CANIS MINOR 2017 Nerdy Doggo Research Project
Snapshot of The Global Human Pup Play Fetish Community
Conducted by Taylor Cook
Hosted By www.pupplay.Info Nerdy Doggo
Table of contents Introduction ........................................................................................................................................... 3 Section 1: Community Makeup ..................................................................................................................... 5
Our International Community as a Whole Sexual vs Non-Sexual Pup Play Gender & Sexuality Breakdown Community Participation Members Over Time
Section 2: What Is Important to Us?.........................................................................................................9 Section 3: Being Active in The Community ......................................................................................... 13
Moshes Workshops Public Vs Private Entering Pup Play
Section 4: Leadership in The Community ............................................................................................ 19
What Makes Good & Bad Leaders and Role Models in The Community
Section 5: Minority Groups ......................................................................................................................... 21
Transgender Pup and Handler Community Straight Pup and Handler Community Females in The Pup and Handler Community
6: Personal Identity ......................................................................................................................................... 25
Names Breeds Switches Terminology Pup Packs Roles
7: Gear .................................................................................................................................................................... 31 8: Definitions ....................................................................................................................................................... 33 9 Miscellaneous ................................................................................................................................................. 42
Food Health & Wellbeing
Glossary ................................................................................................................................................................ 46
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Original Survey Questions
CANIS MINOR: 2017 NERDY DOGGO RESEARCH PROJECT Taylor Cook
Introduction I would like to thank the global human pup play community for their involvement. This has become a landmark research project and no other project of this magnitude has been conducted before and at least been made public to everyone. I would also like to thank my fellow datamining researchers Craig Burnett, Scott Vanderham and Jonathan Kok which without their help would’ve taken this far longer to complete. Also would like to thank volunteers from across the world who helped with the formatting of this report, making sure this stays true to the cause of for the community, by the community.
PURPOSE & GOALS OF THIS RESEARCH I set out with a purpose to achieve by the end of this project. Below is a bullet list of what our purpose behind it is.
Formulate a kind of “snapshot” of what the community looks like in appearance Find what peoples likes and dislikes would be Find out what people want from their community Create results from the data to help inspire and direct role models and proactive leaders in the pup play community to address issues and topics have the research uncovers Create resources from results for the pup play community to utilise Create results that can help inspire future academic research into the pup community.
We also had a set of goals we wanted to reach by the end of the project and we are proud to be able to deliver on every single one.
Run a series of surveys through 2017 to form an unbiased snapshot of the community: Keep raw data secure and results anonymised: We were able to deliver on our goal of security and had no data leak of anything that could pin point any raw data to any individual. Developed by the community: We took feedback from every survey release and improved upon them, this allowed us to create sections we didn’t expect to be in demand like switches and a focus on what the transgender community is like in the greater pup community. Results freely available: This free eBook is delivering our final promise to have our collated data available to anyone who wishes to read it.
We hope that this research sparks debate and discussion not only in the pup community but also to spark the motivation of others to do their own research.
HOW IT WAS CONDUCTED We wanted to reach as many perspectives as possible so we reached out to administrators in pup social groups across the world, contacted individuals across multiple social media (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Tumblr, Fetlife, Recon, Puppypride.social, Telegram & Watsapp chat groups) and talked to organisers of general fetish events (across North America, Europe and Oceanic regions) to reach as wide of a sample size and cross-section of the community as we can. While doing this we released and promoted the five surveys online in English and French monthly between January and May 2017. We used Google Forms to be able to reach the most number of users & access through compatible electronic devices while able to preserve their privacy. After nine months in total (September 2017) we closed all five surveys and began collating the data. Volunteers in Melbourne, Australia offered to help data mine and signed agreed to non-disclosure agreements to assist in making statistically significant data from the raw results. This is then being published in this free eBook and later in a printed format in Late 2017/early 2018. CANIS MINOR: 2017 NERDY DOGGO RESEARCH PROJECT Taylor Cook
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DISCLAIMERS Please be aware that any information of individuals has been removed with the utmost of care to preserve transparency. We do not consider this research to be perfect either, no research truly is. Any mention of any person or group is not intended to be malicious but only kept if it is statistically relevant.
COPYRIGHT & PUBLICATION This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial Share Alike 4.0 International License. We ask that any re-use of this data is linked back to the original eBook and the website www.pupplay.info. If you wish to support the not-for-profit Nerdy Doggo initiative of projects in the pup community, there will be soon be a published version in book form available for purchase Which will have some interesting infographics and more in-depth interpretation of the data. Profits of the book will be returned to fund more projects to help the greater pup community and the PAH’s Without Borders program. Keep an eye for its release date on the website www.pupplay.info
NOTE TO RESEARCHERS If you are an academic researcher at a university, you may be eligible to access the raw data of this project. If you are interested, please contact us through the Pupplay.info website and we can discuss things so we can still preserve the privacy of participants.
FURTHER GOALS TO THIS PROJECT We have plans to create a periodic survey system (bi or tri-annually) which will be run through an academic institution so it can have ethics committee approval and be peer-reviewed and published into academic journals to further help not only the pup community understand itself but greater society to too in the fields of psychology, mental health and more.
NOTE FROM AUTHOR Again, I would like to thank everyone that has been involved in this project, it has surpassed every expectation I had from it and that you would entrust me to conduct this professionally and passionately. I have kept this eBook to have minimal interpretation on my part, I do not want this to become just another “well that’s his opinion” rant. I want the facts gathered to stand on their own, without the typical “I think X is true” bias or any intent other than to help inform and educate everyone so we can keep growing as a community in our big great puppy family! Please remember, I am not trying to draw conclusions to force people think they should be or act in a certain way. The whole point of this is to showcase what diversity looks like in the community and there is no “right way” in pup play, which desire can no longer be just an idea but there is researched proof that the community is extremely diverse.
Cuddles & Scritches For All Taylor Cook
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CANIS MINOR: 2017 NERDY DOGGO RESEARCH PROJECT Taylor Cook
Community makeup OUR I NTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY AS A WHOLE In Part 11 of our survey series, we asked people if they are a pup or a handler type of role. Table 1: Pup Roles Distribution
PUPS HANDLERS TOTAL Table 2: Community Geographic Range
AFRICA AMERICAS ASIA EUROPE OCEANIC TOTALS
GLOBAL 656 77 733
PERCENTAGE 89.50% 10.50% 100%
GLOBAL 7 500 13 276 143 939
PERCENTAGE 0.70% 53.20% 1.40% 29.40% 15.20% 100%
Geographical spread was recorded across 4 of the 5 surveys. We had hypothesised that the Americas (North & South America) region would be a dominant region, especially with pup play’s popularity in the United States and Canada. One unexpected statistic we found is how popular it is in the Oceanic (Australia, New Zealand) region when its public social group community only a few years old at most. Table 3: Community Age Range
<18 19-20 21-30 31-40 41-50 51+ TOTAL
GLOBAL2 93 (5.5%) 220 (13.10%) 726 (43.2%) 396 (23.5%) 163 (9.7%) 84 (5.0%) 1682 (100%)
AMERICAS 25 (5.0%) 66 (13.1%) 217 (43.0%) 123 (24.4%) 49 (9.7%) 25 (5.0%) 505 (100% ± 0.2%)
EUROPE 21 (7.5%) 45 (16.0%) 113 (40.2%) 54 (19.2%) 40 (14.2%) 8 (2.8%) 281 (100% ± 0.2%)
OCEANIC 5 (3.3%) 13 (8.6%) 71 (46.7%) 37 (24.3%) 9 (5.9%) 17 (11.2%) 152 (100%)
SEXUAL VS NON SEXUAL PUP PLAY Table 4: Community Composition of social and sexual pup play
SAMPLE AVERAGE* MODE STD DEV
GLOBAL 743 5.3 5 2.07
NEW MEMBERS 547 5.31 5 2.05
LONG TERM MEMBERS 192 5.38 5 2.07
* Participants were asked on a scale of 1(low) 10(high). 1= Purely Social Pup Play, 10= Purely Sexual Pup Play
1 2
Glossary: Survey 1, Question 1 Table 3: Global tally includes age range tally from Survey 1, which does not include geographical breakdown
CANIS MINOR: 2017 NERDY DOGGO RESEARCH PROJECT Taylor Cook
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GENDER & SEXUALITY BREAKDOWNS Participants were not given a dropdown or pre-made list of genders and sexualities. They were allowed to write down their own that they identify with, this way, no sub-group would be left out unintentionally. One of our researchers who had worked with the Victorian Aids Council in Melbourne, Australia went through these lists to confirm all reported were correctly categorised. Table 5: Sexual Identity Composition of The Community
AMERICAS 312 (61.3%) 68 (13.4%) 49 (9.6%) 13 (2.6%) 17 (3.3%) 16 (3.1%) 13 (2.6%) 6 (1.2%) 11 (2.2%) 4 (0.8%) 509 (100% ± 0.1%)
EUROPE 176 (62.6%) 19 (6.8%) 43 (15.3%) 20 (7.1%) 14 (5.0%) 2 (0.7%) 6 (2.1%) 0 (0.0%) 0 (0.0%) 1 (0.4%) 281 (100% ± 0.1%)
OCEANIC 106 (65.4%) 10 (6.2%) 11 (6.8%) 6 (3.7%) 10 (6.2%) 3 (1.9%) 0 (0.0%) 8 (4.9%) 5 (3.1%) 3 (1.9%) 162 (100% ± 0.1%)
GLOBAL
AMERICAS
EUROPE
OCEANIC
MALE
767 (80.3%)
399 (79.6%)
238 (84.7%)
120 (79.5%)
FEMALE
82 (8.6%)
43 (8.6%)
16 (5.7%)
19 (12.6%)
GENDERFLUID
32 (3.4%)
16 (3.2%)
9 (3.2%)
0 (0.0%)
NON-BINARY
20 (2.1%)
15 (3.0%)
4 (1.4%)
0 (0.0%)
OTHER
54 (5.7%)
28 (5.6%)
14 (5.0%)
12 (7.9%)
TOTALS
955 (100%)
501 (100%)
328 (100%)
151 (100%)
GAY PANSEXUAL BISEXUAL STRAIGHT N/A QUEER ASEXUAL LESBIAN ABROSEXUAL OTHER TOTAL3
GLOBAL 594 (61.9%) 97 (10.1%) 96 (10.0%) 47 (4.9%) 41 (4.3%) 21 (2.2%) 19 (2.0%) 16 (1.7%) 16 (1.7%) 13 (1.4%) 960 (100%)
Table 6: Gender Composition of The Community
These were surprising results, there is a regular saying amongst the pup community that “95% of the community are Gay Males” and suffice to say, that even with that knowledge, the actual numbers being far lower and uniform across geographical areas tell us that people need to start saying something closer to 60% which is not only more true, but also less intimidating to newcomers that don’t fit in that gay male stereotype.
COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION Table 7: Do you belong to a PAH, Kennel Club or other social support group?
YES NO TOTALS
GLOBAL 370 (49.9%) 372 (50.1%) 742 (100%)
NEW MEMBERS 262 (48.1%) 283 (51.9%) 545 (100%)
LONG TERM MEMBERS 107 (56.0%) 84 (44.0% 191 (100%)
To reduce bias, we promoted this research project over nine months, across many sources of social media and networking through groups and general fetish events to not have a leaning bias of opinions towards those who are active in the community. We were surprised at how many at-home pups and handlers we were able to contact and got involved in this great endeavour. It also shows how many potential non-active people are in our greater human pup play community.
3 Table 4: The missing 8 counts are located in the global tally but not in the geographical regions are ones in Africa and Asia and do not have enough data points to make accurate statistics on this topic.
