Hanky Code? Flagging? What’s that?
“You want to do WHAT?!?”
I’ve seen, and had, that conversation starter a few times while out at Gear Nights. While many in our community pick colors for their hoods and related gear that are what they like, there are those out there in the greater BDSM world that can associate those colors with the Hanky Code. So…just what is the Hanky Code??
The Handkerchief Code (also known as the Hanky Code, Bandana Code, and Flagging) is a traditional form of signalling to others what your sexual preferences and interests are. Gay men used, and still do use, this code to communicate with each other in the noisy and distracting environment of gay bars. Although not as widely used these days, it is still something that should be known and that we should be aware of and is, among those who know, a great conversation starter at times.
Wearing a handkerchief on the left side of the body typically indicates one is a “top” (one considered active in the practice of the act/fetish indicated by the color of the handkerchief), while wearing it on the right side of the body would indicate one is a “bottom” (one considered passive in the practice of the act/fetish indicated by the color of the handkerchief).
So now that you know the basics of the what, let’s get into a bit of details on what these colors and patterns could be interpreted as. Also, as you will see in the charts below, some of the colors could be interpreted in different ways depending on the people involved.
“So…does this mean I should ONLY pick colors based off of things on these lists I’d enjoy?”
NO!!! The whole point of us pet players is a way for us to have fun and be ourselves!!! You should never let anyone else determine what makes you happy and what you wear….unless you have negotiated and consented to that of course!!
This post is more to make sure that everyone is educated and aware of what SOME people may assume. And truly, if they assume and act on that assumption without a discussion happening first, that is something that would need to be raised amongst the greater community anyway. So take a once over of the lists below, use them to know what you may be asked out at events, and then go with that color of hood and gear you just love anyway!!!
| Color | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Black | S&M |
| Blue (Dark) | Anal sex |
| Blue (Light) | Oral sex |
| Brown | Scat |
| Green | Hustler/prostitution |
| Grey | Bondage |
| Orange | Anything goes |
| Purple | Piercing |
| Red | Fisting |
| Yellow | Watersports |
How To Store Your Neoprene Puppy Hood When At Home (And NOT At Home)
After a night pupping out, or at a mosh, or an intense session with a handler, the time inevitably comes when you have to un-hood and return to human-space. So what do you do with your hood until next time you’re ready for pup-space?
Well, if you read my recent blog post on how to clean your puppy hood, you could do that.
Or, you could just toss it aside in a drawer, in the closet, or somewhere else where it waits for you until next time. That’s all fine and good, but remember, your hood is an investment, an external representation of your inner animal. So why just toss it aside where it can be damaged, stained, or sitting out in plain view waiting for that explanation to someone who doesn’t understand what pup play is all about?
I recommend you go get yourself one of these:
Yes, one of those styro mannequin heads. They’re cheap – you can get them at Beauty Supply houses, or even online. I got mine via Amazon for less than $10 and delivered via Prime in a day; just search for “Styrofoam Mannequin Head”. They have male and female ones, but I’ve found the male ones seem to fit the shape of the hood best (that’s not being sexist, that’s just being honest).
The mannequin heads help in many different ways. They keep the hood from getting the dreaded creases dirty, or damaged – especially during transport from home to the mosh (or from home to the suitcase to somewhere halfway around the world). They allow more storage options as the hood will be kept upright, in its natural shape, and it can dry / air out on its own. If you have a collar, you can even put the collar around the neck area, like so:
Oh, and yea, about the caribeaners (those little colored S-hook looking things in the above photo). Those are actually very useful to have around on on you somewhere – like hooked onto your belt loop.
For those with Mr S Leather hoods (or similar), have you ever wondered what the little tag-looking thing on the inside back of the hood was for? Well, me too, until someone told me that it can be used to “hook” your hood on your belt loop (or something else) while out and about, so you have a place to hold the hood and keep both hands free. No longer do you have to hold the hood in one hand and a drink in the other, or leave your hood on a table somewhere where it can get stolen or something spilled on it.
