Mosh Pit
Wikipedia defines a mosh pit as " a type of strenuous dancing strongly associated with certain sub genres". For our purposes, a mosh pit is a group of pups all hyped up and playing around in a designated area or "pit". A single pup is a cute thing. A mosh pit of pups can be hysterical!
First, the alpha dogs "fight" for top dog. This is typically a light hearted but rambunctious struggle for dominance. Many pups will just roll right over on their back... not caring to be dominate and frequently the alpha appears a bit awkward for a moment as he/she realizes that this is no conquest, so they move on to see if there are any other challenges. Many pups just play around. Fetch is the most common playing method. Inevitably, someone will throw a toy for a pup to go get... and just like in real life, all the dogs will go for it so they can get the attention. :o)
During iPup, we will have scheduled mosh pits with a large padded mat area designated specifically for pupping out! There will be some props as well as toys. Feel free to bring some of your own as well. The mosh pit will be located in the Entertainment area.
Mosh Pit Times are posted on the Schedule page when the info is available.
Mosh Pit Rules
NO hard shoes on the mats (sneakers/wrestling shoes ok)
NO "hardware" (ie. belts, watches, earrings, exposed body jewelry, etc other than collars)
Knee and paw protection HIGHLY recommended. If you don't have pads for your paws, try a double pair of socks on your hands to help reduce "rug burn".
Please see the Precautions section for tips before going to the mosh pits.
Pup Precautions
As with every type of fetish play, there are precautions. To ensure a safe and fun time, one should read through all of these precautions. As simple as some may seem, when one gets into the pup head space, one frequently forgets all logic and acts on instinct. Following the guidelines listed, a pup should be able to have a wonderful experience without having to learn by trial and error.
1) Negotiate!
For those with a trainer, Master, Dom, you should negotiate this scene. How long are you both wanting it to last? What do you want to do? What are your limits? Remember the Dom should be getting something from this as well, so they should also be answering these questions.
2) Know your partner!
All health concerns should be discussed. If you take medications, make sure that the play will not interfere with taking them (Remember, trainers can give their pups medication while in head space. If you have a bad knee, high blood pressure or any other health concern or physical limitations please disclose it. You can usually work around these and still have fun.
3) Hydrate!
Make sure there is water available at ALL times! Pups put out a bunch of energy and need water. Trainers, keep a bowl of water handy at all times. If you are a stray pup, you need to make sure you have water available, preferably before going into head space.
4) Protect your paws!
My first pup experience, i had such a blast in the midst of a mosh pit of pups at IML! After maybe a couple of hours play, i started coming out of head space feeling tired but great. Then, a friend looked in shock at my knuckles... and then my knees. It seems i had rug burned off layers of skin (you only have seven) but my endorphin rush had kept me from noticing... until about 10 minutes after the play. i recommend both knee pads and mitts or gloves.
5) Wear MINIMAL attire!
You ask "Why?".Here's the story, of a pup named cosmo, who was sniffing up another fun pup. He had hair of gold, like his mother, and a chainmale collar. Till the one day when cosmo played with the pup, then they knew it was much more than just a hunch. That these two must somehow be joined together. That's the way they became a bunch! 8=8 Cosmo's earring caught in the pup's collar. The earring tore Cosmo's ear... twice... once straight down and the second was to the side... before they knew what was wrong. It nearly tore off a chunk of ear!
So PLEASE, remember to remove anything of excess. Collars are fine and appropriate, but no earrings, necklaces, bracelets, belts, etc. i recommend wearing shorts or a T-back, comfortable boots or shoes and for girls a halter top or just a bra... depending on what you can get away with (as most events with mosh pits have street attire requirements)
List provided by Cosmo Jetson - Please feel free to email with other suggestions to add to this safety section.