Bark!

by Justin St. Clair

The idea of humans taking on the persona of animals for rituals and for pleasure dates back thousands of years. There are many subcultures in the world today that have been enjoying taking on the persona of human pets for decades in this country, just behind the scenes of what society accepts. In the past 10-15 years, there has been a human-puppy revolution happening. While it was first overtly noticeable in the deeply sexual, gay leather community, people from every walk of life are deriving pleasure from letting go of the cares of this world and taking on the care-free persona of an animal. Within the past several years, the concept has even made its way into prime-time TV, although generally with a negative connotation.
This book takes an in-depth look at the human puppy movement over the past decade. After a cursory look at history, the author defines the movement as it is happening today, and offers observations and advice to those who are learning what human pup play is all about. Included in the discussed topics are pup roles, mosh etiquette, leather relationships, and puppy competitions.
A unique characteristic of this book is that the author also takes time to delve into the art of handling the human pet; giving advice and tips for those who are not human pets, but love them. A lengthy section is devoted to the role of the Trainer/Handler and how they relate to the puppies in social settings, group interactions, and training situations.

102 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 23, 2015

Reviews

[Matt Gets Lit · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Book About Community, Not Individuals

First, let me say that I appreciate the passion the author obviously has for the pup community. He is aware of the void of resource material on the subject, and this is an intelligent, plain-spoken, welcome guide.

St. Clair could not seem to decide between the voice of an objective educator and the opportunity to air his opinions. At times, the book reads like an autobiography or a newspaper editorial. He openly admits at the beginning that the book is full of his own opinions and experiences, but then uses language like "this is neither good nor bad, just different," and "I am not here to judge..." Pages later, he puts his foot down and determines that certain behavior is "complete bullshit."

Half of the book is dedicated to the social behaviors of pups, but there is almost no reference to their sexual behaviors. Like the leathermen that he often references, St Clair suggests that puppy play is social, psychological, and even political. But there can be no denying that there is a sexual aspect as well, especially when the author himself, in the opening paragraphs, uses graphic language about what makes his "dick hard." Upon reading those words on the first page, I assumed the book would plainly and unapologetically address the (possible) sexual desires of pups and scenarios of puppy play. But no.

I do feel I learned a few things, including poly-pack hierarchies and proper mosh etiquette, but I do wish more had been written about the one-on-one relationships pups have with their Handlers.

[Ben · Rating 3 out of 5]

I felt it was an interesting look at the puppy play community (though, at this point, almost 10yrs ago), and especially through the lens of how it relates to the Leather community. There wasn't too much on "how to" pup, but a lot on the importance of respect, acceptance and tradition. Written mostly from the author's experience, rather than from a scientific perspective like Pup Tosa's Puppy-Play.

[Kelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book for anyone who is looking to learn about puppy play in general as it really does explain great many details and things that may not be known among pups or handlers and explains the origins of how it got started. Highly recommend this to anyone who may be considering getting into pup play either as a handler or as a pup