Caribeaners are cheap – I picked up a pack of 5 mini ones at Buc-ees in Denton on the way to the Dallas Eagle for less than $5. You can get them at any sporting goods store or home store. They probably even carry them at WalMart or Target, though I haven’t checked. They also could double as a storage hook in case you don’t have one of the mannequin heads above.
That’s it pups and pets. Happy hooding!
How To Clean Your Neoprene Puppy Hood
One of the very first gear purchases any pup makes – or wants to make – is their own pup hood. They are more than just a purchase; given the cost they can seem like a bit of an investment. But the benefits of owning a hood are vast: they can help put a human into pup headspace, help with the overall external look of a particular look or breed, convey identity, or even help a human pup calm down and relax after a long hard day “adulting”.
Hoods can come in all shapes, sizes, and materials, but by far the most common type is the neoprene hood. The two most popular styles are made primarily by Mr. S. Leather and Wruff Stuff; I own hoods from both companies and I’ve attached pics of both styles below for reference. On the left is the “open head” style hood from WruffStuff, on the right is the classic full-head hood from Mr. S Leather.
Each hood has it’s pros and cons, but they have one thing in common – they get dirty from being worn. Moshing, playing, you name it, puppy play gets you all hot and sweaty – and like any other piece or gear you wear, they will need cleaning at some point. So how do you do it?
What you’ll definitely need: You, your shower, some dishwashing liquid or shampoo / body wash, and a balloon
What you’ll optionally need: A styrofoam mannequin head. You can get these online from amazon or at a beauty supply store for less than $10.
Cleaning the hood is pretty easy and takes only a few minutes. Just strip down, hood up, and hop in the shower. Wet your hood down just like you would your hair, then take a small amount of either the dishwashing liquid or body wash and lather up your hood. Don’t forget to get the ears, muzzle, and chin too. Rinse well and shake your head – just like a pup does after having its face washed. (I’ve also taken the hood off after washing the exterior of it, and lathered up the inside of it just to make sure that it’s clean inside and out, but this purely optional and up to you.)
Once you’re done, remove the hood and lightly pat-dry with a towel. DO NOT wring the water out of the hood, as this could permanently damage the hood!
Allow the hood to air-dry by (a) either placing the hood on top of the styrofoam mannequin head, or (b) turn the head upside down, put the balloon inside the hood, and blow it up until the balloon fills up the head area, then tie it off. You can also stuff clean socks or plastic grocery bags inside the muzzle of the Mr S hood to help it keep its shape while drying. It should take about 24 hours or so for the hood to dry completely.
I DO NOT recommend laying the hood flat to dry or in a warm area, etc. Only use one of the 2 methods above. If you try any other way, you run a high risk of causing wrinkles and creases in the hood that will be hard, if not impossible, to get out.
If you follow this guide, your hood investment should last you a very very long time.
Happy Pupping!
The Other Side of the Stage: A Handler’s View
Written by Ms. Bre
When my puppy told me he wanted to compete a variety of feelings hit me. Deep down however I knew he’d regret it if he didn’t. So I encouraged him. I even pushed him to enter. The reality of the competition was overwhelming. You feel every emotion imaginable from fear to pride and even sheer joy. Its a strange thing to know and love someone and then see a whole room light up when they enter. That support and comradery between the contestants as well as the audience is striking. It is an experience I will always remember and be grateful to have been through. In the end you learn a great deal about yourself and the ones you love. It takes strength to stand up to that intimidating world and smile in the face of it. I would encourage handlers or anyone to dig deep and embrace the experience as a way to grow and deepen your own life and your relationship.
Guten Tag From Blitzkrieg!
Guten Tag everyone from Blitzkrieg the German Shepherd! I’d also like to welcome you to PAC-OK’s “kennel on the internet”, and encourage everyone to check us out and see what we have to offer.
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Welcome from Kairos!!
Hi everyone!!! wags excitedly We did a THING!!! I hope that all the pets and Handlers that visit us here enjoy what we have done, and what we continue to do! If you have any questions, comments, or concerns don’t be shy! Comment on this post, Bark at us via the form at the bottom of the page, or join the Telegram group and tag me! I won’t bite, unless you ask me nicely!