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CANIS MINOR: 2017 NERDY DOGGO RESEARCH PROJECT Taylor Cook
MEMBERS OVER TIME To help us better understand the composition of the community, we asked two major questions. Since joining the community and identifying as a pup or handler we hypothesised are independent of each other we asked this Table 8: Time participants have personally identified as being a pup or handler
TALLY 18 257 125 81 63 40 33 13 9 11 19 4 8 4 5 30 12 3 735 4.1 Years 5.07
<1 YEAR 1 YEAR 2 YEARS 3 YEARS 4 YEARS 5 YEARS 6 YEARS 7 YEARS 8 YEARS 9 YEARS 10 YEARS 11 YEARS 12 YEARS 13 YEARS 14 YEARS 15 - 20 YEARS 21 - 30 YEARS 31+ YEARS TOTAL AVERAGE 1ST STD DEV
PERCENTAGE 2.4% 35.0% 17.0% 11.0% 8.6% 5.4% 4.5% 1.8% 1.2% 1.5% 2.6% 0.5% 1.1% 0.5% 0.7% 4.1% 1.6% 0.4% 100%
Average person in our greater pup play community that has identified as a pup or handler, irrespective if they are active in a pup play social group worldwide is 4.1 years Table 9: Time Participants Have been Active in the Community
<1 YEAR 1 YEAR 2 YEARS 3 YEARS 4 YEARS 5 YEARS 6 YEARS 7 YEARS 8 YEARS 9 YEARS 10 YEARS 11 - 20 YEARS 21 - 30 YEARS TOTAL AVERAGE 1ST STD DEV
GLOBAL 157 290 104 54 29 30 13 8 6 3 12 13 4 723 2.2 Years 3.27
PERCENTAGE 21.7% 40.1% 14.4% 7.5% 4.0% 4.1% 1.8% 1.1% 0.8% 0.4% 1.7% 1.8% 0.6% 100%
Average person who has been active in the community (pup play social group etc.) is 2.2 years.
CANIS MINOR: 2017 NERDY DOGGO RESEARCH PROJECT Taylor Cook
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CANIS MINOR: 2017 NERDY DOGGO RESEARCH PROJECT Taylor Cook
What is important to us? HOW TO I NTERPRET We asked 1-10, so >5 is of high importance and <5 is lower importance. STD DEV is the 1st standard deviation, this is a statistical term to indicate the range a majority of the community sits in amongst the data.
IMPORTANCES Table 10: Personal Importance of the term you identify with? (pup, dog, service pup etc.)
SAMPLE SIZE AVERAGE* STD DEV RANK
ALL 407 5.98 2.91
AMERICAS 220 5.79 2.88 3
EUROPE 128 6.55 2.36 1
OCEANIC 58 5.93 3.06 2
* Participants were asked on a scale of 1(low) 10(high). Numbers above 5 mean a majority of participants found the topic to be important to them personally.
European Community puts the most importance of terms that pups and handlers use. Table 11: Personal Importance of the breed you identify with
SAMPLE SIZE AVERAGE* STD DEV RANK
ALL 404 4.93 3.27
AMERICAS 220 5.32 3.22 1
EUROPE 128 4.64 3.00 2
OCEANIC 58 4.52 3.42 3
* Participants were asked on a scale of 1(low) 10(high). Numbers above 5 mean a majority of participants found the topic to
be important to them personally.
American Community puts the most importance of breeds that pups identify with. Table 12: Personal Importance to express your pup identity with a collar
SAMPLE SIZE AVERAGE* STD DEV RANK
ALL 404 7.04 2.95
AMERICAS 220 7.22 2.81 1
EUROPE 128 6.74 3.10 2
OCEANIC 58 6.21 3.40 3
* Participants were asked on a scale of 1(low) 10(high). Numbers above 5 mean a majority of participants found the topic to be important to them personally.
American Community puts the most importance to express their pup identity with a collar.
CANIS MINOR: 2017 NERDY DOGGO RESEARCH PROJECT Taylor Cook
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Table 13: to have something visual that expresses your pup identity during the week
SAMPLE SIZE AVERAGE* STD DEV RANK
ALL 404 5.86 3.17
AMERICAS 220 6.18 3.12 1
EUROPE 128 5.77 3.14 2
OCEANIC 58 5.13 2.98 3
* Participants were asked on a scale of 1(low) 10(high). Numbers above 5 mean a majority of participants found the topic to be important to them personally.
American Community puts the most importance to have something visual that expresses their pup identity during the week. Table 14: Importance to have something visual that expresses your pup identity during public events
SAMPLE SIZE AVERAGE* STD DEV RANK
ALL 404 7.53 2.75
AMERICAS 220 7.44 2.86 2
EUROPE 128 7.71 2.33 1
OCEANIC 58 7.04 3.14 3
* Participants were asked on a scale of 1(low) 10(high). Numbers above 5 mean a majority of participants found the topic to
be important to them personally.
European Community puts the most importance to have something visual that expresses their pup identity during public events. Table 15: Importance to you to have something visual that expresses your pup identity during private events
SAMPLE SIZE AVERAGE* STD DEV RANK
ALL 404 7.65 2.74
AMERICAS 220 7.7 2.78 2
EUROPE 128 7.94 2.18 1
OCEANIC 58 7.13 3.12 3
* Participants were asked on a scale of 1(low) 10(high). Numbers above 5 mean a majority of participants found the topic to be important to them personally.
European Community puts the most importance to you to have something visual that expresses their pup identity during private events. Table 16: Importance to belong to a pack
SAMPLE SIZE AVERAGE* STD DEV RANK
ALL 292 4.89 2.86
AMERICAS 220 5.14 2.77 1
EUROPE 128 4.37 2.95 3
OCEANIC 58 4.93 2.99 2
* Participants were asked on a scale of 1(low) 10(high). Numbers above 5 mean a majority of participants found the topic to be important to them personally.
American Community puts the most importance to belonging to a pack.
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CANIS MINOR: 2017 NERDY DOGGO RESEARCH PROJECT Taylor Cook
Table 17: Importance to go to mosh events
SAMPLE SIZE AVERAGE* STD DEV RANK
ALL 292 5.77 3.01
AMERICAS 220 5.81 3.00 2
EUROPE 128 5.01 2.93 3
OCEANIC 58 6.82 2.84 1
EUROPE 128 5.48 2.87 3
OCEANIC 58 6.45 2.50 2
* Participants were asked on a scale of 1(low) 10(high). Numbers above 5 mean a majority of participants found the topic to be important to them personally.
Oceanic Community puts the most importance to go to mosh events. Table 18: Importance to attend workshop events
SAMPLE SIZE AVERAGE* STD DEV RANK
ALL 292 6.18 2.73
AMERICAS 220 6.49 2.62 1
* Participants were asked on a scale of 1(low) 10(high). Numbers above 5 mean a majority of participants found the topic to
be important to them personally.
American Community puts the most importance to attend workshop events. Table 19: How important is being social with your pup play style
SAMPLE SIZE AVERAGE* STD DEV RANK
ALL 150 6.85 2.83
AMERICAS 70 6.80 2.75 2
EUROPE 48 7.19 2.66 1
OCEANIC 58 6.80 3.03 3
* Participants were asked on a scale of 1(low) 10(high). Numbers above 5 mean a majority of participants found the topic to be important to them personally.
European Community puts the most importance to being social with their pup play style. Table 20: How important is public exposure with your pup play style
SAMPLE SIZE AVERAGE* STD DEV RANK
ALL 150 5.40 2.83
AMERICAS 70 5.33 2.81 2
EUROPE 48 6.08 2.77 1
OCEANIC 58 5.03 2.72 3
* Participants were asked on a scale of 1(low) 10(high). Numbers above 5 mean a majority of participants found the topic to be important to them personally.
European Community puts the most importance into public exposure with their pup play style. Table 21: How important is private activities with your pup play style
SAMPLE SIZE AVERAGE* STD DEV RANK
ALL 150 7.85 2.02
AMERICAS 70 7.69 2.20 3
EUROPE 48 7.80 1.81 2
OCEANIC 58 8.15 2.01 1
* Participants were asked on a scale of 1(low) 10(high). Numbers above 5 mean a majority of participants found the topic to be important to them personally.
Oceanic Community puts the most importance into private activities with their pup play style.
CANIS MINOR: 2017 NERDY DOGGO RESEARCH PROJECT Taylor Cook
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Table 22: How important is sexual activity with your pup play style
SAMPLE SIZE AVERAGE* STD DEV RANK
ALL 150 4.98 2.95
AMERICAS 70 5.68 2.837 1
EUROPE 48 4.29 2.95 3
OCEANIC 58 5.19 2.92 2
* Participants were asked on a scale of 1(low) 10(high). Numbers above 5 mean a majority of participants found the topic to be important to them personally.
American Community puts the most importance into sexual activity with their pup play style. Table 23: How important is concept of traditions with your pup play style
SAMPLE SIZE AVERAGE* STD DEV RANK
ALL 150 4.64 2.85
AMERICAS 70 4.98 2.47 2
EUROPE 48 3.89 3.07 3
OCEANIC 58 5.96 2.80 1
* Participants were asked on a scale of 1(low) 10(high). Numbers above 5 mean a majority of participants found the topic to
be important to them personally.
Oceanic Community puts the most importance in the concept of traditions with their pup play style. Table 24: How important is concept of sexual identity with your pup play style
SAMPLE SIZE AVERAGE* STD DEV RANK
ALL 150 5.68 2.96
AMERICAS 70 6.21 2.89 2
EUROPE 48 4.57 2.90 3
OCEANIC 58 6.96 2.55 1
* Participants were asked on a scale of 1(low) 10(high). Numbers above 5 mean a majority of participants found the topic to be important to them personally.
Oceanic Community puts the most importance on the concept of sexual identity with their pup play style. Table 25: How important is concept of spirituality with your pup play style
SAMPLE SIZE AVERAGE* STD DEV RANK
ALL 150 6.05 2.98
AMERICAS 70 5.33 3.10 3
EUROPE 48 6.91 2.99 1
OCEANIC 58 6.11 2.55 2
* Participants were asked on a scale of 1(low) 10(high). Numbers above 5 mean a majority of participants found the topic to be important to them personally.
European Community puts the most importance on the concept of spirituality with their pup play style.
