NorthwestPups is here to promote the human-pup lifestyle, to organize social activities and events and to educate the public about human-pups and their handlers in the U.S. Pacific Northwest.

Puppy play, or pup play, is where a person takes on the role of a pup, handler or trainer and the pup or dog participants act out canine-like activities or behaviors.  It is often associated with leather culture however, a lot of the newer participants in pup play did not originate in leather at all.

There are sometimes dominant and submissive roles.  Dominate roles are sometimes referred to as “handler” or “trainer” but can also be another pup that is commonly defined as an “alpha”. A unique aspect of pup play is that it is common for two or more pups to play together as equals or play where one is clearly more dominate.

Pups and pup-play allows the individual to simplify their desires and motivations and reduces inhibitions imposed on them in the human world allowing them to be more themselves and act on instincts.  Pups often refer to using a “headspace” or “pup space” which puts them in-touch with their inner-pup instincts.  Some pups enjoy adding BDSM play sometimes involving bondage or restriction.  Other pups enjoy wearing collars, leashes, harnesses, hoods and mitts to help them enter headspace or feel more in-touch with their inner-pup. There are both sexual and non-sexual pups and some pups enjoy “training” in order to teach them commands or tricks.