What is Pup Play: The trend in Madrid and San Francisco where men behave like dogs
The "Pup Play" is a practice that is part of the BDSM culture (acronym for Bondage, Discipline, Domination, Submission, and Sadomasochism) and has gained popularity in San Francisco, United States. In this trend, men take on dog roles, using masks, muzzles, collars, leashes, and even tails to play their role properly. Within this practice, participants can growl, bark, wag their tails, and play with balls or with their owners, all with the aim of simulating being a faithful puppy. They also have the option to choose their sexual behavior and identity in front of other peers. Dr. Phillip Hammack, also known as "Puppy Turbo" and one of the founders of Fog City Pack, explained in an interview with Daily Mail that the community of men pretending to be dogs has experienced a significant increase in San Francisco since 2014. Engaging in this practice in San Francisco has been easy due to the tolerance and diversity of subcultures that exist in this city. Many of the members wear collars and are "locked up", indicating that they have an owner or caregiver. For them, the collar is an important symbol of identity, and most of them wear it almost all the time, except when they are working. This activity allows them to live in the present moment and distance their problems from their minds. This role-playing game provides them with a sense of play and sociability that they do not experience in their daily lives, having a caregiver in this practice gives them a sense of protection and appreciates the structure of their submissive and dominant relationship, which is less aggressive than other roles within BDSM.Interest in pup play has increased thanks to social media and events that promote this practice, as well as the availability of various related items. The store Sr. S Leather is a major promoter of these products, having launched its first leather dog hood in 2001. As the trend grew, the store also expanded its offerings with bondage gloves that players use as "paws". In summary, Pup Play is a trend within BDSM culture where men adopt dog behavior, using different accessories and assuming roles of submission and domination. This practice has found a large following and provides its participants a playful and socially enriching way to explore their desires and preferences in the BDSM realm.
Origins
To understand what Puppy Play is, it is important to talk about its origins. Puppy Play is a subbranch of role-playing practices within BDSM, specifically within Pet Play. Pet Play is a game that involves "pets", where the person taking on the submissive role (although it can also be the dominant) adopts the personality of a pet. The most common pets used are dogs, cats, and horses (Puppy Play, Kitty Play, and Pony Play), but this is not limited to them, as any type of animal can be interpreted according to the participants' tastes and imagination. The way to play Pet Play is quite simple. The person playing the role of an animal must behave as that pet would, leaving aside human characteristics such as speech or the use of hands.The dominant, on the other hand, is responsible for training or controlling their pet by giving behavioral commands, such as "give me your paw," "turn around," "lie down," etc. Pet Play is considered one of the kindest and most versatile practices within BDSM, as it can be combined with other practices while playing in this role. However, it is important to remember that, although the person adopts the personality of an animal, precautions must be taken to carry out this practice in a healthy way. Some examples of precautions include using knee pads to protect the knees when on all fours,avoid pulling toys forcefully during a game of "tug-of-war" to avoid harming the pet's teeth, and even adjusting the height of the bowl for drinking or eating properly.
Puppy Play
Specifically speaking about Puppy Play, it is when a person adopts the personality of a puppy. During this practice, their actions are limited to what a puppy would do, such as barking, howling, tilting their head when confused, sleeping on the floor, among other puppy behaviors. However, in more recent times, several communities have emerged that are somewhat exclusive, limiting their membership only to puppies. Although most participants are familiar with some BDSM practice, not all of them carry it out in its entirety. There are even those who do not feel the need to have a dominant or have someone under their control. They simply feel "liberated" by simplifying their attitudes and behaving as a puppy, whether out of pleasure or personal identification. It is important to mention that there are different types of puppies. Some adopt their puppy personality only during a session or when they are using their play equipment. Others maintain this attitude for almost the entire day. Even there are those who can be in their puppy role without the need to wear any clothing or mask. All this depends on the preferences and desires of the individual. In summary, Puppy Play is a very versatile practice that has evolved in various forms over time, and all of them are valid as long as they are practiced in a consensual and safe manner.
The pillars of the Puppy community
Values
Unity: In the world of Puppy Play, they value unity. They support the smaller puppies and the smaller ones support the larger ones. Together they form a pack, where they all support each other.
Protection: As a community, they are committed to protecting any puppy in need. If a pup feels sad, depressed, or needs comfort, they will always be there to offer a hug and provide the support they need.
Support: Among puppies, they help each other. They commit to answering questions, providing instruction, and working together on common projects. They are available to help each other and clarify any concerns that arise.
Education:Puppies take pride in having good manners and treating others with respect. They value education and strive to maintain an environment of acceptance and consideration towards other puppies.
Honesty: As a community, they commit to being honest. They acknowledge mistakes and avoid telling lies or taking things that do not belong to them. They value honesty.
All shapes, sizes, ages, genders, and sexualities
There are puppies who have been practicing this for many years. There are also those who have not yet attended their first meeting. There are those who only practice it at home. Puppy Play is for everyone, regardless of body shape, age, gender, sexuality, race, hair color, etc. It's about each participant enjoying it in their own way.
Gear doesn't make the puppy!
Addressing the issue of gear, there are several puppies who feel frustrated because they do not have a Puppy Hood or any latex, neoprene, among other costumes. It is important to know that this is purely aesthetic and a matter of personal preference. Gear is not necessary to be part of this community. What is needed is the ATTITUDE to enjoy this facet and to free oneself for a moment, as everyone can acquire products to complement the game to their liking. There is a color code used in the Leather community that relates colors to preferences for certain practices. However, this does not mean that if a puppy wears a certain color, they like that practice. There are very few cases where a color code is used in clothing, but in the case of puppy attire, they can choose the colors they like the most, whether they are their favorites or represent something significant to the wearer. It is recommended that before focusing on aesthetics, the puppy dedicates themselves to getting the most out of and enjoying this practice, which can be both fun and sensual, without the need to wear any type of clothing. It should be considered that, although this practice has its origins within BDSM, and it has its sexual aspect, being a puppy does not imply having to have sex. Having sexual relations is the choice of each individual and should not be imposed by anyone, whether they are a puppy or not. All practices must follow the SSC system (Sane, Safe, and Consensual).
It is important to mention the Furry community. In this community, people identify with anthropomorphic animals, meaning they have an image of themselves as an animal, although it never loses its human characteristics. This community has similarities to Pet Play, although the main difference lies in the fact that the origin of Furry Fandom is not within a BDSM environment. Attitudes and behaviors are not limited to those of the animal they are, even the clothing representing their animal is different; and although they are two different communities, they share similar ideals such as adopting a new image, with different attitudes from the "ordinary self," and a sense of belonging to a group. There are people who are involved in both communities, maintaining different ways of playing when in one or the other. This depends on the user, and although some may say that you cannot belong to both communities, the reality is that there is no manual or rule indicating this, except in specific groups that want their community to be that way. Everyone can do and adapt these practices to their liking.
Conclusion
Puppy Play is a role-playing game where an individual takes on the personality of a puppy. This is a BDSM practice that has gained independence from it, and although its origin lies in BDSM, it has become a practice adaptable to each user according to their comfort and personal taste.To be continued...