Canine connections: exploring the interplay between community events and pup-play engagement

This study examines how pup play event context influences participant experiences within Toronto’s pup-play community, focusing on psychological safety, interpersonal connection, and overall satisfaction. Employing a convergent parallel mixed-methods design, survey data were collected from 80 attendees across three pup play community events, intentionally selected for differing levels of sexual activity. Quantitative analyses comparing safety, connection, and satisfaction across events revealed no significant overall differences; however, engagement in and witnessing specific activities modestly predicted increases and decreases in these variables across the full sample and within individual events.Qualitative responses were analyzed using deductive content analysis, organized into categories of safety, connection, and sexual activity, with open-ended questions addressing attendance motivation, event understanding, personal anecdotes, and perceived effectiveness for community connection. Participant narratives illustrated how each event cultivated distinct atmospheres of inclusion, consent, and interaction, reflecting the diversity of needs and priorities within the pup-play scene. Integrating quantitative and qualitative findings revealed both convergent and divergent patterns, underscoring how event structure and sexual context shape individual perceptions. Overall, findings indicate that pup-play events function as vital spaces for social support, identity expression, and community engagement, highlighting the importance of intentional, inclusive event design that fosters psychological safety while accommodating diverse participant boundaries.