On All Fours: Pup Uzuma on Pupplay, Community and Freedom in the Headspace

On all fours, sometimes playful, sometimes curious, and sometimes serious: Pupplay is a form of expression that may seem unusual at first glance, yet for many it is a natural part of queer life. Between closeness, freedom, ritual, and a strong sense of community unfolds a scene that is as diverse as it is fascinating. One of those who not only lives this world but also makes it visible is Pup Uzuma. Since 2025, he has carried the title of Puppy Germany and serves as Chairperson of Queer in Leer e.V., where he organizes both the CSD in Leer and the Ostfriesenpuppys. For Uzuma, it is not only about visibility but also about belonging. “It is important to me to make the diversity of the community visible and to ensure that everyone feels welcome,” he emphasizes.

What is Pupplay?

Between Role Play and Form of Expression

At its core Pupplay is a role play in which people assume the role of a dog or puppy. To outsiders this may initially seem strange; for many in the scene it is however a serious expression of their personality. Some see Pupplay as a form of playful freedom, others as spiritual practice or an intense form of closeness. For Uzuma it is a way to leave behind the burdens of everyday life: “For me, Pupplay is a space of freedom. It is where the weight of daily life falls away, where I can enter the headspace completely and be nothing more and nothing less than myself.”

Variety instead of rigid norms

The scene is as colourful as the people who shape it. While some place value on training, discipline or BDSM elements, for others it is playfulness, emotional closeness or communal experience that are central. This range makes Pupplay unique, because there are no written-rules. “There is no prescribed path. Everyone lives Pupplay in the way that feels right, and that is precisely what makes it exciting,” explains Uzuma.

Community, Closeness and Respect

Values of the Community

A central aspect of Pupplay is how people within the community connect with one another. Uzuma describes this attitude as characterised by openness and respect: “You are accepted as you are, regardless of what role you take in Pupplay. This openness makes the community unique to me.” Especially for those who may feel uncertain at first, the scene offers a safe space where individuality is not just accepted but valued.

Key Terms at a Glance

To navigate the scene there are certain terms frequently used. A Puppy or Pup refers to the person who slips into the role of a dog or puppy. A Handler is a connection person who leads or supports; while an Owner takes on a closer, often longer-term bond. A Pack or Rudel refers to a group of Puppies forming a community. Particularly important is the term Headspace – this describes the mental state when someone is fully immersed in the role. For beginners however As Uzuma puts it: “At the beginning it might feel overwhelming, but there’s no need to understand everything at once. What really matters is giving yourself the space to learn without pressure.”

Where to Meet the Community

From Meetups to Pride

The puppy community has gained remarkable visibility in recent years. In many cities there are meetups that serve as low-threshold meeting points, as well as pup crawls or parties where gear and fetish are central. One of the annual highlights is the Puppy Germany contest, a gathering where the community unites and new titleholders are crowned. Today, the community is a familiar sight at Christopher Street Days. For many, being there is about more than joy and solidarity; it is about making queer identities and fetishes politically visible. Uzuma especially fondly recalls the CSD 2025 in Leer: “One of the highlights was CSD 2025 in Leer, where over 60 puppies participated and about 15 stood with me on stage. The sight of so many united in visibility sent a strong message of diversity and respect. For me, it was the moment I realized I was part of something greater.”

Pupplay and BDSM

Historical Roots

The origins of Pupplay lie clearly within the BDSM realm. Elements such as training, rituals, control and conscious role adoption have shaped the scene over many years. In this context Pupplay was deeply connected with classic fetish practices and mostly lived in small subcultures.

New Perspectives

Today the community is noticeably broader. While for some BDSM is still a core part, for many others the playful element is in the foreground. “For some BDSM remains a central component. For others, as for me, it is more about freedom, closeness and the playful element. Both have a place, both are legitimate,” Uzuma explains. This openness to different perspectives makes Pupplay a lively and inclusive movement.

Gear, Dress Code and Safety

Are There Fixed Rules?

There is no fixed dress code in Pupplay. Some puppies wear hoods or special gear to show their role openly, others consciously choose not to. For newcomers this can be relieving, because there is no pressure to appear in full equipment immediately.

Core Principles

What counts above all is not the gear, but the values behind it. “What is decisive are consent, respect and safety. Everything else you shape in the way that suits you,” Uzuma emphasises. This makes it clear that Pupplay allows plenty of freedom for individual expression, as long as the basic principles of mutual respect are upheld.

Tips for Getting Started

First Steps

If you have become curious, no big leap is necessary. Uzuma recommends starting slowly: “Take your time, inform yourself, join regional groups in social media and attend a meetup. Gear is not a must, you can begin simply in the way that feels right for you.”

Important Advice

Entering Pupplay is not bound to fixed rules. What matters more is being true to yourself. “Your path may be your path. Don’t let anyone tell you there is only one right way to be a puppy,” Uzuma advises. Knowing and respecting your own boundaries creates the best conditions for positive experiences. Interaction with others and drawing on shared experiences can also help to find your personal access.

Misunderstandings and Misconceptions

In public Pupplay is often misunderstood. Frequently it is reduced to sexuality or fetish, which only represents a small part of reality. Uzuma stresses that it is much more: freedom, community and a protected space in which one can switch off and be oneself. “For many, it is less about fetish and more about freedom, belonging, and closeness… or simply having a safe place to disconnect. Whatever the reason, each is equally valid.” It is precisely this variety that makes the scene interesting and shows that Pupplay is much more than just a fetish practice.

Developments and Trends

Growing Visibility

The puppy community is growing steadily and is now present in many more cities than just a few years ago. More local groups and meetups are being established, even outside the major metropolitan areas. This development means people interested in Pupplay can more easily make first contacts. At the same time presence at Christopher Street Days means the community is increasingly visible and part of the public discourse about queer life. The rising number of events lowers the barrier for entry and makes it easier for new members to connect and explore in a safe setting.

Education and Politics

With growing visibility has come a broader and more nuanced engagement with what Pupplay represents. More puppies are combining their passion with queer educational work and political activism. For Uzuma this trend is a strong signal: “At the same time many Pupplay practitioners now also link Pupplay with queer education and politics. In doing so we show that fetish is part of our history and our community.” Thus, the puppy community makes an important contribution to the visibility of queer culture overall and underlines that fetish is a natural part of LGBTQIA+ history and present.

Pup Uzuma (he/him) has held the title Puppy Germany since 2025 and serves as Chairperson of Queer in Leer e.V. He organises CSD Leer and the Ostfriesenpuppys, creating spaces where diversity can be experienced and made real. As a community-builder and activist Uzuma stands for an open, respectful and inclusive fetish culture where everyone is welcome, regardless of experience or preferences. With his work he connects visibility, education and community and inspires people to discover Pupplay as an expression of freedom, closeness and self-determination.

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Instagram: @pup.uzuma