Worn around the neck like a bio dog, collars are a useful way to signal to others that you are a pup. It can also show others your name and whatever info you might want them to know.
History and Signifigance
Collars stem from dog play history. Treating someone like a dog was one way that people would engage in D/S (dominance/submission or discipline/service) elements of BDSM or kink play. Now many of us play independently or as peers for lots of other reasons.
Putting a collar on a submissive symbolizes control or ownership. It also served a very practical purpose giving the dominant an easy way to physically control a submissive.
Collars, or their shackle predecessors, have been used throughout human history as ways to enslave and control humans. This matters.
The experience of wearing or giving a collar can be positive, negative, or neutral. Depending on social location and context (who you are, skin color, ethnicity, personal history, gender, etc.), we may want to, or not, wear one.
It's important to respect others' choices to care for themselves and be mindful of the language we use and the way it may support or bother others.
Collar specifics
There are a lot of different types of collars.
There are made of all kinds of materials and even more styles within each type:
Rubber, leather, cloth or fabric
Chain or chainmail
Polypropylene (like traditional bio dogs)
Silver, gold and other precious metals
and more!!
They usually have loops to attach a leash and tags, usually name tags, which may have other info on them too.
Find a collar that feels comfortable for you. When thinking about your collar, you may want to consider these questions:
How will you use it?
How long will you wear it?
Does it need to be discrete for or visible 24/7?
Will it need to be waterproof?
What are the safety features you need to consider? Will you use it with a leash?
Do you have any allergies to accommodate?
Many pups have more than one collar for different purposes, times, and looks.
Some pups follow traditional protocols like:
Trial Collar/Collar for Consideration - a handler/alpha is considering a pup or sub
First collar/Training Collar - an established commitment, but still newer
Permanent Collar - When ownership is established or a long-term commitment is agreed upon
Other protocols determined by you, other pup(s) and or handler(s), or even a pack may have a protocol for collars or pack tags
Locks
Some pups use locks on their collars, but not all.
Locks are often a symbol of ownership or control put in place by a handler or owner. Some pups lock other pups who are in lower rank than them (ex. alphas lock betas, betas lock omegas). Some pups self-lock as a symbol that they are not open to ownership or as a commitment to themselves.
Locks require safety considerations. This includes backup keys, ability to remove in emergencies, etc. Make sure to have a safety plan with your key holder(s), even if that holder is yourself.
Social Media Post to Share with Friends.
Want to share this information with someone on social media? Check out Cooper's "Pup Collars" post on Instagram @supportpupcooper. Check out his Pup Posts highlights to find all the pup posts easily.
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