Pup-play. Is it performance art? Is it therapy? Is it escapism? Is it a sexual kink/fetish? Is it a community? Is it freedom that comes with anonymity? Is it just plain fun? I can’t speak for other pups, but for me, the answer is yes to all those questions!
Just like the one ring called to Bilbo and Frodo (and Smeagol/Gollum), my pup hood calls to me. Just like the one ring’s power over Bilbo and Frodo grew stronger each time they wore it, the hood’s power over me seems to grow stronger each time I wear it.
The ring’s magic made Bilbo and Frodo disappear. The hood’s magic makes Robert “disappear” and Spunk appear in his place. It is transformative beyond the obvious, superficial way some people might think.
Performance Art
With the hood on, I can be creative in a physical, vocal way. Much like a stage actor, I get instant feedback from my “audience.” It’s incredibly satisfying to make people smile, laugh, and mirror my canine behavior.
Therapy and Escapism
Pup-play is a great antidote to depression, anxiety, and current events. It’s difficult to feel sad or anxious when someone “boops” your nose or you “boop” theirs, or when you’re nuzzling, wagging your tail, sniffing a butt, humping a leg, or barking and howling. When the hood comes off, the effects can be long lasting.
Community
I’ll never forget the first time another pup waved his paw at me. I immediately felt recognized and accepted as a member of a community; a pack.
When I am at the Toolshed bar in my pup hood and there is another pup, one of us will inevitably make his way to the other. There is an automatic level of comfort with another pup that you don’t normally feel with a stranger in a public setting. We just “get” each other.
Freedom
There is a feeling of freedom that comes with anonymity. That feeling can lead to dark behavior, as it does for a masked ICE agent. As a pup, it is the exact opposite. I feel freer to interact with total strangers in a playful way. The reverse is also true and people totally unfamiliar with pup play will often bark at me in passing!
Unfortunately, some people believe that gear such as my collar, lead, or tail is an invitation to touch or grab. It is not. Always get consent to touch any part of a pup’s body or gear.
Kink/Fetish
Teen Wolf, True Blood, and Twilight (especially New Moon) eroticized canines. Werewolves are sexy!
I think guys in pup hoods acting like pups are sexy. Conversely, I feel sexy when I wear my pup hood and act like a pup.
“Handler” is a term for someone who takes charge of a pup. A handler can be a non-pup or a pup. I love when my handlers tug on my lead, a gentle reminder of who is in charge, but dominance is actually a very small part of our relationship. It’s mostly about supporting each other. I’m a lucky pup with two handlers, PapaBear Drew and Daddy Chris. I get double the scritches, cuddles, and other “attention.” I haven’t yet had the chance, but I look forward to being another pup’s handler.
Fun
The bottom line is, it’s fun. Some people think sky diving is fun. It doesn’t sound fun to me, but I’m happy that it makes them happy. I don’t “yuck their yum.” Don’t yuck mine. Just be happy for me…and pups and handlers everywhere.
Boop!
Palm Springs Pups and Handlers | PSPups.com
Since my first experience with pup-play in November 2025, I’ve started Palm Springs Pups and Handlers (PSPups.com) with the help of my handlers, Daddy Chris and PapaBear Drew.
Very happy for you Mr. Black.