When it comes to spicing up our sex lives, role-play can be just the ticket! By allowing us to shed our inhibitions and step out of our day-to-day identities, role-play can be one of the more effective ways to take sex from routine to mind-blowing and incredibly connecting. When folks think of role-play, they often envision French maid outfits, naughty nurses, or sexy plumbers — but what if, instead of slipping on thigh highs and stilettos, you suited up in a collar or a furry tail?
Animal play may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of sexy time, but those in the know will tell you that it can provide the ultimate role-play experience. Retailers who are knowledgeable about and comfortable with this playful and popular kink — perhaps surprisingly popular — can help customers feel comfortable, and that can equal big sales! There’s a huge array of accessories available to support a whole range of play styles, interests and lifestyles, so here’s a crash course in everything retailers need to know.
Animal play can be part of BDSM or power play, but it is not something that is limited to hardcore BDSM enthusiasts.
What is animal play?
Animal play participants take on the roles of “animal” and “trainer/ owner,” depending on the agreed-upon power dynamic. As with any form of role-play, animal play enables participants to let go of their inhibitions as they adopt qualities of the animal of their choice. For example, with puppy play, the “animal” might engage in a variety of doglike activities, such as playing fetch, walking on all fours, accepting treats or even climbing into a crate.
Why are people into animal play?
Animals live in the moment. They pursue the most basic creature comforts free from the restrictions of language or the constraints of self-conscious feelings like fear of judgment. Role-playing as an animal is not only completely unique, but it can also lead to deep and profound feelings of freedom and vulnerability that we rarely experience in our stressful everyday lives or even in more typical relational roles. Playing as a happy, adored and carefree animal and expressing only animal desires gives participants the chance to achieve a state similar to what BDSM practitioners refer to as “subspace.” How do you get into the role of an animal? It can take a dynamic imagination to transform into a beast, but fortunately there is an entire industry dedicated to creating and selling animal play gear to help wannabe animals get deeper into character.
So, what kind of accessories can aspiring animals use to transform themselves? Insertable butt plug tails can be used for each different fur-sona. Animal play lovers have options that can transform them into a cat, pony, puppy, pig and more! Offering a healthy assortment of animal accessories will help your customers explore exactly what kind of animal they want to be and keep them coming back when they are ready to switch it up!
Some animal play misconceptions
Animal play can be a lot of fun, but some shoppers might be hesitant to explore it because of some major misconceptions floating around the internet and within social or play circles. Here are some key points that every retailer — and person exploring animal play — should know:
• Animal play does not, despite its name, involve actual animals and it’s not akin to bestiality. The participants are the only animals!
• Animal play doesn’t have to be inherently sexual. It may feature sexual elements or feelings, but that’s not required. The amount of sexual play — including whether or not sex is even involved — depends entirely on participants’ preferences. Please don’t assume!
• Animal play is not the same as being a “furry,” which is the name for role-play in which participants typically wear full-body animal suits.
• Animal play can be part of BDSM or power play, but it is not something that is limited to hardcore BDSM enthusiasts. It can incorporate lots of praise and cuddles for an experience that is more tender and nurturing, and also can involve dominance and submission without incorporating rougher BDSM elements.
• Animal play is not limited to any gender or sexual orientation. It is sometimes portrayed as an activity enjoyed by gay men, but participants of all genders and orientations can enjoy getting their animal groove on. Beware of sexual stereotypes!
Though it may not be what immediately comes to mind when couples think of roleplay, animal play might be just the ticket for adding some satisfying spice to their sex lives. Finding the right gear to set the mood can help your shoppers see how satisfying animal play can be.
Rebecca Weinberg is the president of XR Brands.