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CANIS MINOR: 2017 NERDY DOGGO RESEARCH PROJECT Taylor Cook
Being active in the community MOSHES Table 26: Mosh Events Participation
YES NO TOTAL
GLOBAL
UNDER 18
19-20
21-30
31-40
41-50
51+
144 (49.8%) 145 (50.2%) 580
0 (0.0%) 15 (100%) 15 (100%)
9 (22.0%) 32 (78.0%) 41 (100%)
67 (53.2%) 59 (46.8%) 128 (100%)
38 (56.7%) 29 (43.3%) 67 (100%)
18 (75.0%) 6 (25.0%) 24 (100%)
12 (75.0%) 4 (25.0%) 16 (100%)
The while a majority may be around the age of 21-30, the older you get, the more likely you’ll meet someone of a similar age in the community as a whole. Table 27: Responses from Participants on why they have not participated in a Mosh Event
FREQUENCY 162 130 38 23 14 12 9 8 6 6 6 4 4 3 3 8
DESCRIPTIONS Not Applicable / Declined to respond Total Submissions None in local area Recently joined the community (haven’t had a chance to attend yet) Social Anxiety / Shyness / Insecurity / Nervousness / Lack of Confidence Lack of personal time to invest into going / Busy with work etc Under legal age for event Never heard of “Mosh” events before None in my country Personal Financial Constraints Not interested to go to mosh events in general No access to local gender all-inclusive mosh events Not feeling comfortable at mosh events (Misc.) Lack of promotion of local events No handler/acquaintance to go with me Other Miscellaneous*
* Other miscellaneous: several outlier points of data were placed together to preserve privacy of their participants
WORKSHOPS Table 28: Pup Play Workshop Participation
GLOBAL
AMERICAS
EUROPE
OCEANIC
YES
95 (33.7%)
63 (40.9%)
18 (22.8%)
13 (29.5%)
NO
187 (66.3%)
91 (59.1%)
61 (77.2%)
31 (70.5%)
TOTAL
282 (100%)
154 (100%)
79 (100%)
44 (100%)
CANIS MINOR: 2017 NERDY DOGGO RESEARCH PROJECT Taylor Cook
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Table 29: Responses from Participants on why they have not participated in a workshop
FREQUENCY 133 156 39 27 19 12 12 9 8 7 6 3 2 2 2 5
DESCRIPTIONS Not Applicable / Declined to respond Total Submissions None held in local area Never had the opportunity Local PAH hasn’t held any / not advertised any Not interested to go to workshop events in general Inconvenient Time / Location Social Anxiety / Shyness / Insecurity / Nervousness / Lack of Confidence Personal Financial Constraints Never heard of workshops held before Under legal age for workshop venue No one to go with None held in my country Miscellaneous Personal Circumstances None held on a topic of my interest Other Miscellaneous*
* Other miscellaneous: several outlier points of data were placed together to preserve privacy of their participants Table 30: Topics that have already had attended workshops
FREQUENCY 58 92 30 13 12 12 8 7 7 6 6 6 5 5 4 4 3 3 2 2 8
DESCRIPTIONS Not Applicable / Declined to respond Total Submissions Pup Basics / 101 Pup gear 101 Handler 101 Safety / First Aid Aftercare Pup Play 201 Pup Play non-verbal communication / Body Language BDSM 101 Pup Mosh 101 /Etiquette Power Exchange 101 Mental Health Consent & Ethics Pup Play Roles / Identity / Definitions Pup Packs 101 Training 101 Headspace Competitions / Titleholders Sex Education Other Miscellaneous*
* Other miscellaneous: several outlier points of data were placed together to preserve privacy of their participants
Notable Participant Quotes
It was about the puppy play in general... the personality and characteristics of the pup, the way it's important to preserve good relationships between the handler and the pup, and make it bidirectional (the difference between a slave and a pup). The importance to be careful with the pup (using the proper gear,
What puppy play is, where to buy gear, whether women are included in the community, pup behaviours, the role of handlers, the relation of pup play to pony play and other forms of pet play Specific posture you must do and also verbalisation very strict with no leeway (Sirius pup workshop
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etc.).
unfortunately)
CANIS MINOR: 2017 NERDY DOGGO RESEARCH PROJECT Taylor Cook
Table 31: Workshop topics that the community want to see
FREQUENCY 104 48 12 9 8 6 3 3
DESCRIPTIONS Not Applicable / Declined to respond Total Submissions Diversity in Pup Play Headspace 101 Health & Safety (Prevention of injury/STDs/any other negative experiences) Community Engagement Training Power Exchange 201 (Boundaries, Ownership / Expectations vs Reality) Handler Training 201 (strategies/duties, how to be safe, basic training ideas and what games
3 3 3 3 3 2 2 2 2 2 9
All-Gender Support & Inclusivity Pup Play Communication & Body Language BDSM & Puppy Community History 101 Pup Gear 101 Relationships 201 (Partners who are beginning exploring pup play / Entering a poly dynamic) Pup Packs 201 (Alternative pack structures, Handler-Pack dynamics) Non-English-Speaking Workshops Training 201 DIY Pup Gear 101 BDSM Old Guard Leather Protocols Other Miscellaneous*
pups like)
* Other miscellaneous: several outlier points of data were placed together to preserve privacy of their participants
Notable Participant Quotes
Being a stray is ok Connection with a partner who is on the fence about puppy play as either the handler or pup How pup play is different for each individual I.e. some may be sexual and some is social. I honestly think the debate is stupid and just serves to make rifts in the scene. Clearing up that misunderstanding and the idea that we're judging each other's pup play, which we aren't. Warning signs to look for good handlers and stay away from dangerous ones. Consent and general good BDSM practices as well. Also, importance of making sure the dog food can be eaten by humans and safety. Subgroups within the community and how play styles differ (e.g. pups who identify as dogs, nonsexual
pups who don't consider pup play a kink or part of BDSM, pups who are furries, pups who are Leather folk), crafting your own gear, whether or not it's appropriate to bring pup play out in public
PUBLIC VERSUS PRIVATE EVENTS Table 32: Do you go to pup play themed events at public venues?
YES NO TOTAL
GLOBAL
PERCENTAGE
436 307 743
58.7% 41.3% 100%
CANIS MINOR: 2017 NERDY DOGGO RESEARCH PROJECT Taylor Cook
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ENTERING PUP PLAY Table 33: How people discovered the pup play fetish
FREQUENCY 21 129 27 20 10 9 9 8 7 6 6 6 4 4 3 3 2 2 6
DESCRIPTIONS Not Applicable / Declined to respond Total Submissions Introduced by a friend / partner Internet (General) Another Fetish Scene Furry Community Another fetish venue/event Internet (Tumblr) Internet (Videos) Enjoyment of Dogs / Wolves in General Internet (Social Media) LGBTIQA+ Pride Event Internet (Twitter) Internet (Fetish Websites) Unknown source/time to participant Internet (Search Engines) Documentaries Local PAH / pup play community Other Miscellaneous*
* Other miscellaneous: several outlier points of data were placed together to preserve privacy of their participants
Table 34: What do you personally enjoy the most out of pup play?
FREQUENCY 46 104 18 13 13 12 12 11 11 9 8 5 4 3 3 3 3
DESCRIPTIONS Not Applicable / Declined to respond Total Submissions Socialising with others / Sense of Community / Sense of Belonging Platonic social touch and playfulness (cuddling, scritches, hugs, wrestling) Headspace Mental Rest / mental health recovery / de-stress Escapism & freedom from daily stress/anxiety Affection / being cared for / being close to someone Be Yourself / Able to express yourself Sexual / BDSM / Power Exchange activities Able to relax and let go Having Fun Care free nature Feelings of self-worth Relaxation Aesthetics / Gear / Appealing body types Other Miscellaneous*
* Other miscellaneous: several outlier points of data were placed together to preserve privacy of their participants
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CANIS MINOR: 2017 NERDY DOGGO RESEARCH PROJECT Taylor Cook
Notable Participant Quotes
The sense of belonging that pups and handlers/trainers bring even to outsiders and how they welcome everyone in and the sense of freedom that pup play can give you from the stresses of the outside world even if it is only for a few hours at a time. "I love being able to escape mentally and I love being able to comfortable give my Sir everything he desires and being subservient to him with knowledge that he looks after me, cares for me and will do anything to make sure his pup, his property is cared for and happy. Letting myself go and relaxing and being myself. Living in the moment. The feeling of being free from daily stress, getting to see all my friends within our community and the total lack of judgment. Total acceptance one pup to another and by the true handlers. The Joy of playing in pure innocence. No agenda. The love and security that comes from it.
Table 35: What do you personally enjoy the least out of pup play?
FREQUENCY 60 90 9 9 8 6 6 5 5 4 4 4 4 4 3 3 3 3 2 2 13
DESCRIPTIONS Not Applicable / Declined to respond Total Submissions Can’t think of anything Community need for publicly displayed drama Community members who ignore/ look down on those who do non-sexual pup play Members who use pup play to excuse obnoxious behaviour
(aggressive attitude and play / non-consented play / dom ego trips) Sore body / Injuries / health issues (knees, joints)
Members with Superiority Complex Price of gear Lack of gender and/or sexuality acceptance and their discrimination Being Self-conscious Narrow-minded fetishists (old-guard discriminators, those who act like they know the only correct way and impose on others) Being/feeling judged or excluded (gear, body size, age) General public acceptance Cliques / reclusive groups / popularity seekers Event/Headspace drop Going to social events Trouble exploring headspace Community stereotype image being portrayed / promoted Kink-shaming Other Miscellaneous*
* Other miscellaneous: several outlier points of data were placed together to preserve privacy of their participants
Notable Participant Quotes
Extreme fetishes, narrow minded fetishists (you're not a real pup unless...) Having to come back to the human side. I dislike that some gear is so expensive. I understand that it's not a must but to really get into the pupspace, those items really help. I don't like it if it’s done specifically for sexual ways. I feel like puppy play is more of a sacred thing. Stopping The false accusations from those outside the community.
CANIS MINOR: 2017 NERDY DOGGO RESEARCH PROJECT Taylor Cook
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CANIS MINOR: 2017 NERDY DOGGO RESEARCH PROJECT Taylor Cook
Leadership in our community Table 36: What Traits Do You Feel Make a Good Leader/ Role Model in The Pup Play Community?
FREQUENCY 52 100 18 15 14 14 11 10 9 9 8 7 6 5 5 5 5 5 4 4 4 4 4 4 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 22
DESCRIPTIONS Not Applicable / Declined to respond Total Submissions Active Community Involvement / Activist / Spokesperson Accepting of other differences (sexual and non-sexual, old-guard-style, BDSM, etc) Teaching/encouraging many styles other than their own Welcoming to newcomers Respecting others Avoids gossip / Standing up against bullies/drama (In a mature way / non-public ranting) Honesty Tolerance of Others / Non- judgmental Experienced / Knowledgeable Inclusiveness Open-Minded Based Locally Compassion Listens to others Proactive / Passionate /Takes Initiative Willing to learn more Caring of others Help others find themselves Not Promiscuous Outgoing Place needs/desires of the group ahead of themselves Socialable / Approachable Communicates well Confident Doesn’t talk down to others Empathy for others Humility Patient Promotes Fun Trustworthy Other Miscellaneous*
* Other miscellaneous: several outlier points of data were placed together to preserve privacy of their participants
Notable Participant Quotes
I think a good leader is someone who helps other pups learn what they need to know, helps to guide them in the direction they need to go in and talks to them gently giving them suggestions that might work for them. A good role model is someone who lives by example, someone who not only tells people something but also does what they say and practices what they are preaching to others. A good leader doesn't always need to be front and centre of a pack but in the middle, checking on their people, making sure everyone is hydrated, cared for, and doing okay and that if there is something they need they get it with no questions asked and no judgements made for it. A good leader is an advocate for pride and acceptance in the identity and freedom of a pup and an advocate for caring and proper training by handlers. Someone who looks out for handlers and pups, provides help, advice, and education for fellow pup/handlers. Servant leadership
CANIS MINOR: 2017 NERDY DOGGO RESEARCH PROJECT Taylor Cook
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Table 37: What Traits Do You Feel Make a Bad Leader/ Role Model in The Pup Play Community?
