of an artisan crafter and the soul of a kinkster. On the website, independent sex toy makers, lingerie seamstresses and kink gear craftspeople can set up a personalized shop to sell their handmade wares, unhindered by censorship or bans on adult products.

Colleen Godin ·
opinion

Strategies to Bring Pleasure Brands into the Spotlight

Every brand dreams about landing a feature in The New York Times or Men’s Health — and pleasure brands are no exception. After all, mainstream media coverage isn’t just a vanity milestone. It builds trust, attracts new audiences and opens doors to connecting with retailers, partnerships, and investors.

Hail Groo ·
opinion

Is Your Retail Business Sextech-Ready?

Sextech isn’t just a niche novelty anymore; it’s the future of sexual wellness. From wearable sex toys that provide biofeedback to interactive sex toys with AI capabilities, sextech has made significant progress over the past few years.

Kate Kozlova ·
opinion

Top Product Launch Tactics to Boost Q4 Sales

According to recent industry insights, over 70% of sexual wellness brands finalize their Q4 lineups between July and early September. This is a high-stakes window for launching new products.

Matthew Spindler ·
Show More