Newbies Mini Guide: Learn how to be a Pup / Handler

In the future we will have a better collection of resources, potentially videos, and more to help you so you can read the best and not have to wade through tons of sites and words. Do you want to help us with this? Get in touch! Until then, check out our starter resources:

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Start here: How do I become a pup / handler?

In the community, most of us don’t have strict rules or expectations on what makes you a ‘pup’ or ‘handler’. You can be one, or both, or switch. You can still be pup or handler without any gear, toys, or accessories. However you will see people fitting into the stereotypes of pups and handlers with pups having pup hoods and gear and acting like a puppy at times, and handlers directing pups and playing with them. Everyone’s experience and lifestyle is different – we recommend you copy what you like.

Things to always remember:

• No matter your role, people should not push you around or force you to do things. If you don’t want something, tell them. You are not required to obey, you both work together with what you want.
• As everyone’s experiences and expectations can differ, discuss with people what you like or want, and find common ground.

Learn: FREE Starting resources to help you

(Remember these are guides, you follow what you want on them. Each author has their own perspective.)
For Pups:

• Your rights as a pup: https://badpups.com/blog/your-rights-as-a-member-of-the-pup-play-community/
• https://badpups.com/blog/pup-play-101-what-is-the-world-of-pups-handlers-kinksters/
• https://badpups.com/blog/learn-to-be-a-pup-human-puppy-play-training/
• https://puppyplayexpert.com/pup-play-for-beginners-the-ultimate-how-to-start-guide/

For Handlers:

• https://www.pupplay.info/2017/10/23/your-go-to-guide-for-unleashing-the-handler-within/

In Video Format:

• Watts The Safeword, Pet Play Q&A: https://youtu.be/k2HTAuseJfQ
• Pup Play Intro: https://youtu.be/nqtXUyS9zwQ
• Pet Play Q&A: https://youtu.be/X4bO7DzXW1I

Note: Some above links are independent of BadPups and we do not own or control the content on them.

Complete the look: Get some gear

You don’t have to have gear to be a pup or handler, but you have to admit it’s more fun and better with it. If you’ve never tried pup or fetish gear, consider getting some cheaper gear to start with (or try on a friend’s gear). If you’ve got the cash to splash, then go all in and create a unique look for yourself. Links below for both cheap and more expensive gear options:

Pup Hoods

• For cheap gear: Search ‘pup hood’ (or whatever you are looking for) on eBay and other marketplaces.
• For custom pup hoods ($169+), design yours before you buy it: https://badpups.com/blog/design-your-own-puppy-hood/

All other gear

• For cheap gear: Search words like ‘bdsm gear’ ‘puppy play’ on eBay and other marketplaces.
• For higher quality, or custom gear – there is a range of sellers you can use. Search ‘bdsm gear’ ‘puppy play gear’ on Google.

Get involved: Join pup play groups and find local events

We’ve put together a list of pup play groups as well as local and worldwide locations of upcoming puppy events, so there’s plenty on offer:

• List of groups, clubs, and events around the world: https://badpups.com/blog/pup-play-events-groups-and-clubs-around-the-world/
• Europe-focused events list: https://badpups.com/global-events-feed/ (more locations will be added later)
• Worldwide Puppy, Handler & Kinkster communities on Telegram and Discord: https://linktr.ee/verybadpups