Awooo pack!
Let’s talk about that moment. That perfect moment in pup play where your brain goes quiet, your tail starts wagging, and you’re just lost in the pure joy of the chew, the chase, or the cuddle puddle. It’s a feeling of total freedom, right?
Well, the secret ingredient to that freedom isn't a mystery. It’s something we all need to talk about more openly and enthusiastically: Consent.
This isn’t going to be a boring lecture. This is your guide to making consent the most exciting part of your play, because great play is always safe play.
Why Consent Rocks (No, Really)
Let's be real, consent can sound like a big, scary word. Something that gets in the way of spontaneous fun. We’re here to tell you that’s totally wrong.
Think of consent as the green light for awesome. It’s the enthusiastic “YES!” that unlocks deeper trust, better communication, and way more fun. It’s not a rulebook to restrict you. It’s the foundation that allows you to let go completely, knowing everyone involved is feeling just as happy and safe as you are.
Enthusiastic consent isn’t just about avoiding a “no”. It’s about chasing a wholehearted “HECK YES!”.
How to Practice Pawsitive Consent
So, how do we make this a natural part of our play? It’s all about communication before, during, and after.
1. The Pre-Play Huddle
This is your game plan session. Before you jump into a mosh pit or a one-on-one scene, take a moment to chat. This is where you establish your pup play boundaries.
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What to talk about: What kind of play do you love? Are head scritches okay? How about belly rubs, ear scratches, or tail pets? Is gear off limits? What are your hard nos? There are no wrong answers.
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Set the Safeword: Choose a simple safeword or signal. It’s your instant pause button that everyone must respect, no questions asked.
2. Reading the Wiggles (and the Grrrs)
During play, not everything is verbal. Pups communicate with their whole bodies. Learning to read pup play body language is a superpower.
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Look for the Yes: Happy wiggles, leaning in, and playful nuzzles are all good signs.
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Respect the No: A pup pulling away, going rigid, or a low warning growl means it’s time to back off and check in. A verbal check-in like “You good?” can work wonders.
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And remebember: A yes now could turn into a no later. Respect that changes in the moment might occur.
3. The Post-Play Cool Down
Aftercare is just as important as the play itself. After an energetic session, it’s great to have a moment to reconnect as humans.
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Check in: A simple “How was that for you?” opens the door for feedback.
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Hydrate and Cuddle: Grab some water, relax, and offer some gentle reassurance. This reinforces the trust and care within your pack.
Consent in the Wild: The Mosh Pit
The puppy pile is a blast, but it’s a dynamic space. The golden rule is simple: your fun shouldn’t ruin someone else’s.
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Tap Out Rule: If you need a break or feel overwhelmed, just tap the floor or the person next to you. It’s the universal signal to give you space.
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Ask Before You Pet: See a new pup you want to play with? A friendly gesture or a soft “woof” to get their attention is always better than just jumping in.
Want to Dive Deeper? Join the JetPack!
Talking about consent and connection is amazing, but practicing it in a safe, supportive space is even better.
That’s exactly why we created the JetPack, our private community on Mighty Networks. It’s a dedicated space for pups and handlers from all over the world to ask questions, share experiences, and connect with like-minded people who get it.
If you’re looking for a place to continue this conversation and find your pack, we’d love to have you.
Click Here to Join the JetPack Community
Consent is Kindness
At the end of the day, practicing consent is about respect, compassion, and inclusion. The very values that make our community so amazing.
It’s what allows us to build a stronger, healthier, and happier pack, where every single pup feels safe enough to be their most authentic, playful self.
What's one way you practice pawsitive play in your pack? Let us know in the comments below!
