What’s It Like To Collar A Pup?

Opinion piece written by Pup Hoddie on Tumblr

This is a great question, and I thank you for that. For those of you that don’t know, I’m ecstatic to have Pup Chaos as my first collared beta puppy.

Collaring a pup is actually a process that requires a lot of care, thought, and consideration. First, it’s important to recognize whether or not the dynamic with the pup you’re looking to collar is feasible. If you both identify as alpha/beta/omega pups, that’s something that could affect the dynamic in a negative way, and something that needs to be taken into consideration.

One of the most important parts about collaring a puppy is the element of trust within the relationship. A puppy should not be collared if there’s not a mutual respect, and a very high level of trust between the collared puppy and you. Chaos and I developed our dynamic over the course of a few months. With a solid timeline and constant communication, it was easy for us to both recognize and agree, or talk about and react to each other’s position on many different things that are important within our dynamic. Once we got to a point where our roles were established, it was easy and obvious to me that I wanted him to be my pup.

My role as his Alpha includes a few different things, from sexual dominance to guidance and direction to care and comfort. He can look to me for guidance and support in times of uncertainty and times of growth. It’s established that any decision that I make includes thought about his best interests. I can count on him to be reliable and true to me in the decisions he’s making and the actions he takes at any given time, whether or not I’m involved in the process.

Our dynamic, since Chaos is considered a service puppy (and a title-holding bootblack), includes forms of sexual and non-sexual service. One thing that is specific to us, as an example, is any time we are together, he takes care of my boots. Lacing and unlacing, shining, putting them on and taking them off of me. It’s an intimate form of service that, for him and I, is exclusive between us.

In short, collaring a puppy is an experience that is very rewarding if done in an intelligent, careful way. Chaos and I both agree that our dynamic is one that is positive, and as long as it stays that way, my lock and collar will remain around his neck.