WHAT IS PUP PLAY?

Puppy (or pup) play is a type of role-play behaviour in which adult humans adopt the characteristics of dogs (puppies, in particular) 

People, usually ‘SUBS’ (those who like to take a submissive role during intimate play), imitate young canine behaviour including playing fetch, petting, biting, licking, cuddling, and barking.

Whilst it is particularly popular in the gay leather community, it is not an exclusively gay kink, and can be considered under the wider BDSM umbrella. 

HOW DID IT ALL BEGIN?

Historical records show that pup play first appeared in Europe in the 17th century but things really took off with the advent of the internet in the early 1990s.

But it has changed a lot over the years. In the early 2000’s, the community was small and the idea of a “PUP HEART” was just beginning. 

Having a PUP HEART means  that there is no humiliation involved by being on all fours whilst answering to the commands of your handler.

CONTROVERSY

In 2019, after a picture of a pup playing with children went viral online, pup play came under fire, raising questions about the place of ‘KINK’ at Pride events. 

Whilst pups want mainstream society and the more conservative LGBTQ+ community to recognise that it is not inherently sexual, it forces us to question heteronormative standards of public acceptability.

 

WANNA PLAY?

In all the continents, you can find groups doing pup play. In the UK there are meetups in pretty much every major city. 

It’s super easy to join so don’t be shy if you’re curious. Just remember, although pup play gear can be expensive, you don’t need to own anything to be able to enjoy it.