Equipment for Dogs and Puppies

from http://www.mybdsm.com/pages/animal/intro.html

Dog Tails

So, there are 7 good options I know of for puppy tails... here they are:

1. If you don't have a problem with using animal fur, get a tail from a fur seller and attach it a belt or whatever. A fur seller where you can get things like fox tails is a good option... here is one:

   Eidnes Furs - http://www.eidnesfurs.com/

   To go directly to their price list: http://www.eidnesfurs.com/tails.htm

2. If you don't believe in using animal fur, scout for realistic stuffed animal dogs/wolves and check out their tails. The realistic ones can have beautiful acrylic ones. Buy it, apologize to the plushie, lop off it's tail... and attach it to a belt or whatever.
3. Make your own tail from acrylic (or whatever). Many fabric stores have fake fur and will work with you if you are trying to find the right material for your Halloween costume *big grin*. While you are at it you can make nice little paws and doggy ears too.
4. If you can find Dog Rose Leather, contact them. They make custom dog and puppy play gear and are the gold standard amongst the dog players I've talked to. They have some headgear that is out of this world. They don't have tails in stock to my knowledge, but they'd make one for you!
5. Some doggy players use horse tails. Some braid them to get more of a "dog" weight to them. Some take scissors to the tails to make them more shaggy and less uniform in length.
6. If you go for the Pluto style tail that is a tad rat like... you can go for a short whip.
7. Check out your local costume shop. They may have just the tail you need!

A little note here about safety/sanitation and this stuff. I have worn the butt plug horse tails and I have also topped people wearing them. They are cute, but I wouldn't use them in most public situations because they are easily tugged on, dislodged, or whatever and at best could end in a messy dislodging at a public club... and at worst will be the target of morons who think it is funny to tug on. The slim ones dislodge EASY (err... or maybe I've just given up secrets about my bottom... ha-ha).

The horsehair ones do well if you wash them in Mane n Tail shampoo for horses. You can get that stuff in some grocery stores... but you can also get it at a tack shop. Horsehair seems to need a lot of care in my experience.

I figure you should use a dog shampoo on the tails you buy from a fur place... but check with the owners of the store for how to clean them... since I'm no expert. The acrylic ones should be great for clean up... if they are marked machine washable then you can do that! Just be careful around dryers... those plushies like to crinkle in the heat. I'd make sure the tail was detachable so I could remove it for easier clean up. Snaps or Velcro come to mind first.

Dog Paws

This is a very important part of helping your partner into the mind of a canine. Probably the best thing for this is a pair of heavily padded fist mitts. These can be fairly expensive and a really wonderful pair is available through Mister S Fetters Catalogue http://www.mr-s-leather-fetters.com in the bondage section.

Need a cheaper option??

• Have your puppy make a comfortable fist while holding something like a sock or a squishy ball in their hand.
• Slide puppy fist into heavy sock (maybe two if they are going to be walking on hard surfaces)
• Run electrical tape around the top of the sock. Do NOT make this too tight because electrical tape starts to feel tighter with time. Make sure you are not cutting off circulation. Ask puppy to whimper and show you certain signals if the paws start to feel like they are getting a pins and needles sensation.

Not feeling so happy with looking at socks?

• Well, you can go to a fabric store or fur seller and create some "booties" out of the material. You can slip the "booties" over the socks so you don't have to look at knee socks... ha-ha. They can match the doggy ears and tail and help to make your doggy look very cute indeed.
• You can use boxing gloves! A pair of second hand ones could work very well!

Like a dog with claws?

I do not know where to purchase these gloves yet, but there are some custom made fur gloves with retractable claws that I have seen. They are beautiful and feel great. I suppose you could have your dog wear those and simply make them not use them like hands... then again maybe your dog is half-human.

Don't want to bother with all that?

Tell your doggy not to use his hands and enforce that rule! Don't let that little pup cheat!

Dog Ears

This isn't something that many trainers give a puppy... but sometimes they do and it does make for a cute dog! They tend to be non-functional so it is mostly a matter of personal taste. I suppose they could be part of a head harness and could be used for bondage if you were particularly clever. I like the idea of a guard dog with leather ears attached to a leather head harness... with both ears "pierced" (reminding me of ancient Egyptian cats). The rings could be used as bondage aids. Oh yes, I like that thought a lot! I can imagine attaching my dog by the ears to a pair of thigh cuffs I'm wearing and letting his tongue make me a very happy trainer.

