“I’ve adopted you.”
Words one does not always hear every day or even that often to be honest, “I’ve adopted you”, coming from a human pup, scary maybe, off-guard but we will get back to that. These are my perspectives.
The Start
I was not in the “market” for a pet, or thought about pet play as much, it happened unawaringly and innocent, natural if you like, which I do like. Looking back now, where one plays a game on all fours, trying to push your opponent over, a growl every now and then, the signs were clear and thus the journey started.
The First Walk
Taking a stroll in the local area was indeed interesting, as it was to be walked with her pup hood on, which is all fine and dandy with me. Interesting as well as it did not feel unnatural, odd nor weird, letting the little pup behave like little pups do – the curiosity about exploring, the adventure of new things but also an affectionate pup that does not stray too far off or lose sight of the walking companion.
Obviously, training was still to be done, but curiosity ruled the day when a simple whistle or “click- click” got her attention and she came running … either that or it was the treats I was carrying.
My initial realisation was that (and this is just my opinion) I do not have extensive human pup/pet play experience, but I do love animals and the interactions came naturally as in how I would interact with any other animal, it also helps that for some reason animals tend to like me.
The Pup Toys
Sitting outside and having a cigarette, out of the blue a pup appears, clearly in a playful and loving mood and oh, how she loves scritches behind the ears. Not sure who is winning between the scritches and the toys but once that squeak left the toy it was all over. “Resistance is futile” as they say in the movies, that toy was done for. Seeing a pup enjoying herself is heart-warming, and it really did not take much energy from me with interaction as this pup was curious and playful regarding the toy, and why it kept disappearing and then reappearing in my hand. Pup nap followed soon afterwards.
The Chat
Now this is important, no matter what dynamic you may find yourself in, but there must be a chat. In this case The Chat, which is still an ongoing and evolving one, regarding the basics.
Animals do not speak, neither will human pups, in other words, one learns about behaviour and your pet’s ‘language’, be it body or even a look.
Do’s and don’ts, what is acceptable, what is a hard limit and where will there be comprises and/or growth. What the general goals are – if any. Is it a sexual thing, and/or a degradation/humiliation thing, is it just the pure joy of letting go of human nature and venturing into other non-human mindsets?
The aim is clear, honest communication with regards to what each one understands about the dynamic and roles and where each one is standing, i.e., Be on the same page.