FREQUENCY 49 102 23 11 10 9 7 7 6 6 6 6 6 6 5 5 5 4 4 3 3 3 3 15
DESCRIPTIONS Not Applicable / Declined to respond Total Submissions Egotistical / Focused on promoting themselves/ Superiority Complex Selfishness Aggressive, Arrogant Untrustworthy Non- supportive of others who don’t follow their own style “Sirius Pup” Group related style/content Bully people / encourage bullies, forceful teaching into pushing their personal style Close-minded (other styles and kinks that aren’t their own) Disconnected/inactive from regular mainstream community activities One-size-fits-all approach – no empathy with pups’ other unique traits Tradition-following (as if one style is superior than other styles) Unresponsive (claiming wilful ignorance/ Not addressing bullying done by supporters) Immature Rude Publicly unmanaged/unpredictable mental health / emotional state / mood swings Only active with pups who follow their personal style Publicly Promiscuous regularly Consent Ignoring Don’t promote resources alternative to their own Elitist Vocal in the community but not actively participating in it. Other Miscellaneous*
* Other miscellaneous: several outlier points of data were placed together to preserve privacy of their participants
Notable Participant Quotes
20
I think a bad leader is someone who has the ambition and drive to be a leader but then doesn't really care enough to lead their people, who wants to be respected by their pack mates but doesn't want to have to go through the trouble of working for it. A bad role model is someone who tells people to do one thing and then goes and does something completely differently then what they said. For example, they say you need to be kind to all people, then they turn around and start shoving and being very rude to a random person because they don't like them for whatever reason. One who ignores the needs or wants for their fellow pup/handlers. One who abuses their position as a trainer/handler/alpha to manipulate other and hurt others and give a false sense of what it means to be a handler/pup. A pup who searches for popularity just to be better than other, instead of being part of the community. Outing others in the community Someone who believes there is only one way to do anything, who won’t listen or said one thing and does the opposite... Being approachable is important and showing off that you can fly Business class to an international conference is not leadership. Taking ownership and not sharing tasks. not giving other chances to rise, or learn. holding the lime light for themselves when given the chance and not sharing it with others who have helped achieve the result. Bullying, exclusion, elitism, allowing rumour or propagating rumour. Snap decisions without consideration for impacted parties. Shifting blame to subordinates.
CANIS MINOR: 2017 NERDY DOGGO RESEARCH PROJECT Taylor Cook
Minority groups TRANSGENDER PUP & HANDLER COMMUNITY We had 38 participants that identified in some form as Transgender in our research, this accounts for 4 percent of the total population of submissions, we have broken down their demographics for you below with how they are composed in the greater pup and handler community. We wish we had a larger sample size to give more details but this will have to wait for future research and hopefully will inspire others to do more research as well. Table 38: Transgender Regional Data
TALLY
PERCENTAGE
AMERICA’S
18
56.3%
EUROPE
7
21.9%
OCEANIC
6
18.8%
TOTALS
31
96.9%*
* Some data points were removed to preserve the privacy of some people that were outliers Table 39: Transgender Age Range Distribution
TALLY
PERCENTAGE
UNDER 18
3
9.4%
19 - 20
7
21.9%
21 - 30
12
37.5%
31 - 40
5
15.6%
41 - 50
5
15.6%
TOTALS
32
100%
TALLY
PERCENTAGE
Table 40: Transgender Gender Distribution
F2M / FTM / MALE
23
69.7%
M2F / MTF / FEMALE
7
21.2%
OTHER *
3
9.1%
TOTALS
33
100%
* Some Outlier Data has been collated to "other" for some individual categories that did not contain enough data points to preserve privacy (gender fluid, nonbinary, agender
CANIS MINOR: 2017 NERDY DOGGO RESEARCH PROJECT Taylor Cook
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Table 41: Transgender Sexuality Distribution
TALLY
PERCENTAGE
GAY
10
31.3%
NA
10
31.3%
QUEER
6
18.8%
PANSEXUAL
5
15.6%
OTHER
1
3.1%
TOTALS
32
100%
GLOBAL
PERCENTAGE
10 3 13
76.9% 23.1% 100%
Table 42: Transgender individuals who identify with a pup breed
YES NO TOTAL
Table 43: Transgender individuals who have a tattoo to represent their pup identity
YES NO TOTAL
GLOBAL
PERCENTAGE
4 9 13
30.8% 69.2% 100%
Table 44: Have you, as a Transgender pup or handler, attended a mosh event
YES NO TOTAL
GLOBAL
PERCENTAGE
8 3 11
72.7% 27.3% 100%
Table 45: Have you, as a Transgender pup or handler, attended a pup play workshop
GLOBAL
PERCENTAGE
6 5 11
54.5% 45.5% 100%
TALLY
PERCENTAGE
AFRICA
2
4.3%
AMERICA’S
13
28.3%
ASIA
6
13.0%
EUROPE
19
41.3%
OCEANIC
6
13.0%
TOTALS
46
100%
YES NO TOTAL
STRAIGHT PUP & HANDLER COMMUNITY Table 46: Straight Community Regional Data
22
CANIS MINOR: 2017 NERDY DOGGO RESEARCH PROJECT Taylor Cook
Table 47: Straight Community Age Range Distribution
TALLY
PERCENTAGE
UNDER 18
3
6.5%
19 - 20
9
19.6%
21 - 30
17
37.0%
31 - 40
14
30.4%
41 - 50
3
6.5%
TOTALS
46
100%
TALLY
PERCENTAGE
MALE
27
58.7%
FEMALE
19
41.3%
TOTALS
46
100%
TALLY
PERCENTAGE
AMERICA’S
43
52.4%
ASIA
4
4.9%
EUROPE
16
19.5%
OCEANIC
19
23.2%
TOTALS
82
100%
TALLY
PERCENTAGE
UNDER 18
7
8.5%
19 - 20
24
29.3%
21 - 30
21
35.6%
31 - 40
25
30.5%
41 +
5
6.1%
TOTALS
82
100%
TALLY
PERCENTAGE
STRAIGHT
19
23.2%
PANSEXUAL
18
22.0%
LESBIAN
17
20.7%
BISEXUAL
15
18.3%
ABROSEXUAL
5
6.1%
OTHER
8
10%
TOTALS
82
100%
Table 48: Straight Community Gender Distribution
FEMALES IN THE COMMUNITY Table 49: Female Regional Distribution
Table 50: Female Age Range Distribution
Table 51: Female Sexuality Distribution
CANIS MINOR: 2017 NERDY DOGGO RESEARCH PROJECT Taylor Cook
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CANIS MINOR: 2017 NERDY DOGGO RESEARCH PROJECT Taylor Cook
Personal identity PUP NAMES Table 52: Do You Have a Pup Name?
TALLY
PERCENTAGE
YES
581
78.90%
NO
155
21.10%
TOTAL
736
100%
Table 53: Count of Who Chose Your Pup Name? (NonHandlers)
TALLY
PERCENTAGE
MYSELF
374
56.50%
SOMEONE ELSE
190
28.70%
DONT HAVE A NAME
98
14.80%
TOTAL
662
100%
TALLY
PERCENTAGE
YES
229
57.80%
NO
167
42.20%
396
100%
TALLY
PERCENTAGE
YOURSELF
183
71.80%
ANOTHER PUP
13
5.10%
A HANDLER
19
7.50%
GROUP EFFORT
22
8.60%
A FRIEND
11
4.30%
OTHER
7
2.70%
255
100%
PUP BREEDS Table 54: Do you identify with a pup breed?
Table 55: Who chose your pup breed?
Table 56: Important of identifying with a breed versus those without
SAMPLE SIZE AVERAGE* STD DEV
PUPS WITH BREEDS 225 6.53 2.75
PUPS WITHOUT BREEDS
CANIS MINOR: 2017 NERDY DOGGO RESEARCH PROJECT Taylor Cook
135 2.28 2.15
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Table 57: If you personally identify with a type of canine breed. Which is it?
FREQUENCY 363 381 67 40 31 18 18 16 13 9 9 8 8 8 8 8 7 7 6 6 6 6 5 5 4 4 3 3 58
DESCRIPTIONS Not Applicable / Declined to respond Total Submissions Husky Breeds Wolf Cross breed / Hybrid Bulldog Breeds German Shepard Pitbull Rottweiler Doberman Labrador Beagle Border Collie Corgi Sheepdog Breeds Terrier Breeds Fictional Breeds Shiba Inu Boxer Dalmatian Golden Retriever Mutt Burnese Mountain Dog Great Dane Pug Saint Bernard Malamute Shiba Inu Other Miscellaneous*
1: * Several outlier points of data were placed together to preserve privacy of their participants
SWITCHES BREAKDOWN Table 58: Do you participate as a handler AND a pup in the community?
26
TALLY
PERCENTAGE
YES
119
29.90%
NO
279
70.10%
TOTAL
398
100%
CANIS MINOR: 2017 NERDY DOGGO RESEARCH PROJECT Taylor Cook
IDENTITY OF TERMINOLOGY Table 59: Do you personally identify with the term "Pup”?
TALLY
PERCENTAGE
YES
350
86.80%
NO
53
13.20%
TOTAL
403
100%
Table 60: How important is it to you personally, the term you identify with?
SAMPLE SIZE AVERAGE* STD DEV
ALL 394 5.95 2.86
AMERICAS 220 5.79 2.88
EUROPE 128 6.55 2.36
OCEANIC 58 5.93 3.06
Table 61: Identifying with something other than “pup” or “Puppy”
FREQUENCY 245 159 45 39 24 24 9 8 7 6 6 5 5 5 4 3 3 3 2 2 41
DESCRIPTIONS Not Applicable / Declined to respond Total Submissions Pupper Dog Doggo Service Dog/Pup Slave pup/dog / Dogslave Wolf Alpha Pup/Dog Bootblack Pup/Dog Guard Pup/Dog Doggy Mutt Pup Boy Little/padded pup Bitch Pup/Dog Omega Pup/Dog Pet Beta Dog Leatherdog Other Miscellaneous*
* Other miscellaneous: several outlier points of data were placed together to preserve privacy of their participants
CANIS MINOR: 2017 NERDY DOGGO RESEARCH PROJECT Taylor Cook
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Table 62: How did you come to learn about the respective roles you consider yourself in at the moment?
FREQUENCY 35 116 32 16 15 13 11 8 6 5 5 4 3 3 2 2 2 2 2
DESCRIPTIONS Not Applicable / Declined to respond Total Submissions Online Resources (general) Developed over time / Trial and error General Community Exposure / Local groups Online Resources (Pupplay.info) Through friends Online Resources (Tumblr) Pre-existing Fetish interests (Leather, rubber, BDSM, Power Exchange etc) Personal Contemplation Online Resources (Videos) Online Resources (Sirius Pup Sites) Pup Play Books Still Learning Online Resources (Puppypride.social) Online Resources (Twitter) Pup Play Workshops Unknown / Can’t recall Other Miscellaneous*
* Other miscellaneous: several outlier points of data were placed together to preserve privacy of their participants
Notable Participant Quotes
It wasn't something easy or quick. My initial respective role was laid out for me by my mate/handler/Sir. What was expected of me and what rules I must adhere to and obey. I knew I was expected to be a slave pup. I knew what it meant on paper, as the phrase may be. Over the three years of being his, my role and my identity evolved. At the core, the basic rules I obey and what is expected of me is that of a slave pup but my handler has always let me express myself in ways that allow me to be more open as a pup more so as a slave pup. I'm allowed to make choices for myself and my opinion and wellbeing comes first, even if he has the final say, in my/our life decisions. Reflecting roles against my own personality and mannerisms. Through interaction and experimentation with people in the community.
PUP PACKS Table 63: Do you belong to a pack currently
28
TOTAL
PERCENTAGE
YES
76
26.80%
NO
208
73.20%
TOTAL
284
100%
CANIS MINOR: 2017 NERDY DOGGO RESEARCH PROJECT Taylor Cook
Table 64: Do you want to join a pack?4
TOTAL
PERCENTAGE
YES
94
44.80%
MAYBE
85
40.50%
NO, BUT I USED TO
24
3.30%
NO, I DONT WANT TO
7
11.40%
TOTAL
210
100%
TOTAL
PERCENTAGE
YES
66
55.90%
NO
52
44.10%
TOTAL
118
100%
Table 65: Do all pack members reside in the same country?5
Table 66: How many members are there in your pack?