Here are some other options:

• Go to a costume shop and look into some fake dog ears
• Make some ears using real fur or fabric
• Have some leather ears attached to a head harness or hood
• Have a custom rig made from Dog Rose

Feel free to use your imagination when coming up with your puppy ears! I think they look best when they match the paws and tail, however.

Dog Harness

A dog can look very fine naked, but many people choose to put a dog in a harness of some sort. I, personally, like the looks of a leather chest harness but there is no reason why a dog couldn't have a rope, fur, rubber, or some other sort instead. Most harnesses are going to leave the breast area, butt, and genitals exposed. If you want your dog to be able to do bathroom things in the harness you better take that into account when going shopping or getting creative. I don't happen to like to jerk on a leash attached to a neck (because of potential injury that could occur), so a chest harness with a ring between the back shoulder blades or with rings on both shoulders attached to a leash makes me feel a lot more comfortable. If you have a very good dog that listens to commands and follows hand signals you probably won't have to ever tug his leash, but if you go into public some people may walk into the leash or do some other thing that might tug on your puppy. It is your responsibility to make sure your dog doesn't get injured, so remember that a rig may be safe under some circumstances you can for see... but think about unexpected problems that could occur.

Knee Pads

I think that unless a dog learns to walk on the back feet and paws it is essential that you invest in a good set of knee/shin pads. Human canines were not meant to walk on their knees and can do a lot of damage to themselves if they spend a lot of time (especially on hard surfaces like concrete) on their knees. My puppy has bad knees from playing baseball too many years so this sort of thing is something I have to take into account all the time. Joint injuries are nothing to mess with if you want to have lots of fun playing in devious ways with a happy and trusting puppy! Make sure to get kneepads that are designed for someone expecting to crawl around on them!

Dog Genitals

There are several approaches to dog genitals. Here are a few, feel free to invent your own!

• Leave them natural
• Use chastity devices (cock cages, plugs, chastity belts)
• Use penis sheaths to give a boy dog a more canine look. Dog Rose has some of these!
• Treat your female dog as you would a real female dog in season. Make her wear an external pad that you can check and change...
• Decorate the genitals with cock rings or other ornaments.
• Shave the genitals to make them feel more exposed
• Have your puppy grow out their hair (genital and maybe otherwise) to give them a more furry look and feel. This can be extremely sensual!

Electric Toys

I have heard of some people making use of the electric dog collars that are used in training real dogs. I want to really caution people against this. It sounded like a very sexy concept until I started hearing about people who had damaged the vocal chords of their human dogs. I'm sure none of us would want to do that, and I have no clue how often shocking your human dog would be "safe"... so until I hear more information about how this could be done safely I just don't recommend it. Perhaps the use of a "trainer wand" (a violet wand) or a trainer black box (TENS unit) would be a better idea. Another option could be the electronic fly swatters that look like small tennis rackets. Having caught shocks from those on the backside I can assure you that they are much more persuasive than a rolled up newspaper! A tip with those: New batteries produce a pretty sharp shock and can even create some light surface burns. I would use some batteries that had been slightly drained beforehand unless I had a real pain pig... err... pain dog on my hands. Be sure not to use this on anything flammable or on materials that may melt from the shock. Be sure to acquaint yourself with proper safety for any toy you choose. Just purchasing a toy does not make you an expert in it's use! Electrical toys can be quite deadly and/or very dangerous in the hands of someone who doesn't know what they are doing.

Dog Dish

I think every good puppy needs a water and food bowl. I recommend the nice stainless steel ones because they can be cleaned very thoroughly and they are just pretty! If you can find some that are in a stand with non-skid feet that is even better since it can be a bit of a trial for a young pup to eat and drink if the bowls start sliding around. Try not to get bowls that are too deep unless they have a very wide mouth, a human puppy will have a hard time cleaning all of it with her tongue if it is too deep. There are no rules about what is appropriate or not in the bowls aside from being sure that whatever you give your puppy you understand the consequences of. Some types of treats and most dog foods are not healthy for humans so I recommend looking into vegetarian treats for dogs. You can also get a dog cookbook and make your own food for doggy. My favorite things to watch a doggy drink or lick from a bowl don't come from a store though, they come from human beings (of course I'm fluid bonded with my partner so I can do this... if you aren't... don't do this sort of play)... enjoy experimenting

Water Bottle

This is something you may want to use instead of a water dish. It is an especially good option if you plan on putting your pup in a crate! You can put any liquid you want your pup to drink inside the bottle, and the pup will have to lick and suck the water from the bottle. This can be a lot of fun to watch. It is a lot more entertaining after the water hits their bladder and they try to behave and not mess in their own crate.

