There are those who self-identify as a dog more easily than others. In Animal's case, he explains that he had an affinity—an awareness—of the dog within him before he even realized that he was gay. Animal is quick to point out that the s/m experience is not required in being a dog. He does find, however, that it is within the s/m community that he feels the most free to express himself, to act out his fantasy (or his reality) as a dog.

"This transcends role-play," says Animal. "If you truly have an affinity for the canine part of yourself (and others) you can go to a place where you and your master forget that you are two human beings and become a man and his dog."

The Relationship
If you pick up a starving dog
and make him prosperous,
he will not bite you.
This is the principal
difference between a dog
and a man.
—Mark Twain

During his twelve years as a dog, Animal has had three masters. He describes them as the one who brought him out, the one who named him (Boner), and the one who caged him.

I'm using the term master to describe the human component of the man/dog team. And a team is what a man and his dog truly are. Despite the term master, this relationship shouldn't be confused with a master/slave relationship. While dogs should be obedient, it is not a prerequisite that they be slaves. Dogs are man's companions, playmates and soul mates. They are happy to serve their masters, but for the most part they are not slaves—nor would their masters want them to be.

Behaviors here are those that are mutually agreed upon, and are safe, sane and consensual.

The canine affinity is instinctual in some. If you're looking for a dog, Animal recommends you go up to someone who looks like he has potential and scratch him behind the ears and pat his head. It won't take long to determine whether he has what it takes. Does his tongue hang out as he starts to pant? Does he whimper? Lick your hand?

If so, well, I guess you can figure it out. And, while you might find someone to play with in public, Animal feels public places are not the best contexts for man/dog experiences. Generally, this is best a private scene. A place where it's just the two of you is going to be the most rewarding for both members of the team.

The relationship involves hard work (physically) for the dog and thoughtful work for the master. For a human who is really experiencing life as a dog, it is physically strenuous. A dog's neck is different from a man's. (Be careful with that leash.) A dog's teeth are stronger than a man's. (Remember that when you're playing tug-of-war or feeding treats.) And the dog doesn't want to have to think about differences. A good master remembers the differences and allows his dog to experience the similarities. Allows him to be a dog.

Equipment
They say a reasonable number of
fleas is good fer a dog—
—keeps him from broodin'
over bein' a dog.
—Edward Noyes Westcott

The dog experience is not one that requires a lot of expensive equipment. A collar is a must. While most leather/fetish shops have a selection of collars to choose from, there are also about a thousand pet supply shops in the city where you can find the genuine article. And there they are most likely going to be cheaper. (Of course on the other extreme, Gucci carries a very nice line of dog accouterments—including collars.)

The next article is something that effectively removes the use of the opposable thumbs. Animal uses a beautiful pair of padded leather bondage mitts. He points out that Vetwrap or even heavy woolen socks also work effectively.

For extended activity, particularly on hard surfaces, kneepads are essential. Animal stressed throughout the evening that although the mind may be very dog- like, the human physical plant is different from the dog's. Biological dogs may not wear kneepads, but they also don't suffer nerve damage from playing on a hard surface.

Another difference between man and dog is their digestive abilities. Though some may feed their pets actual dog food, Animal advises against it. He also points out that while real dogs can't have chocolate, it makes an excellent treat for dogs such as himself.

It is worth noting that food made specifically for dogs is a relatively modern phenomenon. Fewer than 100 years ago there was no such thing. Dogs ate table scraps. So it shouldn't diminish the authenticity of the experience if that is what you feed your human dog. Leftover beef stew makes for a happy, healthy, well-fed dog—biological or human.

As far as costumes are concerned, they vary among individuals. "Whatever makes the scene 'snap' for you," was Animal's advice. "If a dog tail attached to a butt-plug or wearing a muzzle does the trick, then that's great." Add a leash and a rope for "getting your dog down there" on all fours and you're ready to go.

Getting Down There
Dogs are not only a product
of their own temperament,
but of their owner's as well.
You never really train a dog
so much as train the owner.
—Anonymous

Animal describes the actual transition from man to dog as "getting your dog down there." Although there are those who feel differently, Animal instructs that if you start with someone with some canine affinity and take the body to the dog space—the mind will follow.

