Dark Castle - Sin 
BDSM Canada & Training

by Aramock Nanuck

      February 1989

 

Poly requires no justification; it is merely yet another alternative to this lifestyle. Making it work can be difficult, but this is an attempt to explain it and draw parallels.

 

One or Multiple Pets

Some people own a single pet, while others own multiple pets, such as three dogs, cats, or a mixed collection. The sole pet owner is devoted to their pet and has a strong bond, which is rich in affection, but they usually do not think they can handle more than one pet. They conclude that having multiple pets costs more money, requires more energy to train, and demands more attention. This dynamic holds across the entire scheme of things. Multiple pets require only a slight increase incrementally.

 

One thing that has been discovered is that having multiple pets results in less waste, and they tend to complement each other in terms of diet and activities. Each one has its personality, each one has unique habits to show attention, and most have different skills, abilities or interests. Effectively keeping you challenged and engaged with the group. There is never a loss of energy within the group because one person energizes the other and receives a boost through their interactions.

 
Walking three dogs is not three times as difficult as one, nor do you walk them serially, but as a set.  It merely requires more constant control and attention, that is all. One may tug more than the others, but they tend to be distracted by flowers or marking; however, they still want to be included in the group. Typically, they form a unified group, known as a pack, and this is where their energy levels balance out. Other than the control, the remaining aspects are, in fact, no more challenging to manage. Managing the walk of multiple dogs requires being the alpha, patient, and aware of each dog's needs during the walk.

 
Now, assume three or more dogs; each one knows or learns (sometimes different) tricks (mainly if they come as adults). Dogs learn habits from each other, learn to share, and learn to work together as a team when properly managed, controlled, and disciplined. Even if you add a puppy, the youngest one bonds with at least one of the older dogs while still learning from the rest.  And the more long-term pets help with the discipline of the newer pets.

 

Deal Breakers

Jealousy does occasionally rear its ugly head. The secret is to stamp on it immediately, discipline the instigator and separate them. Timeouts and emotional denial are, by far, the most effective forms of punishment. If you are a firm owner, then you can Cesare your way through conflict and resolve it. After all, you are the Dominant, the Master, the one in control. Your displeasure is the one thing none of them wish to face; it is your ultimate power in these situations.

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Another issue with poly is similar to introducing a new dog to the pack (your home). You do not discuss this with them; after all, it is not their decision, but rather see how they interact with each other in a social setting beforehand. You then integrate them on a trial basis. It is hard to decide that the integration does not work, but it is always the existing members who take precedence. Essentially, you will find a true poly lover finds it hard not to continue with a new addition even if there are hurdles to overcome. For the owner, letting one leave after a trial is tantamount to acknowledging their failure as a Master.

 

Hierarchy Plays A Role

One of the secrets to success is maintaining a hierarchy with a pecking order among pets.  There should always be an alpha, beta, and so on. You can take steps to change the dynamic, but do so with care. As the pets themselves adjust their position, work with it, not against it.

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As with all poly groups, it is essential to ensure your pets are socially engaged both internally and externally. They must be able to be walked, exercised, or taken by other owners. That owner will never replace you, but they will exert control as an extension of your own. Socializing with other pets is also necessary. It's like taking your dog to the dog park and having them play with other pets. You love to watch the energy, joy, and pleasure they get from it. Sometimes you merely sit and observe, and at different times you join in, but always mindful to demonstrate that it is your pets you prefer.

 

Every time the term' dog' or 'pet' occurs, it can be easily replaced with'slave'. Poly works if the Dominant makes the overt effort never to surrender that dominance.

 
Menageries

Some of us even have a menagerie, including dogs, fish, birds, and cats in any combination. Why? Well, variety. Each type has something different to offer and different needs, but it lessens the impact of the others in the household. Menageries are very much like a mix of masochists, service, sexual, bondage, and domestic subs; all have aspects that make them fine examples of their specialty, but the combination provides the ultimate in variety and works well. You can truly enjoy watching the beautiful tropical fish, listening to birds sing, dogs playing tricks or showing affection, or cats, every once in a while, show their claws and need taming. It also relieves the burden of being all things to one type of pet for its master. The same is true for subs. Additionally, you will find less jealousy if the mix is sufficiently diverse, allowing each to realize that the other poses no threat to their "special" relationship with their owner. Never burden one with expectations of the other while experiencing it all.

 
Unapologetic

So I am unapologetic about being poly. It works and can work; however, it requires a significant amount of energy. But it forces you to realize your full potential as a dominant, and more importantly, keeps you energized through the variety it offers.