Dog Chain

Standard equipment for even the beginner puppy is the dog chain collar. It usually has a tag and/or lock attached if the puppy is owned. A small key style master lock is usually the thing of choice. Sometimes a puppy will wear a collar without a tag or lock on it to signal she is a stray dog. Other times the dog might have a lock on her collar that is open or has the keys still in it. These are sometimes signals that the pup is a stray looking for an owner. Don't do stupid things like go over and grab a suspected stray by the collar and take the lock! That is something of fantasy... real human puppy/owner relations take negotiation!

Leather Dog Collars

These are usually not worn 24/7 because of comfort reasons and also because many dogs find chain to be a more comforting and canine type material. That said, there are some great leather collars out there with a decidedly canine feel. They can fasten by buckles, snaps, Velcro, or other means. Give some thought to how you plan on using the collar before choosing. Snap types cannot usually be adjusted and tend to fall somewhat sloppy on the neck especially if you have a large D ring or some such on the front. They are easy to get on and off though! Buckles tend to give a better fit but can also irritate the neck of your pup. Many choose a leather collar that locks on. It usually has slits in the leather and a ring that slips through the slit that can then have a lock attached. This is probably the most comfortable type. Collars come in different widths and types of leather and this sort of thing makes a big difference in the feel of it. I happen to actually like the feel of some narrow actual dog collars. I have worn that kind of collar for days with only minor irritation. Some far prefer latigo leather collars made for human beings (and this is really the best choice if you want puppy to wear it all the time). In general, a thicker and wider collar is going to be less flexible and less comfortable. My best advice is shop around and try some on if your local fetish store doesn't mind.

Dog Tag

I get so sentimental about these. They are the little tags that go on the collar of your puppy. I usually choose one with the color scheme above, I don't know why... it just appeals to me. Tags come in all kinds of shapes and you can get one that suits your pup and yourself. I love the heart shaped ones, but I have seen some pretty elaborate custom ones that have interested me also. I recommend stopping in to your local Petco or other pet store and seeing if they have a dog tag machine. Usually you can buy a token for the machine from the counter person and go off to make the tag in private so it will say anything you wish on it. I generally put the pup's name on the front of it and some statement of ownership. "This puppy belongs to Vamp" would be the type of inscription you would find on my dog. Some owners create completely authentic dog tags with their names and addresses on the dog so that people will bring it home if it strays. While I think that is cute, I don't think I'd do that for privacy reasons.

Dog Lock

When a dog is owned the trainer might place a lock on the pup's collar. Sometimes these are inscribed and sometimes they are plain. I don't happen to like the idea of my puppy wearing a lock 24/7 because I think it could be very dangerous if it ever became caught on something and the pup couldn't remove it when at work or some such place. I love the idea of it being on during play sessions, however, or being on 24/7 if my pup is carrying two sets of keys for it. The weight is comforting to many pups but it can be too much to be comfortable to some. Another thing to take into consideration is what material the lock is made of. It could create a rash or other problem if your puppy has an allergy. Some locks are rubber coated and that might be a good option if you have a pup with metal allergies. I think some specialty places have silver locks, but I don't have any contact info on that yet.

Leash

This is a must have! You can pick up a nice dog leash at any pet store. I prefer the chain style, but you may go for the leather. I've found fetish sources usually have dog leashes that are too short for my needs and they are bloody expensive in comparison to real dog catalogues and inferior in quality. That is just my experience though, and there may be some GREAT fetish leashes out there. Some cautions about leashes, be sure not to jerk your puppy around by the leash! It is also important that you do not attach it to a chain collar so that the collar functions as a choke chain. I do breath play and I can tell you that the way a choke collar applies pressure to the spine and larynx is not a good thing. There are many injuries that can occur and the results can be potentially deadly. So, don't use collars that constrict and watch what you are doing with the leash! If you go out in public or you want to be sure that you don't make a mistake with the leash you may want to attach it to a body harness instead of to the neck.