SAMPLE SIZE AVERAGE MODE STD DEV
2: * Sample contains only those who said they belong to a pack currently
TALLY 78* 7.42 3 12.42
Table 67: Titles That Pack Members Hold
FREQUENCY 59 92 27 24 13 9 8 8 4 6
DESCRIPTIONS Not Applicable / Declined to respond Total Submissions Alpha Beta Omega None: We don’t use titles Handler Pup Sir Other Miscellaneous*
* Other miscellaneous: several outlier points of data were placed together to preserve privacy of their participants
4 5
Sample does not contain people who identified that already belong within a pup pack. Sample only contains those who identified that belong to a pack currently. CANIS MINOR: 2017 NERDY DOGGO RESEARCH PROJECT Taylor Cook
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CANIS MINOR: 2017 NERDY DOGGO RESEARCH PROJECT Taylor Cook
Gear in pup play Table 68: Do you own any gear/equipment for pup play sessions?
TALLY
PERCENTAGE
YES
638
86.80%
NO
97
13.20%
TOTAL
735
100%
Table 69: Amount of Gear In the pup community
GEAR TYPE HOOD / HEADGEAR COLLAR / NECKLACE HARNESS / RESTRAINTS GLOVES / MITTS / PAWS PUP PLAY PURPOSED CLOTHING TAILS KNEEPADS FOOTWEAR TOYS (SQUEAKY, BALLS, ROPE, ETC) BANDANA'S / SCARVES DOG BOWLS BEDDING/BLANKETS KENNEL / CAGE / CRATES LEAD / LEASHES
TALLY 150 150 150 150 150 150 150 150 150 150 150 150 150 150
MODE 1 1 1 1 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1
AVERAGE 1.68 2.05 1.41 1.15 2.53 1.54 0.99 0.85 4.15 1.76 1.50 1.08 0.26 1.29
Table 70: Do the colors on any gear you wear, were chosen to imply your sexual preferences or not?
YES NO TOTAL
TALLY 183 475 658
Table 71: Have you gifted to someone in the community any gear or equipment in the past?
STD DEV 1.48 1.87 1.59 1.08 3.07 1.46 0.87 1.73 4.89 3.00 2.20 1.38 0.53 1.10
PERCENTAGE 27.8% 72.2% 100%
TALLY
PERCENTAGE
YES
61
40.9%
NO
88
59.1%
TOTAL
149
100%
Table 72: Do you travel around with some kind of memento/stuffed toy that connects to your pup play
TALLY
PERCENTAGE
YES
38
25.9%
SOMETIMES
51
34.7%
NO
58
39.5%
TOTAL
89
100%
CANIS MINOR: 2017 NERDY DOGGO RESEARCH PROJECT Taylor Cook
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Table 73: Frequency of Gear owned in the community
YES
NO
TOTAL
HOOD / HEADGEAR
110 (73.3%)
40 (26.7%)
150 (100%)
COLLAR / NECKLACE
125 (83.3%)
25 (16.7%)
150 (100%)
HARNESS / RESTRAINTS
91 (60.7%)
59 (39.3%)
150 (100%)
GLOVES / MITTS / PAWS
90 (60.0%)
60 (40.0%)
150 (100%)
PUP PLAY PURPOSED CLOTHING
82 (54.7%)
68 (45.3%)
150 (100%)
TAILS
99 (66.0%)
51 (34.0%)
150 (100%)
KNEEPADS
89 (59.3%)
61 (40.7%)
150 (100%)
FOOTWEAR
49 (32.7%)
101 (67.3%)
150 (100%)
TOYS (SQUEAKY, BALLS, ROPE, ETC)
104 (69.3%)
46 (30.7%)
150 (100%)
BANDANA'S / SCARVES
68 (45.3%)
82 (54.7%)
150 (100%)
DOG BOWLS
80 (53.3%)
70 (46.7%)
150 (100%)
BEDDING/BLANKETS
70 (46.7%)
80 (53.3%)
150 (100%)
KENNEL / CAGE / CRATES
25 (16.7%)
125 (83.3%)
150 (100%)
LEAD / LEASHES
93 (62.0%)
57 (38.0%)
150 (100%)
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CANIS MINOR: 2017 NERDY DOGGO RESEARCH PROJECT Taylor Cook
Definitions Table 74: How would you describe what "Pup Play" is?
FREQUENCY 11 105 23 21 16 13 10 6 3 1
DESCRIPTIONS Not Applicable / Declined to respond Total Submissions When I act or role-play like a dog - being on all fours, getting scritches. or as someone who interacts with the "dog" as a handler Playing in the animalistic headspace/persona of a biological dog. Roleplaying a human dog, no human talk, any express yourself with barks, be a happy dog. When someone is actively participating in a scenario is a role-play fetish that can be for sexual, social, emotional or spiritual gratification A fun and informal way to express oneself by releasing one’s animal instincts. Romping on the floor, not a care outside of play and nap A BDSM/power exchange kink/fetish with a human dog To embody and personify your chosen animal and/or to look after, care for and play with these people for a mutual emotional/spiritual boon. Other Miscellaneous*
* Several outlier points of data were placed together to preserve privacy of their participants
Notable Participant Quotes
It's pet play, wherein an individual known as a pup (or other animal) acts, consciously and subconsciously, like a puppy (or another animal). These mannerisms are governed by that depth in to a sort of self-hypnotic state known as headspace that the pup achieves. It can range from simple barking, to wagging, to literally romping around on all fours loudly barking and howling. It can be sexual but isn't inherently so. Pup play is when one person takes on the role of a pup or handler. The pup acts like their canine counterpart and the trainer, for the most part, handles the pup like he would a biological puppy. For many it serves as a release of the primal animal part of them. It is not bestiality: real animals are not involved. A kink that involves people that like to dress up in costume gear and work to get in a mind set to think like and act like canine animals. Many motivations include stress relief, inclusive fun, return to youth play and thinking, sense of belonging. to have my mind totally in pup headspace and sense, and experience everything as a true pup in the company of a handler and or another pup. Joyfully and happily, nonjudgmentally having pure fun with another playful pup.
Table 75: How Would You Describe a "Puppy" in The Community
FREQUENCY 13 103 32 17 13 9 8 7 6 5 5 5 5 4 3 3
DESCRIPTIONS Not Applicable / Declined to respond Total Submissions A person who chose to identify and behave like a biological canine. Playful Young Intense Energy / Mimicking the age of a biological puppy a (usually) submissive individual that likes to role play as a dog, puppy, or related identity A puppy is a person who has shed their "human" worries for a canine headspace Anyone who participates and consents in BDSM pup play in the roleplay of a dog. Loyal Someone who embodies the spirit of a dog / Spiritual component to their play. A person who enjoys wearing pup play themed gear Friendly Carefree Mischievous Physically active Fun-loving CANIS MINOR: 2017 NERDY DOGGO RESEARCH PROJECT Taylor Cook
33
3 3 3 3 14
Cared for A Companion Obedient Can be sexual or non-sexual. Other Miscellaneous*
* Several outlier points of data were placed together to preserve privacy of their participants
Notable Participant Quotes
To me a Puppy is someone who finds a connection and/or attraction to playing and acting as though they were a biological dog, living in the moment and reacting to stimuli rather than making judgements or jumping to conclusions. A Pup is someone who tends to live a sort of dual life in the aspect that they have two differentiated sides to them, the day to day human and the playful energetic puppy who just wants to have fun. A person who engages in the act of being a human pup. During play they act and play as though of that of a bio-puppy in an expression of freedom, commonly referred to as headspace or pupspace. Can be a short-term session of BDSM play or a long-term lifestyle choice. Pup are innocent minded. Not all are collared/owned. Some are stray and act on their own rules. Puppy is the role taken on by the person who identifies as the pup dynamic of the pup and handler dynamic. The pup acts like their canine counterpart. A person that takes on the role of a pet for the purpose of entering an alternate headspace for a mental health benefit, socialising, for sex, or some combination of both Person who wishes to for a time; think like and act in similar ways to a subservient quadruped, put their mind in a simpler mode of thinking. Often includes but not necessarily must have gear to look the part. Varying degrees of activity from simply sitting at home cuddling to full on wrestling.
Table 76: What is your personal definition of "Handler"?
FREQUENCY 9 107 22 17 12 10 10 9 6 6 5 5 4 3 2 10
DESCRIPTIONS Not Applicable / Declined to respond Total Submissions Someone who takes care of a human dog or pup. The person who looks after the puppy while they are in head space, or any other time they may need it. Someone who trains / teaches / of a dog or pup. person who acts as the puppy's "owner", treating them like a dog Someone to guide, look after and engage with the puppy Someone who looks out for a puppy and controls them at events The handler handles the pup Helps keeps pup safe and out of trouble Dominant "human" partner that gives commands or discipline to the pup The person in the power exchange that remains human. Caretaker A human who loves and adores his pup companion Caregiver Other Miscellaneous*
* Several outlier points of data were placed together to preserve privacy of their participants
Notable Participant Quotes
34
Person who takes on the responsibility of training and taking care of a pup. He realizes that a pup is very sensitive and needs training, and guidance. But, he is not cruel or mean to his pup, ever. He realizes the pup will make mistakes and might need discipline, but in a constructive way. He also enjoys the companionship of his young canine, but realizes that a pup thinks and experiences that relationship as a young animal. He enjoys watching the pup play and have fun, and he enjoys the love and devotion the pup shows him. Loves to pet and praise, and groom his pup. Also likes to treat his pup to sexual pleasure by breeding him.
CANIS MINOR: 2017 NERDY DOGGO RESEARCH PROJECT Taylor Cook
Someone who looks after a pup, making sure their needs are met, showering them with love and scritches, and enjoying their pure companionship of someone trusting you completely A Handler to me is someone who finds appreciation and value in the role of looking after and tending to the well-being of a human pup or group of human pups depending on the scenario or situation. They primarily keep an eye out for any dangers or hazards to both the pups at play as well as those around them who may be inadvertently involved. It is also their task to get to know how to read and understand the pup/pups in general, through body language and typical behaviour. Someone who's love for the interactions with a puppy in pupspace puts them in handler headspace.
Table 77: What is your personal definition of "Trainer"
FREQUENCY 20 96 41 22 16 13 6 2
DESCRIPTIONS Not Applicable / Declined to respond Total Submissions A person who trains puppies to pup out with a particular style to the trainers’ personal tastes Experienced community member to give guidance / advice to handlers and/or pups Same role as a handler A teacher figure BDSM / Power Exchange dynamic / role with a pup Other Miscellaneous*
* Several outlier points of data were placed together to preserve privacy of their participants
Notable Participant Quotes
A Trainer to me is someone who takes on the role of a Handler but also goes a bit further in that they seek to teach/guide either one or a select few Pup/Pups on their journey of self-discovery, sharing responsibility with them but also to a more personally protective level with a deeper understanding and relationship to those chosen Pups that they may deal with regularly. These are like a Handler with more established experience in dealing with pups who have taken on additional responsibilities in their chosen areas. An individual that helps a pup develop their identity and personality as a pup. This could possibly also include training of puppy etiquette and how to act more canine. Trainers are often times handlers. A trainer, in this 'pup' context, is someone who assumes a role of guiding a pup on a journey of development. May not always just be restricted to pup play activities, but also personal life coach and 'brother' role. A trainer may not have ownership rights to the pup.
Table 78: What is your personal definition of "Mosh"?
