Question One: How do you interact with peoples disabilities in the pup community? - Trevor
Cooper's Answer:
The pup community is all about play, connection, and mutual support. Whether we realize it or not, there are lots of people with disabilities in the pup community. Whether someone’s disability is visible or not, there's some key things we can all do to foster a space that’s inclusive and welcoming for everyone. We need to have a mix of awareness, respect, and open communication. When we create accessible and inclusive spaces, we provide opportunity for everyone to belong and feel supported.
Here are some specific things to keep in mind:
Approach All People with Respect and Open-Mindedness
When interacting with other pups or handlers, remember that anyone we meet (or already know) may have disabilities, remember that every person’s experience is unique and what they want to feel included may vary. Avoid making assumptions about what people want to do, and what they can or cannot do. Instead of jumping in with advice or help, start by asking questions like, “How can I support you in this space?” or “Is there anything you’d like me to be mindful of during play?”
Respect their boundaries and preferences without pressuring them to disclose details about their disability unless they choose to share. If someone mentions needing accommodations or adjustments, be willing to listen and learn, and help them find the resources they need if we can't provide them ourselves.
Foster an Inclusive Play Environment
The beauty of the pup community is that so much of our play is adaptable! Be mindful of creating spaces and scenes that accommodate a variety of needs and approaches to play. For instance, when setting up a mosh, make sure there’s ample space for mobility devices, or provide seating areas for those who might need a break. If a pup prefers not to participate physically, include them in other ways, like being a handler or engaging in sensory play.
Accessibility isn’t just physical. Consider lighting, noise levels, and textures that might be overstimulating or distressing for some pups. Creating inclusive environments can make a world of difference in ensuring everyone feels safe and able to participate in their own way.
If you’re planning a pup event or scene, consider sharing accessibility information ahead of time—like the venue’s layout, noise levels, and any accommodations you already plan to have available. You can also include contact information for who to contact if someone wants to come and needs an accomodation that is not already planned. This helps everyone feel more prepared and welcome.
Communicate Openly and Adapt to Feedback
Communication is key, both in and out of play. Ask about preferences and comfort levels, and adapt as needed. Phrases like “Let me know if you need me to change something” or “I’m happy to do things differently if that works better for you” show that you’re committed to making the experience positive for everyone.
If a pup or handler with a disability expresses discomfort or asks for adjustments, respond with openness rather than defensiveness. Thank them for their feedback and make changes as needed—whether that’s altering a scene, changing positions, adjusting the lighting or sound levels, or even stepping back if required.
Regularly check in during scenes or events. A quick “Is this working for you?” or “Would you like to try something else?” can go a long way in ensuring everyone’s comfort and safety. Keep in mind that someone who needs support may not look like they are in distress, so don't assume everyone is, or is not, ok. The only way to know is to ask. A "vibe check" where the event is paused to ask folks to indicate their vibe (up for good, down for bad) can help you identify people who need to check in about their personal vibes.
Celebrate the Diversity of the Community
Remember that people with disabilities are just as much a part of the community as anyone else, and they bring unique perspectives and strengths to play and interaction. Embrace the diversity that disability brings to the pup community, and recognize that everyone’s experience and contribution are valuable. People's diverse viewpoints can help us learn and experience new things that we wouldn't have if they weren't there!
Focus on what each pup or handler enjoys and how they express themselves rather than what they “can’t” do. Being inclusive means celebrating the whole person and appreciating the many ways they participate in the pup community. Use inclusive language that recognizes diversity, such as “everybody,” “every pup,” or “all of us,” rather than “normal” or “able-bodied,” to describe the community. It's also important to use the language a person uses to describe their own disability. If someone says, for example "I'm autistic" then we should use the same language to describe them and not say "they have autism." Not everyone has the same relationship with their disability as another person - treat someone as an individual as they want to be treated not as a generic member of a category.
