Roles and Identities
Alpha: The dominant leader in a puppy play dynamic; often guides and trains other pups.
Beta: A subordinate but experienced pup who supports the Alpha and often helps mentor Omegas.
Omega: A submissive pup, usually at the bottom of the pack hierarchy.
Handler: A person who cares for, trains, and controls the pup(s); acts as a master or caretaker in the dynamic.
Pup: A submissive person who takes on the role of a playful, obedient puppy.
Stray: A pup who does not have a pack or handler.
Pack: A group of pups and/or handlers who form a social or hierarchical family.
Switch Pup: A pup who alternates between dominant and submissive roles.
Gear and Accessories
Pup Hood: A mask or hood worn to mimic a dog’s face, often used to get into headspace.
Collar: A band worn around the neck, symbolizing submission or ownership.
Leash: A tether used by handlers to control and guide their pups.
Paw Pads: Protective gloves or socks designed to look like dog paws.
Tail Plug: A tail attached to a butt plug, giving the pup a dog-like appearance.
Kneepads: Protective gear worn for crawling comfortably.
Muzzle: A device covering the mouth to limit speech or biting, enhancing a pup’s submissiveness.
Harness: Straps worn around the body, either decorative or functional, often used to symbolize control.
Chastity Cage: A device restricting genital access, reinforcing submission in some dynamics.
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Behavior and Actions
Barking: A vocal expression to mimic dog sounds, often playful or submissive.
Nuzzling: Rubbing against someone affectionately, like a dog.
Begging: A submissive action, often performed to earn praise or rewards.
Heel: A command for the pup to walk closely beside their handler.
Play Space: An area designated for puppy play, often padded for safety.
Headspace: The psychological mindset a pup enters during play to feel more like a dog.
Marking: A pup claiming a spot, person, or object as their own (symbolically).
Training: Activities designed to reinforce desired behaviors, commands, or roles.
Commands and Cues
Sit: Command for the pup to sit down.
Stay: Instruction for the pup to remain in place.
Fetch: A playful command where the pup retrieves an object.
Down: A command for the pup to lie down.
Speak: A prompt for the pup to bark or make noise.
Good Boy/Girl/Pup: Praise given to reward obedient behavior.
Bad Pup: A reprimand for undesirable actions.
Headspace and Dynamics
Subspace: A deeply submissive state that some pups experience during play.
Handler Space: A focused and nurturing mindset handlers adopt while caring for pups.
Gearhead: A pup or handler who takes pride in their puppy play gear.
Breed: Refers to a pup’s personality type (e.g., playful like a Golden Retriever, loyal like a German Shepherd).
Pup Play Party: A gathering where pups and handlers engage in play together.
Community and Events
Mosh: A social event where pups play, interact, and engage in activities together.
Puppy Pride Flag: A flag symbolizing the puppy play community; typically features black, blue, and white stripes with a red bone.
Titleholder: A pup or handler who has won a contest or title in the community, such as "International Puppy."
Emotions and Connections
Pup Bond: The strong emotional connection between a handler and their pup(s).
Puppy Love: A playful term for affection or infatuation within the community.
Pup Drop: The emotional low that can occur after intense play or events, similar to sub-drop.
Chastity SA is a friend of Pup Play South Africa, find out more about their online hub here: Puppy Play South Africa