FREQUENCY 26 90 76 10 7 1
DESCRIPTIONS Not Applicable / Declined to respond Total Submissions a gathering of pups, handlers, trainers, and anyone else in a gathering for a large scale social play scene where all the pups can cuddle, romp, and non-judgmentally explore together safely. Non-sexual (social) pup play space Don’t know / Unsure Other Miscellaneous*
* Several outlier points of data were placed together to preserve privacy of their participants
Notable Participant Quotes
A Mosh is like a gathering of Pups and Handlers/Trainers to get a bit wild, relax into Pupspace and romp, tackle, nudge and get to know each other. The Pups are briefed at the beginning on the basic rules, safety guidelines and then let loose on the padded surfaces provided to rough house or simply cuddle and relax in a separate padded area in safety all the while the Handlers/Trainers keep an eye out for anything that could be a hazard or any pups who might need a break, or drink of water etc. (Also, Handlers/Trainers tend to frequently bring snacks!)
CANIS MINOR: 2017 NERDY DOGGO RESEARCH PROJECT Taylor Cook
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A gathering of multiple pups, ranging in size, from 3 or 4 to dozens, where the pups are encouraged to go as deeply in to their headspace as they care to and play with each other as pups. A carefree and safe environment for pups to explore themselves and share with others. Private or Public style event where 'puppies' and 'handlers' can get together to have social interactions. Often involves foam mats on the floor so 'puppies' can play and interact with each other, or other social type event. EG: dinner/games nights, beach time, hikes, place where a group of pups come to experience each other, be their natural puppy, canine selves. To sniff and play and have fun and to establish the natural levels of power that all dog packs do.
Table 79: What is your personal definition of "Pupspace/Pup Headspace"?
FREQUENCY 15 101 34 32 13 9 6
DESCRIPTIONS Not Applicable / Declined to respond Total Submissions The mentality and “state of mind” of being a pup. Allowing all the stresses and thoughts and emotions of normal adult life to dissolve away, and all that's left are primal emotions (fear, frustration/anger, happiness) and primal thoughts (about hunger, loneliness, thirst, being sleepy or tired, etc.) in an instinctual way. A safe state of Mindfulness. Freedom from worry, stress, a place to relax. Sort of a detachment from the human thought patterns of daily life. “letting go” of daily stresses to behave like a biological dog Other Miscellaneous*
* Several outlier points of data were placed together to preserve privacy of their participants
Notable Participant Quotes
The shift in perceptions, emotion and energy that comes typically from playing for long enough or less commonly it seems from personal volition. It's such a happy state that it makes sense there's a comedown for most. It's a meditative/trance state and while that leaves you vulnerable, it also has you open to good things. Pup Headspace is a bit more complicated for me to explain in that I would imagine it is a little different or unique to each human pup. But in its simplest form I would say that it is the process or state of mind in which a Human Pup gives up the presence of mind of a constantly working and evaluating human individual and instead takes on the identity and mentality of a dog or a puppy, acting and perceiving events and situations on a more instinctual and reactionary based manner. An alternative state of mind in which a human pup thinks and acts on a much-simplified level. They communicate with barks, wags and other non-verbal way. They play with toys and act in a way that mimics a bio-puppy. Can arguably be a form of positive mental escapism. A mental feeling or state that a person strives to achieve that allows them to temporarily forget about real life stresses (work/familial/financial etc) and focus on very simple ideas and processes that are not a normal part of regular life/days for that person. Can also be seen as a form of meditation that allows the person to relax enough to move past social anxieties and inhibitions.
Table 80: What is your personal definition of "Gear"?
FREQUENCY 14 102 45 29 29 5
DESCRIPTIONS Not Applicable / Declined to respond Total Submissions Any physical items used in someone’s personal style of Pup Play Fetish A physical extension of my pup self Physical items that they chose to help bring out the pup and assists them with their headspace. Other Miscellaneous*
* Several outlier points of data were placed together to preserve privacy of their participants
Notable Participant Quotes 36
anything that can help a person identify as a pup or help someone get into the head-space Anything used during play that isn't a part of somebody's body, so toys, collars, masks, etc. CANIS MINOR: 2017 NERDY DOGGO RESEARCH PROJECT Taylor Cook
Gear is what a pup would wear during play- mask/hood, kneepads, paws, tail, etc. To keep my answer as to what "Gear" is to me short, I would simply call the "Gear" of a Human Puppy to be the accessories that they have selected or chosen to adorn themselves with in order to feel more closely akin or connected to themselves as a Dog/Pup. Gear are articles of clothing or accessories that a pup or handler wears to embrace their identity as one, such as hood, harnesses, mitts, or tails. Typically gear helps a pup enter a pup space easier. Gear can also extend to addition articles of fetish clothing like latex/rubber body suits
Table 81: What is your personal definition of what "Pup & Handler Competitions" are?
FREQUENCY 41 74 18
5 4 3
DESCRIPTIONS Not Applicable / Declined to respond Total Submissions An event to help the community come together and help pool resources into their chosen titleholders to give them more opportunities to represent and advocate their community and be a role model to newcomers Beauty-Pageant style event Don’t Know / Unsure A place to show off skills like obedience, agility, training styles and diversity in the community Demonstration of come together and have fun; practice dedication and love to this hobby, in fun creative ways I don’t like these competitions / I don’t accept them / I see no point to them A pup play themed competition A competition for exhibitionist pups and handlers (which can be public, private, judged, voted.
3 2 2 2
Similar to an actual dog show Talent show style event Popularity contest Other Miscellaneous*
9 9 8 7
On traits, fun, merit etc.)
* Several outlier points of data were placed together to preserve privacy of their participants
Notable Participant Quotes
To me a Pup & Handler competition is an event in which both Pups as well as Handlers have an opportunity to present themselves for acknowledgement on their successes and work within their communities. Those who are judged as the "winners" of the competition are then chosen to be the representatives in their areas of expertise, to be asked for their knowledge opinions and experience in regard to what it is all about or where to go for resources or information regarding such topics. It is both a great honour as well as a heavy yet meaningful responsibility. Similar to other kink competitions they are events where a participant outs chosen as a representative of the community based on a variety of attributes. For me a pup and handler competition is a place, event, and time that the pup community, along with those interested, and supporters, can gather to not only recognise the unique sub culture we all enjoy, but also find one or two members of our community that may hold a banner for the pup and handler ideologies, further the space, gain community recognition, and assist others to find what they are looking for in the pup space. A community event, built to raise awareness of the pup community, and enables a positive recognition of pups who may take a more leading role in their communities The winners of those competitions should be expected to give back to the community in some way.
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Table 82: What is your personal definition of "Pack"?
FREQUENCY 24 92 52 21 10 8 7 8
DESCRIPTIONS Not Applicable / Declined to respond Total Submissions A group of pups that support each other, protect one another, not necessarily sexual in nature Chosen Family / Adoptive fetish family Consented Hierarchical group / social structure of pups An organised group of pups who feel a connection with one another and choose to define themselves as a pack. A group of like-minded friends Other Miscellaneous*
* Several outlier points of data were placed together to preserve privacy of their participants
Notable Participant Quotes
A pack is like a family, a group who sticks together and has each other's backs and looks after each other to make sure everyone is safe in every situation that may come up whether at a mosh or even in daily life A Pack to me is a group of Human Pups and typically one or more Handler/Trainer who identify with each other as a sort of secondary family, a home away from home sort of thing. They both lean on each other for support as well as provide it to each other when they are capable of doing such, in short, they help each other grow. A pack is a group of pups that live much like a family unit. Some packs are pup only revolving around an Alpha/Beta/omega hierarchy while some are all owned by single or multiple handlers. In the event that the handler is unable to currently preform his role, the pack reverts to the hierarchy until his/her return Pup friends that have come together in a support unity. One person usually has more life experience than the others and helps the others deal with things in their personal and pup lives. The packs may or may not be sexual in nature. A tightly knit group of pups that can be involved in platonic, romantic or sexual relationships and are often interchangeable
Table 83: What is your personal definition of "Alpha"?
FREQUENCY 16 100 61 24 10 9 9 5 2 2
DESCRIPTIONS Not Applicable / Declined to respond Total Submissions Leader/mentor/teacher/guide pup/dog of a pack and asserts control/responsibility of the pack. Dominant Pup A person who is handler of a pack a mentor/guide role to others Active community member who tries to protect, guide and mentor others Leader to look up to Protector of other pups Other Miscellaneous*
* Several outlier points of data were placed together to preserve privacy of their participants
Notable Participant Quotes
38
An alpha is the leader the one who is responsible for the well-being of the others and who is a mentor for the newer pups and can help guide them when they have questions and show them the correct behaviour when it is warranted. Person who has more experience and a generally strong personality to work with pack members of more junior experience in a mentorship and sometimes assistance role. Some packs may take this further into a military style hierarchy. An Alpha would be a Pup/Dog that 'stands' a bit taller than the rest of their group, while they may interact and play with the rest of their puppy 'family' they also tend to hold back and be more observant and protective of the others with them. They have the chosen role of being both responsible and protective of
CANIS MINOR: 2017 NERDY DOGGO RESEARCH PROJECT Taylor Cook
their Pack/Family as well as keeping the rest of the group under a chosen level of control so that things hopefully do not go too far out of control. An Alpha is a dominant puppy who may also have (or wish to have) a teaching role towards other pups. I'm terms of a pack dynamic, an Alpha is the pup who leads and sets the pack standard for the rest of the pups in a pack. An Alpha may or may not be owned by a handler, master, or Sir.
Table 84: What is your personal definition of "Beta"?
FREQUENCY 19 97 33 16 10 9 6 5 4 4 3 2 2 2 8
DESCRIPTIONS Not Applicable / Declined to respond Total Submissions Second in Command in a pack A rank below “Alpha” but above “Omega” Pup that’s in charge when Alpha isn’t around Second most dominant pup in a pack Submissive Pup / submissive to an Alpha Assists the alpha of their pack Switch (dom/sub) I don’t like “titles” like these / I don’t accept this identity. Dominant Pup Loyal Dedicated I don’t know / Unsure Other Miscellaneous*
* Several outlier points of data were placed together to preserve privacy of their participants
Notable Participant Quotes
A Beta would be a Puppy that is somewhat similar to the Alpha of the group, yet while there is typically only one Alpha of a given group, there can be multiple Betas. Their role should be that of both looking after the Alpha and their wellbeing, as well as providing support protection and comfort to the rest of the pack. Also, should the Alpha not be available, it would fall to a Beta to take responsibility for the pack in the meantime however they are typically only a temporary or "as needed" source of leadership, typically preferring to be seen as one of the pack rather than standing above them. A less dominant role that accepts guidance from someone they allow to be Dominant A beta is a pup who is a) a collared pup to an Alpha or b) a pup who is a member of a pack who is not an Alpha. A beta in a pack can also be a mentor to omegas or other pups within said pack who are not the Alpha or another beta.
Table 85: What is your personal definition of "Omega"?
