Yes, that sounds intense but that’s what any innocent onlookers might have thought.
The Start – Part one
It started out with a simple comment: “Is there space for one more”. This was just to experience what this particular cage felt like inside, a curiosity and a first but without a pup mindset or intentions.
After some fun and shenanigans, which will fall under “Vegas rules“, the attention started to shift and pup behaviour began to show. All very cute and playful at first.
Sitting back with the other cage participant’s partner and another spectator, we enjoyed watching the pup behaviour that started to show. Curiosity, confusion and concern was some of the facial expressions of the crowd, let them have their fun was the general attitude, where l on the other hand took a step closer and went into Observer mode (a heightened sense of awareness of surrounding energies, words, body language, expressions etc., while quietly watching interactions unless spoken directly to).
The Actual Start – Part two
Having stepped closer to observe the two new pups at play, it became apparent that the cage was a little tight for movement – playing pups should be able to move freely and this tight space brought on some annoyances for these two.
The play, which had become a little rougher now was still exciting, yet there were no visible stress from the pups as they were happily nibbling and circling each other, or at least trying to circle each other.
Even though these two pets knew each other in friendship, they have never met each other in a pup space/mindset. This public play/environment was new, and they clearly tried to establish safe space boundaries for themselves.
Dominance or Alpha pup attitude presented itself as each pup tried to “pin” the other one, for more space and movement room, for setting the interactions environment and telling each other who is “king” of the ring.
I had a proud moment where my little pup wasn’t going to be sized up on physical appearance as she wasn’t backing down and pinning her “opponent” every often. Slowly realising that her wolf side is starting to show, I paid extra attention to the interactions and as the first panic yelping started, I calmly reached into the cage and gave CanePup a little tap on the bum while firmly saying, “Play nice”, which she didn’t understand at that time and was more a distraction, but this gave the other pup a brief moment to recover.
The playfulness went on and all had a good time, giggle, growls and excitement all round. A second panicked yelping from the other pup forced me again to respond physically with a tab on the bum which again was an annoyance for Cane but this time she tried to investigate and see where this is coming from, briefly going for my hand. The other pup had a gap to recover but also mustered some “foolish” courage to retaliate which brough Cane right back to her.
The Aftermath – Part Three
The playfulness went on with intensity, but it wasn’t long-lasting as the other pup either had enough or couldn’t keep the mindset due to various reasons. A simple phrase came from within the cage “Time” and we all knew the scene was done. We assisted the pups getting out and bringing Cane back from pupspace was interesting as we haven’t anticipated the play or expected it, which isn’t an excuse.
Giving her scritches to calm her down as she sat on the floor next to me, I stepped in behind her and gently started bringing her up to a “human” standing position and just holding her close for a few moments feeling her heartbeat. When a sense of humanspace seemed to have returned to Cane, we sat down and had a brief discussion, feedback and look at the pups.
The general vibe was good, giggles and smiles with a quick exchange of what happened, how the pups felt afterwards and during the scene and each one’s perspective regarding the scene. A cup of tea and Cane was quickly on chasing cars in LaLa Land.
Checking in with the pups the following day, there were some good bitemarks as evidence of the scene, each one was reflecting or at least still going through this unexpected playful scene with somewhat intense moments.
The Reflective Perspective – Final Part
How amazing it was that this unexpected play happened with friends or at least folks that are known and had no ill intention. Not only was this a first but in good company as well where there was feedback, laughter and no hard feelings.
This could have gone a very different route, and yes, it’s a heavy topic maybe for later but being aware of the company involved is important, respecting limits and boundaries of others and one’s own is important, safewords and a trusted peep nearby is also good idea in general. Moving on.
From a petplay scenario, the usual way of grounding or getting back into human mode be it naps, treats, tea along with the aftercare if any, doesn’t always fit the environment or situation and an alternative way is also a good idea. In this case, improvisation was needed and seemed to have functioned until the usual method or parts thereof could apply.
There is still a lot that can be contemplated, discussed and negotiated but at the end of the day, it’s about communication, mutual respect, and a safe space.
Happy pupping