Puppy Love: Three pups chat about what Pup Play means to them
We’re showing a bit of pup love this Valentine’s Day!
In recent years, Puppy Play has emerged as one of the most popular kinks in the LGBTQ and Leather spaces. It’s almost impossible to go to a bar (back when we could) or to a Pride parade and not see the proud pups in leather hoods moshing and wagging their tails eagerly as some people (not all) are greeted and welcomed to come pet them.
Though this kink seems to be very popular in some circles, there’s still others who struggle to understand why a person would want to pretend to be a puppy. Others are so misinformed that they wonder if being into Pup Play means that you must be sexually attracted to actual dogs. So much is still misunderstood about pup play, but one thing remains for certain — We love our pups, and we want them to always feel welcome in our community!
We’ve asked three of our favorite pups, who also happen to be part of the bear community, to share with us what being a pup means to them and what they love most about being a pup.
Pup Ryder — Chesapeake, Virginia
Kyle Jackson: What is your name, and was it given or chosen by you?
Pup Ryder: My pup name is Ryder. My handler and I came up with my name. It’s a combination of my love of low riders and the fact that I’m a bottom. (laugh)
KJ: Can you tell me about your journey as a pup? How did it begin and what does it mean for you ?
PR: My journey actually started by our interest in Horse Play. It was hard to find Horse Play stuff, so we ended up coming across Pup Play stuff. Then, we went to a pup contest and mosh on our first trip to the Baltimore Playhouse, and I was hooked.
Then a few friends started Southeastern Virginia Pups and Handlers (SVA PAH) and a couple of years later I became the President of the group. What I like about Pup Play is the ability to just be in the moment and not worry about day to day problems. Also, as an introvert, being in the hood allows me to be more social.
KJ: What do you think people misunderstand the most about Pup Play, and what would you tell them?
The question I get asked the most is whether or not it involves sex with real dogs. I always tell them that it has nothing to do with real dogs at all. It’s more like a mild form of a d/s relationship between pup and handler.
And, of course, everyone’s pup journey is different. That’s what great about Pup Play, you make it to what fits you best.
KJ: What do you love most about being a pup?
PR: I love the feeling of community and friendship within the pup community. I’ve been lucky enough to meet pups from all over the world and no matter where they are from, they have been super nice.
Follow Pup Ryder on Facebook and Instagram.
Pup Eros/DJ Simone Bellantini — Milan, Italy
Kyle Jackson: Can you tell me about your journey as a pup? How did it begin and what does it mean for you?
Pup Eros: My puppy experience started three years ago in one of my travels for work as a DJ. I went to Germany, where there were many puppies, and this attracted me to it a lot. Because I have a lot of insecurity problems, putting a mask on, for me, helps to put a veil over my true identity, allowing me to really get in the pup space.
KJ: What do you love most about being a pup?
PE: I love possession; I like being owned by someone and being their puppy.
KJ: What has been the hardest thing about interacting with people outside of the pup community as a pup?
PE: I have seen people laughing in my face, but I’ve also had people compliment me. This just inspired me to launch my own line of pup clothing through Bear-Tastic. There is actually a story behind every puppy, and I want to help bring visibility to and empower the community.
Follow Pup Eros/DJ Simone Bellintani on Facebook, Instagram and Soundcloud.
Pup Kenzo — New York, New York
Kyle Jackson: What is your name, and was it given or chosen by you?
Pup Kenzo: My name is Pup Kenzo, and it was chosen by me.
KJ: Can you tell me about your journey as a pup? How did it begin and what does it mean for you?
PK: My journey as a pup was interesting. I was always curious and interested in Pup Play. I was already into ABDL (Adult Baby Diaper Lover), which many pups believe sort of merges together because of how similar the headspaces are.
One day, about five years ago, I was wrestling in my ABDL brother’s living room, and he showed me his pup hood. I asked if I could try it on, and I was instantly in love. I knew, from that day forward, I was a pup.
What I have learned from this is that, for most people including myself, Pup Play is a gateway to the Kink Community and a way to blossom as a kinky person.
KJ: What do you think people misunderstand the most about Pup Play, and what would you tell them?
PK: The biggest misconceptions about Pup Play is that you need gear to be a pup. You can have no gear and still be considered a pup. I know many pups that don’t have hoods, tails or even mosh and they’re considered pups.
Anyone can be a pup. If you wake up tomorrow and you’re hit with the urgency to just get up on all fours and howl, then you’re considered a pup.
KJ: What do you love most about being a pup?
I love just being able to provide a service, and feeling like man’s best friend. I thought that, by being a pup, I would just get good kinky sex and become someone’s submissive baby puppy. But, what I discovered is that pup play opened up doors where I am free to be myself and reclaim my body for me.
Follow Pup Kenzo on Facebook and Instagram.