FREQUENCY 23 93 53 9 8 7 6 4 3 2 11
DESCRIPTIONS Not Applicable / Declined to respond Total Submissions Most submissive in a pack / lowest rank in pack hierarchies I Don’t know / Unsure Newest member of a pup pack Follower of everyone in a pack Likes to serve others A Switch Pup (Dominant and Submissive) Titles make no sense / I don’t accept the use of titles Submissive Other Miscellaneous*
* Several outlier points of data were placed together to preserve privacy of their participants
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Notable Participant Quotes
An omega is at the bottom of the pack, and though he is not valued any less than the other pack members, he is usually the most submissive, and happier to follow the lead of the Alpha, Beta, etc. An omega is a submissive pup that will happily submit under anyone's paw and quite enjoy giving up that control to someone else. To me the Omega of a group is quite honestly one of, if not THE most important yet often overlooked roles within a pack dynamic. The Omega is quietly tasked with being the caring and loving one of the group, keeping everyone together through love affection and an open caring heart. While often seen as the "weakest" of the group, the rest of the Pack is typically very driven to protect the Omega as one of their most precious members. Omegas are sort of a cornerstone in both keeping a pack running together as well as reminding the group as to what has brought them together, tending to the needs of the pack often quietly and without the more obvious recognition that an Alpha or a Beta might receive. Omega is a submissive pup who does not have authority over other pups. They may have duties or responsibilities, but those are directions from alpha/beta pups. lower member of pack in terms of power or control. Follows rather than leads
Table 86: What is your personal definition of "Pup Breed"?
FREQUENCY 25 91 80 5 2 2 2
DESCRIPTIONS Not Applicable / Declined to respond Total Submissions An equivalent biological dog breed that the pup has chosen to identify with (aesthetically, disposition, personality, body language or spiritually) Don’t Know / Unsure Personal expression and identity Don’t care / don’t believe these exist in the community Other Miscellaneous*
* Several outlier points of data were placed together to preserve privacy of their participants
Notable Participant Quotes
40
each pup has its own aesthetic language that's reflected by not only colours, but dog breed as well. This language is used for identity but also just for sexiness. Sometimes aesthetics has no greater meaning and they're there because they look good. Other times there could be a deep or personal reason behind aesthetic choices made. Pup breeds vary widely much like bio dogs and can be mixed with many different things such as wolves which can affect personality and behaviour and while some pups’ breeds are obvious some pups are simply undefined and left as mutts and that is okay. A Pup's Breed would simply be what breed of a Biological Dog a Human Pup feels the most akin to in terms of typical behaviour mannerisms and temperament. It is also usually very representative of how that Human Pup has chosen to identify themselves as a Dog/Puppy The type of bio-dog breed someone indicates as identifying with, be it I'm certain personality traits or looks. A breed is not required to be a pup.
CANIS MINOR: 2017 NERDY DOGGO RESEARCH PROJECT Taylor Cook
Table 87: What is your personal definition of "Social Groups"? (PAH's, Kennel clubs, etc.)
FREQUENCY 38 78 30
26 8 6 5 3
DESCRIPTIONS Not Applicable / Declined to respond Total Submissions Social Support Group /Club /Organisation of pups, handler and pup-friendly people to engage with others of their community, run moshes and socials, and generally facilitate pup play so that individuals with few other opportunities to express themselves via pup play have those opportunities. Casual social Gathering of Like Minded People who are into pup play Don’t Know / Unsure An affiliation of pups and handlers that promotes and enables social interaction on a local or regional level. Non-defining Responses Other Miscellaneous*
* Several outlier points of data were placed together to preserve privacy of their participants
Notable Participant Quotes
PAH groups and Kennel clubs as well as other similar "Social Groups" are tasked with providing a safe sane and consensual environment in which to explore and relate to others of similar mindsets and interests, as well as to form organize and oversee events that may be of interest to their members and keeping everyone that they can involve and participating in moving forward. Social groups for pups are organised groups that hold events for pups within their organisations, and create opportunities for all the pups if they want them, not just the leaders. A social group is a place where pups and handlers can meet up and have classes and play groups and learn new things as well as meet new people and make friends and connections that they may not have otherwise made on their own They're social clubs that help create spaces for pups to engage with others of their community, run moshes and socials, and generally facilitate pup play so that individuals with few other opportunities to express themselves via pup play have those opportunities.
CANIS MINOR: 2017 NERDY DOGGO RESEARCH PROJECT Taylor Cook
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Miscellaneous topics FOOD & CONCERNS Table 88: Dietary Concerns Inside the Pup Play Community
RESULT
PERCENTAGE
NO CONCERNS
113
72.4%
LACTOSE INTOLERANT
25
16.0%
VEGETARIAN
6
3.8%
DIABETIC
4
2.6%
GULTEN INTOLERANT
4
2.6%
OTHERS
4
2.6%
TOTALS
156
100%
Table 89: What Kind of Treats/Food You Eat While in An Active Pup Headspace
FREQUENCY 31 120 24 24 15 15 12 11 9 8 7 5 4 4 3 2 2 2 2 2 2 1 5
DESCRIPTIONS Not Applicable / Declined to respond Total Submissions Cookies / Biscuits / Crackers Soft Confectionary (Gummy bears, sour lollies) Anything I get given Meat (General) Meat (Jerky) Chocolate Cereals I don’t eat when pupping out Meat (bacon) Chips / Crisps Fruit (Apple, blueberries, strawberry, cherries, grapes) Water Vegetables Baked Goods (Miscellaneous) Cheese Nuts Peanut Butter/peanut butter treats Popcorn Stew Pretzels Other Miscellaneous*
* Several outlier points of data were placed together to preserve privacy of their participants
PHYSICAL HEALTH Table 90: Have you had any injuries during a pup play session?
42
TALLY
PERCENTAGE
YES
99
13.30%
NO
643
86.70%
TOTALS
742
100%
CANIS MINOR: 2017 NERDY DOGGO RESEARCH PROJECT Taylor Cook
INJURIES Table 91: Injuries Occurred During Active Pup Play Activities
FREQUENCY 646 98 26 14 13 12 7 7 6 4 3 3 3 2 9
DESCRIPTIONS Not Applicable / Declined to respond Total Submissions Knee Injuries (not wearing knee pads) Minor Friction Wound / rug burn Wrist & hand Injuries Minor Bruising Sprains / pulled muscle Broken or Fractured Bone Minor Cuts Torn Tendon / Muscle / Cartilage Aggravated pre-existing injury Sore Joints Bitten Minor Shoulder Injury Other Miscellaneous*
* Several outlier points of data were placed together to preserve privacy of their participants
Notable Participant Quotes
Rubbed my knees raw through my jeans, by dancing around and spinning without pads. I drank too much and did not feel it until the next morning. If your active on your knees always wear pads. XD Sometimes I bonk my knee or head or elbows and get bruises. The injuries are negligible. Neck injuries from people jumping on me or not getting off me - rarely mosh in public for this reason random people think they can jump on you or push you and overpower you without any previous interaction indicating this is acceptable...
Table 92: How Do You Think Pup Play Affects You Physically
FREQUENCY 70 81 13 16 11 8 7 6 5 5 3 3 3 2 7
DESCRIPTIONS Not Applicable / Declined to respond Total Submissions Feels like a workout Helps me get more fit / healthier Gives me sore knees / joints / aggravates pre-existing injuries Makes me more tired / physically exhausting Doesn’t Affect Me Physical activity helps my mental health I feel more relaxed Helps me become stronger I have more energy It’s a physical sexual release Don’t Know / Unsure It’s helps me curb my drug use Other Miscellaneous*
* Several outlier points of data were placed together to preserve privacy of their participants
Notable Participant Quotes
Oh, it's a workout! The more I play, the healthier I am! There's definitely a positive correlation between puppy play and improved physical/mental health! Makes me stronger and healthier in different ways Walk more confidently and have better posture
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Keeps u active and you want to take better care of yourself
TATTOOS Table 93: Do you have a tattoo to represent your pup identity?
TALLY
PERCENTAGE
YES
45
11.4%
NO
349
88.6%
TOTALS
394
100%
Table 94: How important is it to you to express your pup identity with a tattoo? *
GROUPS ALL WITH TATTOOS WITHOUT TATTOOS
* 1= not important, 10 = Important
AVERAGE 3.6 6.9 3.2
STANDARD DEVIATION 3.02 2.70 2.81
SAMPLE TOTAL 394 43 351
MENTAL HEALTH Table 95: Community Members who have a Mental Health Diagnosis
TOTAL
PERCENTAGE
YES
304
41.30%
NO
391
53.10%
DECLINED TO ANSWER
41
5.60%
TOTAL
736
(100%)
TOTAL
PERCENTAGE
YES
588
80.70%
NO
103
14.10%
DECLINED TO ANSWER
38
5.20%
TOTAL
729
(100%)
Table 96: Does Pup Play Improve Your Mental Health
Table 97: How Do You Think Pup Play Affects You Mentally?
FREQUENCY 47 104 17 14 13 12 10 9 7 6 6 5 5 4 44
DESCRIPTIONS Not Applicable / Declined to respond Total Submissions Helps me relax Helps me relieve stress / unwind Improves my mental health in a positive way Makes me Happier Helps reduce general anxiety Healthier form of escapism Improves Depression Calms me Helps me overcome social anxiety Doesn’t affect me mentally Improves my self-confidence Energises Me
CANIS MINOR: 2017 NERDY DOGGO RESEARCH PROJECT Taylor Cook
4 4 3 3 2 2 2 2 8
Helps me be more social/outgoing Improves my primary relationship/s Feeling a sense of belonging Helps me feel more attractive Helps me channel energy / aggression healthily Improves my sense of worth Saved me from Suicide Spiritual Renewal / Meditative Other Miscellaneous*
* Several outlier points of data were placed together to preserve privacy of their participants
Notable Participant Quotes
It's relaxing and an excellent coping method. It allows me to blow off steam by playing hard, and then the relaxing and napping helps me to calm down. Because of pup play, I have been able to find a way to combat anxiety and depression. I have developed coping mechanisms to my stress levels and because of my Sir, I have access to things to help me live as mentally healthy as can be and if I falter I know I have support from him and from fellow pups. " It helps separated my conscious mind from my depression and OCD and allows me to enjoy the moment.
Table 98: Are There Any Fetishes You Actively Participate in While in Pup/Handler Headspace?
FREQUENCY 65 85 19 14 12 8 7 5 5 5 4 4 4 3 3 3 2 2 2 2 2 2 9
DESCRIPTIONS Not Applicable / Declined to respond Total Submissions Watersports Bondage BDSM Too many to list None other than pup play Feet / Boot worship Impact Play Rope play Chastity Edging / Orgasm Control Musk / Scent Play Fisting Hypnosis Pain play / Biting Bareback Play Breath Play Flogging Obedience Punishments Sex Toys Other Miscellaneous*
* Several outlier points of data were placed together to preserve privacy of their participants
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Glossary PART 1 QUESTION
1
Timestamp
2 3
Do you Identify as a Pup or Handler? Do you belong to a PAH, Kennel Club or other social support group? (This means
either paid/free membership or one of the described social groups that you participate in events; or follow or participate in physically or virtually)
4 5
What is your age range? How many years have you personally identified yourself as a pup or handler? (Just type the closest number) How many years have you been participating in the pup community? (Events, Pup Play Sessions with others etc) (Just type the closest number) Do you go to pup play themed events at public venues? Do you have any mental health diagnosis? (Individual answers will never be disclosed) Does pup play help improve your mental health? Have you had any injuries during a pup play session? If so, what was the worst pup-play related injury? Do you consider pup play activities to be sexual or non-sexual for yourself? Do you wear a collar for any pup play reasons? (either temporarily during a play session or longer?) What kind of material is the collar? (This is the primary material that the collar is made of)
6
7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
Do you have any accessories on your collar?
16
If you personally identify with a type of canine breed. Which is it? Do You Have a Pup Name? Who Chose Your Pup Name? Do you own any gear/equipment for pup play sessions?
17 18 19 20
What do You Own Out of This List? 21
Do the colours on any gear you wear, were chosen to imply your sexual preferences or not?
