The 2026 Australian Pups and Handler Competition (APHC) takes place in Perth this week. Current Australian Pup titleholder, Lycan, shares how pup play is so much more than just a fetish.
The Australian Pup and Handler Competition was founded in 2017 to bring together Australia’s pup and handler communities.
More than just a contest, it’s a celebration of human pup play. The annual celebration includes social activities, educational workshops and a chance to meet like-minded people.
In 2022, the current Australian pup titleholder, Pup Lycan, started exploring pup play when he attended his first APHC.
“Coming out of COVID, I had a conversation with a friend who said, ‘You might be into this, and we’re going up for an event in Brisbane that I think you might enjoy.’ My curiosity got the best of me,” he shared.
APHC 2025 Victory PartyPhoto by HDG Image Photography / Source: a-pah.com.au
“People have a lot of misconceptions about pup play, like that it has to be purely a sexual thing, or purely a non-sexual thing.”
“At the end of the day, it is a massive kink to people from all over the planet. And it’s realistically very accessible when you think about it from both a money and headspace point of view.”
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What is pup play?
It is a form of role-play where adults adopt the mannerisms, behaviours, and mindset of their canine persona.
The minute some people hear or see anything about pup play, they automatically think about it in a literal sense.
But for Lycan, embracing his pup persona gave him the confidence he needed to step back into the world and combat social anxiety.
“Wearing a hood and having a little bit of anonymity allowed me the confidence to be able to go up to people and actually be social,” he said.
“Especially in my earlier days, wearing a hood made me feel okay if I made a fool of myself, because I was in a mask. But in general, it opened the door to having conversations with people and made life easier.”
“Because at the end of the day, we’re all wearing silly dog heads.”
Pup Lycan and pups on the dance floorSource: Supplied
The community has been a lifeline for Lycan
Hearing Lycan talk about pup play as a way of relieving pressure in social situations gives it a new perspective. But being a kink, it also sits in a sexual space for many.
“It can also be part of the sub/dom dynamic,” he said” Looking at the origins from my understanding, puppy play was born in the leather scene.”
“But when you look at it these days, especially from my experience, it’s evolved into fashion. And in Europe it is very popular, incorporating elements like MX gear and tactical stuff. These have no sexual connotations whatsoever.”
“Playing in ball pits and wrestling like dogs is just a bit of fun. It brings a bit of whimsy back into what is arguably quite a stressful modern life that we all live in. I’m in my 30s, and being able to just bark at people with my friends is extraordinarily recharging.”
APHC 2025 competitors and winnersPhoto by Claytonk Media / Source: a-pah.com.au
Lycan shared that he was in a depressed place and the pup community became a lifeline.
“I was in a very depressive place in my life,” he shared, “And the kind of support the community gave me has been life-mould-breaking.”
“Through winning the title, I’ve been able to travel to Europe and represent the community as well as all around the country. I hope I have done our community proud and painted them in a good way overseas.”
Check out APHC in Perth
Events as part of the Australia Pup and Handler Competition unofficially kick off today in Perth with social get-togethers.
But there’s not one event that Lycan is most excited for.
“I’m just looking forward to having all of my friends in one space,” he said. “There’s something about dancing under lights with just a bunch of dogs that’s just extraordinarily fun.”
Watch out, Connections Nightclub!
There’s a whole host of activities surrounding the competition, from walkies and puppy olympics to a consent and sauna workshop at Steamworks and more.
You can check out the full schedule here.
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And if you’re interested in what pup play is all about and looking for somewhere to start, APHC events are a great way.
“If you know of an event that takes place and you’re interested in it, reach out, just go and experience it,” Lycan said.
“For me, exposure therapy in that sense is the greatest way to experience things, so just dive in and get amongst it.”
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