Getting down there essentially involves tying the dog up to "all fours." With the able assistance of Davien O. as master, Animal showed us what was involved.

Of course, dogs should naturally be nude for training. First, the collar and mitts are applied. Then a rope is threaded from the mitts through the collar and back to tie the feet together. The end result is a modified hog-tie. Constant contact, petting, reassuring talk, and praise should be maintained throughout the process of getting your dog down there. The most important aspects of the rope bondage are to prevent the dog from touching his dick and to prevent the ability to stand up.

Side Effects
I am called a dog
because I fawn on those who
give anything,
I yelp at those who refuse,
and I set my teeth in rascals.
—Diogenes

Like anything that is as much a part of your life as being a dog is in Animal's, it is bound to spill over into your human life. One of the effects that Animal has experienced is in the way he approaches people. He describes it as being open and accepting (to a fault). He feels that since becoming in touch with the dog inside of him he is less judgmental. Anyone who has ever met Animal as a man will tell you that he approaches you with a big smile, and it's almost as if his tongue is hanging out and he's wagging his tail.

He says that relationships are "imprinted" on the mind of a dog. Real dogs may be passed from one master to another for a variety of reasons. Years later, if the dog comes in contact with a previous master, he will greet him like a returning hero. Likewise with a human dog. Play with a dog once and he doesn't forget. So, if you play casually with a dog, keep in mind that he is not likely to forget it. He'll be happy to see you the next time—even if you and he aren't going to become a regular thing. Be happy to see him too.

Learn More About It
Histories are more full
of examples of the
fidelity of dogs
than of friends.
—Alexander Pope

Animal recommended additional resources for those who wanted more information. To study real dogs interacting with one another, there are dog runs scattered around New York City. Animal's favorite is at 79th and Central Park West. Downtown, there is always lots of activity at Washington Square Park. On Saturday mornings it is like a dog circus.

On-line, check out www.thedoghouse.org. It's worth a trip to this web site even for a look at "Top Dog" alone! Dog Rose Leathers and Waterhole Leathers specialize in equipment you may come to discover that you can't live without.

For those who prefer to do their research the old fashioned way (and earn it), books include Runaway by Tom Hardy and Gordon Hoban, and The Hidden Life of Dogs by Elizabeth Marshall Thomas. Finally, Animal insists that if you want more information you absolutely should read "My Life As A Dog" in issue six of Mach magazine. You can also write to Animal at animalj@hotmail.com.

Some Final Advice
When a puppy takes fifty catnaps
in the course of a day
he cannot always be expected
to sleep the night through.
It is too much to ask.
—Albert Payson Terhune

"The canine experience is not for the timid," Animal explains. "Becoming a dog requires a deep sense of loyalty, commitment and service. It takes a man who truly knows who he is to become a good dog."

After spending time with your dog, bring him up slowly. If you've both been committed to one another—if you and he have experienced the scary, honest, wondrous, mystery that can be yours, you don't want him to get the bends coming out of it. In the end, I think we all shared a certain poignancy regarding what we experienced in that room watching and learning from Animal.

Throughout the evening, Animal spoke fondly of his different masters, recalling special moments with each of them: being taken to Golden Gate Park at three in the morning so he could play outside and feel the earth under his paws; the first time one of his masters brought home a "third," and how the first words out of this newcomer's mouth were, "Oh, you have a dog!"

I started out by saying that Animal is on his own now and is currently acting as a dog trainer. He seems happy and fulfilled helping young pups and new owners. He is also a computer engineer, a performance artist, and a composer, but he says there is "nothing quite so right" for him as "getting into his dog-head." It is a spiritual experience where he finds a sense of balance.

His final advice to any of us who might ever have a dog was offered tenderly, his voice pitched lower than normal, and I could hear the lump in his throat as he spoke in nearly a whisper: "Take care of your dog. Groom him, bathe him, scratch his tummy, give him treats, praise him. You'll know what to do...be good to him."