Tie Chain

This is a great way to stake puppy out in the yard on nice summer days. The tie chain holds puppy to a stationary object of your choice. It can be fun to watch the puppy try to get objects just outside the reach of the tie chain, and puppy will look cute romping around at the edge of it as you search your bag of toys for the right one to play with today!

Dog Toys!

Every good doggy needs some fun toys to chew on, chase, and play with. Get your pet a nice chew toy that they can fetch. Give them a nice fleecie toy to nuzzle as they go to sleep in their little bed. Dog toys can also be used for more sexual purposes. Some of those little rubber barbells can feel quite nice in more than your puppy's mouth! Be creative in your selection. You can use toys with bells or squeaky mechanisms to act as your puppy's nonverbal safe word. Play tug-o-war with a rope toy. Experiment with how toys can be used. The same toy that your dog plays tug-o-war with might make an interesting flogger or sensual tool during a massage.

Dog Blanket or Jacket

A show dog or a dog that might be exposed to the elements is really in need of a proper blanket or jacket. You might be able to purchase one (depending on the size of your dog) straight from a dog supplies catalogue! I am lucky, I'm 5 ft tall and weigh a lot less than many types of dogs so I can get my equipment from dog catalogues sometimes. If you don't have the option of buying from a real dog catalogue, I would suggest checking out what they look like and then making one yourself. You might also look into pony blankets if your partner is really big. Another option might be to get a nice spandex or polar fleece outfit since many of the new jackets are made of such materials.

Dog Bed or Pillow

Many dogs are not allowed to sleep with their owner. They aren't even allowed to sleep on the end of the bed unless they have been very good. So where can the dog sleep? On a dog pillow or bed of course! Some beds or pillows for very large real dog breeds will fit some humans. If you have a big puppy on your hands (I know I have one almost seven feet tall), you may not find a bed that will fit. If that is the case, look into making a doggy pillow or try to get a small futon you can put on the floor. If you put a duvet cover over it, it will be easier to keep clean. You can make your own cover very cheaply and choose a fun pattern that suits your pup.

Dog Crate

A nice bit of equipment for the established trainer is the dog crate. Many times you can get a crate large enough through a catalogue for real dogs. You can purchase pads and other things to make the experience more comfortable. As with any form of bondage it is not recommended that you ever leave your dog in a locked crate unattended. Some crate pads are made for puppies that are still learning when it is proper to go to the bathroom. You may want to purchase some of these pads for the crate while you train your pup where and when to potty. I hear puppies that are crate trained seem to take to paper training very quick!

Travel Crate aka Claustrophobic Crate

This type of crate is much more claustrophobic! It is made for transporting animals, but I do not recommend that you transport a human pup in it. It would be pretty tragic if you got in an accident and your loved one was trapped inside! So, leave the travel crate at home and have fun with it there! It is great if your puppy likes a more enclosed feeling.

Kennel

This is like a big dog crate that is outside. Most trainers will never get this elaborate, but I think if you have the room and money for one it could be very fun! Your doggy can romp in the great outdoors and jump up on the sides of the kennel when it sees you coming with the leash to let it out to play. Your dogs can also be very naughty together when they are locked up in the kennel and they think you are not looking!

Dog Sleds

I haven't seen this even once, I'll be honest. I just think the idea is really hot! Imagine a team of well trained dogs under the whip of a caring dog trainer mushing the trainer across the snow (properly clothed so they don't freeze their butts... ha-ha). Then again, in nicer weather they could pull a sled on wheels! The ULTRA cheap way to do this would be to make something like a wagon (or buy yourself a big wagon that can take your weight). It should be pretty easy to rig it so your puppy can pull it. I think this would be great fun! You could also get a cheap sled if you really like the snow factor. I suppose if you wanted to be very elaborate you could purchase a real mushing rig. I imagine that will run you a pretty penny and take quite a few dogs to pull though. There is a fairly reasonable REAL type of dogsled that can be used on snow and in summer conditions that is available through Dog Sled Montana http://www.skisled.com. These sleds are also great because they are built for one dog to pull, are light weight, and fold up nicely! Do be careful how the dog has the burden distributed however, you shouldn't have the poor thing pulling you in a sleigh when the puppy is bearing the weight on the neck area or something. Take some time to acquaint yourself with the safest way for the puppy to bear the burden.