Discovering the World of Pup Play: An Inside Look

Meet Pup Drogo, a 42-year-old (pup age, 2) gay marketing technology professional from Cape Town who’s become a passionate advocate for South Africa’s pup play community.

In this candid interview, he breaks down misconceptions and explores what pup play means to him personally.

It’s an insight into a world of acceptance and community, suggesting that sometimes, life’s best when you let your inner pup run free.

In a nutshell, what is pup play?

It’s a type of role-playing where you adopt the mannerisms and behaviours of a playful dog. It is seen as a kink and often associated with the BDSM and fetish community. There are various forms of pup play; it all depends on the mindset of the pup and how they would like to express themselves at that moment. 

Most of the time, it involves specific gear such as hoods, either made from neoprene or leather, collars, chest harness, etc. We do what makes us happy, and it does not pose a threat to anyone. Worth mentioning is that pup play has nothing to do with real dogs or any other animals, for that matter. It is all fictional fun and play.

How sexual is pup play?

To some extent, it has a sexual element, especially when pups are seen wearing only a harness and their jockstrap. Some pups’ gear covers their full body with limited skin exposed. However, just because a pup’s skin is exposed, it does not mean the pup is looking for anything sexual. Consent is the number one rule in our community. Always ask and clarify if you are unsure before simply touching.

For me, it depends on whether I am with my partner, out with the pack or in a crowd. Even though pup play is associated with the kink community, it is diverse and flexible, and someone may embrace their pup life without any sexual context.

What are handlers or trainers, and what role do they play?

Pup play takes on various roles when it comes to handlers, trainers and pups. A handler is someone who typically takes care of a pup or adopts puppies. Think of an owner for a real doggo. They care for them, give them scritches, play with them, and they are also the pup’s safe space. A handler can also be the one who gives “orders” and guides a pup on what to do, when to do it, etc., often rewarded with a treat.

A trainer, in some cases, may be seen as similar to that of a handler. However, a trainer may be someone who teaches a pup tricks, personality traits, playful tactics or just how to be a pup. Some may start out as a pup and later feel that they fit more the role of a handler. Both a trainer and a handler are very special in our community. Sadly, we do not yet have many of those in our local community yet.

Is pup play mainly a gay/queer phenomenon, or is it more diverse?

It is mainly prevalent among the gay community, although I have met some pups on social media who identify as straight. However, pup play should not be labelled and ‘owned’ by one specific group. As it primarily promotes a happy mindset, it is open to anyone, regardless of their sexual preference or orientation. Everyone is welcome.

Tell us about the apparel or gear used in pup play?

There are so many different choices – it depends on your pup’s personality. My typical gear includes my hood, chest harness, armbands, wristbands, jockstrap/shorts, puppy socks and boots. Again, this may differ from one pup to another. Oh yes, depending on where I am, I will wear my plug tail. You also get a tail that can be fitted to a belt.

But you do not have to buy expensive gear to be a pup. It is all about the mindset. Some pups can drift into their puppy mindset without gear, and some feel that the gear just provides that extra safe space or comfort. It is all about what makes you feel comfortable.

What’s the difference between furries and pups?

Where pup play is rooted in the BDSM community and taking on the personality of a doggo, furries are often rooted in a broader fandom culture where their look and personality are inspired by various animal characters. While pup play may be seen as a release of tension and being playful, or submissive, furries explore their identity through their fursona, which may not be necessarily associated with BDSM traits. Also, furries often have gear/suits that cover their whole body, while pup play does not necessarily cover that much skin.

I think there is sometimes confusion, as both subcultures embody an animal-type of personality. However, each has its own unique identity, even though interests may overlap from time to time.

What is the biggest misconception about pup play?

Personally, I think the biggest misconception is that pup play involves real dogs or that you have some sort of mental disorder. I think it is the opposite; it actually promotes a healthy mindset. Some also believe that pup play is you wearing as little as possible and constantly seeking some sexual experience. It is not always about sex.

When did you first get involved in pup play?

I came across pup play while watching a YouTube video a few years back. I then started to search and follow some pup accounts on social media and watched videos on YouTube. The pup space felt natural to me. If you see the way I play with my doggies, it is not unnatural for me to feel like one of them.

I felt I was ready about two and a half years ago to don a hood and fully express my inner pup. It was only last year that I met a local pup at an event in Cape Town that I started to express my pupsona publicly. A moment I will cherish forever.

What’s the appeal of pup play for you?

It is mainly about the mental aspect. There is so much going on in life that I have to constantly think of what is next. I am a huge overthinker, and being a pup draws me out of that space where I can just have fun. I feel accepted and feel that I can communicate in a way that I feel free. I will be lying if I say that I do not have a sexual connotation to pup play, but that is secondary to my mental health.

I feel part of a community that is supportive and makes you feel at home. I am a relatively big guy, described as a bear in the gay community, but when I am a puppy, I am just that. I am a protector and carer and a pup that just wants to have fun. There is no judgment, and this is one of the reasons why I also enjoy pup play so much. It has taught me self-love and a chance to not worry about any of my insecurities.

How would you describe your pup persona?

I would describe myself as a Border Collie. I am loyal, smart and good at organising things. But I also know when to have fun and just roll around and be silly. I have part Alsatian in me in that I feel like a protector and look out for those around me.

How popular is pup play in South Africa?

Pup play is much more prevalent in Europe and the United States. It is not uncommon to see pups out in masses or just as an individual in gear out in public. Although there have been pups in South Africa for some time, it is only recently that we have been trying to bring the community together.

We created an online community (Pup Play South Africa) in early 2024 and scoured social media to find some local pups. From there, most of the pups joined based on word-of-mouth and when they saw another pup at an event. Our website has also contributed to local pups finding out about the community in SA. This year was the first time that we attended the Cape Town Pride event and set up a stall where people could interact with the pups and find out more about pup play. It was a huge success, and we found that people are very interested, even if it was just to find out what it was all about.

How would you like to see pup play evolve in South Africa?

It would be an absolute ball of a time if our community is accepted and able to be as open as you would find overseas. Imagine a pup, or a few pups, just walking down the promenade and enjoying the time out in their hood. Or, simply going to a music festival, or taking a hike up Lions Head. Of course, we are respectful to families and the general public and will never expose or behave in any way that causes harm. We do not tolerate misbehaviour and we promote respect and responsibility. We are just a happy bunch of pups that want to share joy and fun.

For more information, visit the Pup Play South Africa website or Instagram page.