Conclusion
Interacting with people with disabilities in the pup community is about being mindful, adaptable, and inclusive. By approaching every interaction with respect, communicating openly, and celebrating the diversity that every pup brings to the table, we create a community where everyone feels seen, heard, and welcomed. Creating truly inclusive spaces isn’t just an ideal—it’s an ongoing practice that strengthens the bonds within our community and ensures that every person has a chance to play and connect in ways that honor their unique experiences.
Want to submit a question? Subscribe to my monthly newsletter by clicking START HERE in the menu to my website. You can submit your question in the next issue!
Question Two: I have a pup hood and a tail. Just recently got a chain that I can wear daily that helps me feel better too for feeling like a pup. What are different ways I can play? I know it’s also liittle harder for me to get into a headspace since I don’t have a handler. What are different ways to get into it? - Robin
Cooper's Answer:
This is a great question! In fact, people often think they will just know what to do when they want to start getting into headspace, and then the time comes and they get nervous or freeze. That's why I created a resources for the New Pup Academy and New Handler Academy that gives folks some ideas for a place to start. If you're interested in joining the next cohort of either academy, you can learn more about them here.
Here is an excerpt from that resource to give you ideas about how you can get started feeling like a pup and getting into headspace. For these practice activities, you might want to use elbow pads and knee pads, or do them on a soft floor.
You might want to set up a video camera (a mobile phone works great) at the floor level or set it on the seat of a chair and film yourself practicing any of the following, that way you can see what you look like in dog mode and maybe modify or shape what you’re doing for the next time! Human dogs can train themselves just like bio dogs can - you may even enjoy doing them with a handler, trainer, or other pup player.
Start on all fours: Position yourself with your hands and knees on the ground, keeping your back straight, and move around like you're walking on paws.
Practice crawling: Move one hand and the opposite knee forward, alternating sides, just like a dog walking. Keep your movements smooth and rhythmic.
Wag your hips: To mimic a tail, sway your hips back and forth with enthusiasm, especially when you're "happy" or excited!
Pounce and play: Try springing forward in a playful jump, like a dog might do when they're excited. Bend your knees and push off from the ground with your hands and feet to mimic that energetic leap.
Roll over: Lay on your side, and then roll onto your back, stretching your arms and legs in different directions like a dog asking for belly rubs.
Shake it out: Pretend you're shaking off water! Start with your head, then let the movement ripple down your body, loosening up your arms and legs as you go.
Stretch like a dog: Get into a "downward dog" position (hands and feet on the ground, hips raised like the yoga position), then shift into a playful bow, with your chest low to the ground and your butt in the air. Wiggle your butt if you want!
Sniff and explore: Get close to the ground and use your nose to explore your surroundings, moving your head in short, curious motions like you're investigating a new scent. Check out some worn laundry, the smell of a flower or plant, a person you have permission to smell, etc.
By practicing these moves, you can really get into the mindset of a dog and move in a natural, playful way! For some pups, being on all-fours and moving like a dog isn’t quite what they’re looking for. In that case, you might want to even consider doing these things but in a human-standing sort of way as a hybrid anthropomorphic dog. Even standing like a human you can still do most of these things!
You can add or incorporate these sounds into your sex life too! Use your imagination and think about all the ways dogs might enjoy bones, holes, and poles! Consider using toys, leashes, collars and how they might impact movement! When do you use them? When do you take them off? How long is your leash or the bone you play with? The options are endless!
Conclusion
Getting into pup headspace doesn’t have to be limited by whether or not you have a handler. With a little creativity and some solo play techniques, you can immerse yourself in the pup experience and truly embrace your inner pup. Whether it’s through practicing physical movements, exploring new sensory experiences, or incorporating familiar objects that make you feel more like yourself, these activities can help you tap into that joyful, playful energy. Remember, being a pup is all about what feels authentic to you—so take your time, have fun with it, and wag that tail proudly!
Want to submit a question? Subscribe to my monthly newsletter by clicking START HERE in the menu to my website. You can submit your question in the next issue!
Comments