46
ANSWER OPTIONS Automated – To help detect repetitive submissions across surveys Single Choice: Pup, Handler Single Choice: Yes, No
Single Choice: <18, 19-20, 21-30, 31-40, 41-50, 51+ Open Answer: Participants recorded a numerical value Open Answer: Participants recorded a numerical value
Single Choice: Yes, No Single Choice: Yes, No, Rather Not Say Single Choice: Yes, No, Rather Not Say Single Choice: Yes, No Open Short Answer – Participants recorded their own Single Choice: Scale 1-10: 1= Not Important, 10= Very Important Single Choice: Yes, No Single Choice: Leather, Metal, Fabric, Plastic, Other, Don’t Own a Collar Single Choice: Piercing, Padlock, key, Dog Tag, Other, Nothing, I Don’t Own a Collar Open Short Answer – Participants recorded their own Single Choice: Yes, No Single Choice: Myself, Someone Else, N/A Single Choice: Yes, No Multiple Choice: headgear, Harness and/or Restraints, Protective Gear, Handgear/Mitts/Paws, Toys/Balls/Squeaky/Toy Rope, Leash, I Do Not Own Any Gear Single Choice: Yes, No, I Don’t Own Any Gear
CANIS MINOR: 2017 NERDY DOGGO RESEARCH PROJECT Taylor Cook
PART 2 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14
15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25
QUESTION Timestamp What region do you live in? What is your age range? What gender do you identify with? What sexuality do you identify with? Do you participate as a handler AND a pup in the community? Which do you currently focus on more overall? Which do you currently focus on more at public events? Which do you currently focus on more at private events? When you began in pup play, which role did you first identify with? how many hours would you spend in an active handler role in a given week? Roughly, how many hours would you spend in an active pup role in a given week? Do you personally identify with the term "Pup”? If you identify with a different term/s please write it here (Dog, pupper, doggo, bootblack pup, service dog, dogslave e.t.c. List as many as you identify with) How important is it to you personally, the term you identify with? Do you identify with a pup breed? Who chose your pup breed? How important to you personally is your pup breed? Do you have a tattoo to represent your pup identity? How important is it to you to express your pup identity with a tattoo? Do you have a collar to represent your pup identity? How important is it to you to express your pup identity with a collar? How important is it to you to have something visual that expresses your pup identity during the week? How important is it to you to have something visual that expresses your pup identity during public events? How important is it to you to have something visual that expresses your pup identity during private events?
ANSWER OPTIONS Automated – To help detect repetitive submissions across surveys Single Choice: Africa, Americas (North & South America), Asia, Europe, Oceanic (Australia & New Zealand) Single Choice: <18, 19-20, 21-30, 31-40, 41-50, 51+ Open Short Answer – Participants recorded their own Open Short Answer – Participants recorded their own Single Choice: Yes, No Single Choice: Scale 1-10: 1= Always Pup, 10= Always Handler Single Choice: Scale 1-10: 1= Always Pup, 10= Always Handler Single Choice: Scale 1-10: 1= Always Pup, 10= Always Handler Single Choice: Scale 1-10: 1= Began Pup, 10= Began Handler Open Answer: Participants recorded a numerical value Open Answer: Participants recorded a numerical value Single Choice: Yes, No Open Short Answer – Participants recorded their own
Single Choice: Scale 1-10: 1= Not Important, 10= Very Important Single Choice: Yes, No Single Choice: Yourself, Another pup, A friend, A Handler, Group Effort, Other Single Choice: Scale 1-10: 1= Not Important, 10= Very Important Single Choice: Yes, No Single Choice: Scale 1-10: 1= Not Important, 10= Very Important Single Choice: Yes, No Single Choice: Scale 1-10: 1= Not Important, 10= Very Important Single Choice: Scale 1-10: 1= Not Important, 10= Very Important Single Choice: Scale 1-10: 1= Not Important, 10= Very Important Single Choice: Scale 1-10: 1= Not Important, 10= Very Important
CANIS MINOR: 2017 NERDY DOGGO RESEARCH PROJECT Taylor Cook
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PART 3 QUESTION
1
Timestamp
2
What region do you live in?
3 4 5 6
What is your age range? What gender do you identify with? What sexuality do you identify with? What is your personal definition of a pup pack? How important is it to you to belong to a pack? Do you belong to a pack currently?
7 8 9
If No, do you want to join a pack?
10
How long have you been part of your current pack? How many members are there in your pack? What is your title in the pack? (Handler, Alpha, Beta, Omega etc.) Do all pack members reside in the same country? Have you gone to any mosh events? If no, Why? If yes; 1) What did you enjoy most in the mosh events? 2) What did you enjoy the least at the mosh events? Have you gone to any pup play workshop events? no, Why? If yes, what topics did they cover? If there is any topics you personally would like future workshops to cover, please describe the topics here. How important is it to you to go to mosh events? How helpful to you is going to pup themed workshop events?
11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23
ANSWER OPTIONS Automated – To help detect repetitive submissions across surveys Single Choice: Africa, Americas (North & South America), Asia, Europe, Oceanic (Australia & New Zealand) Single Choice: <18, 19-20, 21-30, 31-40, 41-50, 51+ Open Short Answer – Participants recorded their own Open Short Answer – Participants recorded their own Open Long Answer – Participants recorded their own Single Choice: Scale 1-10: 1= Not Important, 10= Very Important Single Choice: Yes, No Single Choice: Yes, Maybe, No but I used to, No I don’t want to Open Answer: Participants recorded a numerical value Open Answer: Participants recorded a numerical value Open Long Answer – Participants recorded their own Single Choice: Yes, No Single Choice: Yes, No Open Long Answer – Participants recorded their own Open Long Answer – Participants recorded their own Open Long Answer – Participants recorded their own Single Choice: Yes, No Open Long Answer – Participants recorded their own Open Long Answer – Participants recorded their own Open Long Answer – Participants recorded their own Single Choice: Scale 1-10: 1= Not Important, 10= Very Important Single Choice: Scale 1-10: 1= Not Helpful, 10= Very Helpful
PART 4 1
QUESTION Timestamp
2
What region do you live in?
3 4 5 6
What is your age range? What gender do you identify with? What sexuality do you identify with? What is your personal definition of "Pup Play"? What is your personal definition of "Puppy"?
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48
ANSWER OPTIONS Automated – To help detect repetitive submissions across surveys Single Choice: Africa, Americas (North & South America), Asia, Europe, Oceanic (Australia & New Zealand) Single Choice: <18, 19-20, 21-30, 31-40, 41-50, 51+ Open Short Answer – Participants recorded their own Open Short Answer – Participants recorded their own Open Long Answer – Participants recorded their own Open Long Answer – Participants recorded their own
CANIS MINOR: 2017 NERDY DOGGO RESEARCH PROJECT Taylor Cook
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What is your personal definition of "Handler"? What is your personal definition of "Trainer"? What is your personal definition of "Mosh"? What is your personal definition of "Pupspace/Pup Headspace"? What is your personal definition of "Gear"? What is your personal definition of what "Pup & Handler Competitions" are? What is your personal definition of "Pack"? What is your personal definition of "Alpha"? What is your personal definition of "Beta"? What is your personal definition of "Omega"? What is your personal definition of "Pup Breed"? What is your personal definition of "Social Groups"? (PAH's, Kennel clubs, e.t.c)
Open Long Answer – Participants recorded their own Open Long Answer – Participants recorded their own Open Long Answer – Participants recorded their own Open Long Answer – Participants recorded their own Open Long Answer – Participants recorded their own Open Long Answer – Participants recorded their own Open Long Answer – Participants recorded their own Open Long Answer – Participants recorded their own Open Long Answer – Participants recorded their own Open Long Answer – Participants recorded their own Open Long Answer – Participants recorded their own Open Long Answer – Participants recorded their own
PART 5 1
QUESTION Timestamp
2
What region do you live in?
3 4 5 6
What is your age range? What gender do you identify with? What sexuality do you identify with? Are you any of the following (tick applicable)
7
What kind of treats/food to you eat while in an active pup headspace Have you gifted to someone in the community any gear or equipment in the past? How many Hood/Headgear/Mask do you own? How many Collar/Necklace do you own? How many Harness/Restraints do you own? How many Gloves/Mitts/Paws do you own? How many Pup Play purposed clothing do you own? How many Tails do you own? How many Kneepads do you own? How many Footwear do you own? How many Toys (Squeaky, balls, rope, plushies etc) do you own? How many Bandana's/Scarves do you own? How many Dog Bowls do you own? How many Bedding/Blankets do you own? How many Kennel/Cage/Crates do you own? How many Leashes do you own? Do you travel around with some kind of memento/stuffed toy that connects to your pup play What are the three most important pieces of equipment you have that you value most.
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ANSWER OPTIONS Automated – To help detect repetitive submissions across surveys Single Choice: Africa, Americas (North & South America), Asia, Europe, Oceanic (Australia & New Zealand) Single Choice: <18, 19-20, 21-30, 31-40, 41-50, 51+ Open Short Answer – Participants recorded their own Open Short Answer – Participants recorded their own Single Choice: Gluten Intolerant, Lactose Intolerant, Vegan, Vegetarian, Other Open Long Answer – Participants recorded their own Single Choice: Yes, No Open Answer: Participants recorded a numerical value Open Answer: Participants recorded a numerical value Open Answer: Participants recorded a numerical value Open Answer: Participants recorded a numerical value Open Answer: Participants recorded a numerical value Open Answer: Participants recorded a numerical value Open Answer: Participants recorded a numerical value Open Answer: Participants recorded a numerical value Open Answer: Participants recorded a numerical value Open Answer: Participants recorded a numerical value Open Answer: Participants recorded a numerical value Open Answer: Participants recorded a numerical value Open Answer: Participants recorded a numerical value Open Answer: Participants recorded a numerical value Single Choice: Yes, No, Sometimes Open Long Answer – Participants recorded their own
CANIS MINOR: 2017 NERDY DOGGO RESEARCH PROJECT Taylor Cook
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25
What are the three least important pieces of equipment you have that you value least How important is being social with your pup play style How important is public exposure with your pup play style How important is private activities with your pup play style How important is sexual activity with your pup play style How important is concept of traditions with your pup play style How important is concept of spirituality with your pup play style How important is concept of sexual identity with your pup play style How did you discover pup play? How did you come to learn about the respective roles you consider yourself in at the moment? What traits do you feel make a good leader/ role model in the pup play community? What traits do you feel make a bad leader/ role model in the pup play community? What do you personally enjoy the most out of pup play? What do you personally enjoy the least out of pup play? How do you think pup play affects you physically? How do you think pup play affects you mentally? Are there any fetishes you actively participate in while in pup/handler headspace?
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50
Open Long Answer – Participants recorded their own Single Choice: Scale 1-10: 1= Not Important, 10= Very Important Single Choice: Scale 1-10: 1= Not Important, 10= Very Important Single Choice: Scale 1-10: 1= Not Important, 10= Very Important Single Choice: Scale 1-10: 1= Not Important, 10= Very Important Single Choice: Scale 1-10: 1= Not Important, 10= Very Important Single Choice: Scale 1-10: 1= Not Important, 10= Very Important Single Choice: Scale 1-10: 1= Not Important, 10= Very Important Open Long Answer – Participants recorded their own Open Long Answer – Participants recorded their own Open Long Answer – Participants recorded their own Open Long Answer – Participants recorded their own Open Long Answer – Participants recorded their own Open Long Answer – Participants recorded their own Open Long Answer – Participants recorded their own Open Long Answer – Participants recorded their own Open Long Answer – Participants recorded their own
CANIS MINOR: 2017 NERDY DOGGO RESEARCH PROJECT Taylor Cook
