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

Author: BadPups Staff

Posted on

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:

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:

For Handlers:

In Video Format:

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:

Browse clothes and gear for new and long-time pups and handlers:

More sellers:

Note: Beware that not all of the below sellers or suggestions listed will have discrete shipping and payments. The quality of items vary from each seller, so be sure to do your research before you buy.

Pup Hoods

  • For cheap gear: Search ‘pup hood’ (or whatever you are looking for) on eBay and other marketplaces. Beware of scams, and bad quality gear. Might not be discrete ordering.
  • For good quality gear (various prices, discrete shipping & payments): Search the BadPups Store
  • 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. Beware of scams, and bad quality gear. Might not be discrete ordering.
  • For good quality gear (various prices, discrete shipping & payments): Search the BadPups Store
  • For harder to find gear – there is a range of sellers you can use. If you don’t find what you are looking for from our Store, 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:

🦮 Do you want direct answers from more experienced pups / handlers?
Do you want some guidance?


We’ve got a section that is especially useful for newbies like you wondering how the world of pup play works or wanting to learn more in the pup/pet play space.

>>> Join our Telegram / Discord community to talk to experienced people (look for the ‘Learn Pup / Handler Roles’ section): https://linktr.ee/verybadpups <<<

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