Written by What roles exist within Puppy Play?
In Puppy Play, it is not necessary to adopt a role to enjoy it, although the most common roles are:
- Dog: They focus on embodying the personality of a dog, such as barking and staying on all fours.
- Pup: They take Puppy Play to the next level, entering a Head Space, forgetting their human self, and focusing on living Puppy Play and embracing their inner pup.
- Alpha: These are the most dominant, aggressive, and authoritative Pups. They tend to be pack leaders, although they also take care of the dogs within the pack. Within the pup hierarchy, they are the ones in charge just after the master. They decide how and when to play, with whom... within the pack. They impose themselves on other Pups both physically and socially. Of course, one should never cross the line that separates authority from authoritarianism.
- Beta: This can be considered the standard level within the pup community. It establishes a middle ground between dominance and submission. Betas are the ones who usually interact and play with other Pups, although they do not hesitate to scold if something displeases them. They tend to be Pups who enjoy social contact, interacting with people, and are very playful. Betas make up the bulk of a pack and keep it united, so it is always important to maintain a good relationship among Betas. Additionally, within the Betas, their own rules and power dynamics can be established.
- Omega: This type of Pup is not very common and represents the highest state of submission within Puppy Play. Their dependence on the master and/or alpha is total, making them very similar to a slave within the BDSM world, although of course, the Omega always brings out their canine side, distinguishing themselves from BDSM. Omegas, when entering Head Space, often show insecurity and fear, so they tend to seek protection from the more dominant members of the pack.
- Service Pup: These are the Pups responsible for caring for and keeping their pack together. They are very helpful and always try to assist the members of their pack, which can sometimes lead them to authoritarian moments to avoid conflicts or to mediate in them. They must be Pups with a lot of empathy, capable of advising and mediating among others. They tend to be socially easy to follow and very willing to help others.
Handlers, masters, and owners
Although the terms “Handler,” “Master,” and “Owner” have different specifications, they are used interchangeably because they share a common goal: to be a guide for the pup, providing guidance and protection. The best characteristics that every handler, master, or owner should have are love, honesty, and sincerity. Each of us is different and has different ways of seeing and doing things. This does not mean that one is a good or bad handler, master, or owner, or that there is only one way to do things.
For Puppies Mx, being a handler, master, or owner means adoring and admiring the pup in their care. Just like with biopups, close bonds can be forged that last forever and will never be forgotten. Anyone can become a handler, master, or owner as long as they are willing to guide their pup on the right path in life.
The headspace is different for each pup and each owner. Just like the pups, handlers also enter their own headspace to perform their functions. When the pup enters their headspace, they act based on instinct, while the handler needs to be the voice of reason in any situation. Their focus is directed towards their pup and other pups, as well as being attentive to the safety of the play area and anticipating any eventualities.
In a Puppy Play session, if the pup does not have an owner and wishes to have someone to care for them, another pup, whether an alpha, beta, omega, among others, can be their handler and adopt the functions designated to a master. This practice is quite common in Puppy circles around the world.
Psychology
One of the most important functions of an owner is to allow their pup to enter the headspace of a dog and step away from their human side. Safety is paramount at all times. Before any play, the owner must talk to their pup to discuss any physical or mental issues that need to be considered, as well as the type of play that will take place, whether sexual or not, and establish the groundwork for aftercare. Remember that aftercare encompasses all the care that follows play.
There are various methods that help the pup enter and exit their headspace, which should be established beforehand. These methods can include hypnosis, keywords, gear that motivates the pup to enter the desired mental state, rituals that facilitate this transition, or simply mimicking other pups and imagining being a dog that enjoys playing, to name a few.
Part of the handler's responsibilities is to safely bring the pup out of their headspace. There are many ways to achieve this, such as removing the pup's mask or gear. Cognitive questions can also be used that require thought for the pup to respond, such as math operations or any question that does not require a simple “yes” or “no” answer. Part of what is established between the pup and the owner is the best way to bring the pup out of their headspace and when they want to exit.
Exiting the headspace and returning to reality can carry an emotional weight for the pup since escaping their human side can be relaxing and therapeutic. When breaking this, care must be taken to ensure that the pup does not become stressed, frightened, or feel bad in any way. For this, caresses, kisses, and hugs are recommended as ways to alleviate the emotional burden mentioned. Some pups enjoy watching television or playing video games when they exit the headspace.
To be continued...