Australian Pup & Handler Competition 2026
Contestant Information & Entry Form
If you're interested in competing for APHC 2026, please thoroughly read the information outlined below and submit your application.
Submissions Deadline - Sunday 31st August 2026
PRODUCERS WELCOME
#APHC2026 – Boorloo/Perth
Welcome to the seventh edition of the Australian Pup and Handler Competition (APHC) – a national title that celebrates connection, identity, and the vibrant energy of the pup and handler community across Australia.
Since its beginnings, APHC has grown into a cornerstone event for our community, bringing together pups, handlers, pandlers, and supporters from every corner of the country. Each chapter has carried the spirit of friendship, visibility, and shared joy. In 2026, the journey returns to Boorloo/Perth from our last foray west in 2023!
More than just a title, APHC is a celebration of who we are: playful, proud, and deeply connected. It’s a space to be seen, to be supported, and to stand alongside one another in solidarity -whether on stage or cheering from the crowd.
We’re here to crown Australian Puppy 2026 and Australian Handler 2026, but we’re also here to strengthen the ties that bind us. This event is about the people behind the gear, the stories that bring us together, and the values we carry forward as titleholders and community members.
If you’re considering entering, please read this document carefully. It outlines the requirements, expectations, and standards that apply to all contestants. Our commitment is to deliver a fair, transparent, and fun competition for everyone involved.
Got questions? We’re here to help – reach out to us.
Be good. Be safe. Have fun. We’ll see you in Perth/Boorloo.
Scritches
Thomas Martin (Pup Panther – Australian Puppy 2017)
COMPETITION EVENTS INFORMATION & RULES
1. Information
1.1 If you require assistance with transport to/from any event, please speak to any of the Producers listed in this document to arrange.
1.2 Times may change throughout the competition or prior depending on venue arrangements. All contestants will be notified in advance.
1.3 Telegram will be used as the primary form of communication between Producers and contestants. Please ensure that you have access to Telegram prior to the start of the competition.
2. Compulsory Events
2.1 All contestants must attend the events in the table below:
| Date | Time | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| TBC | 17:00 | Contestant Briefing | Virtual |
| Thu Oct 1 | 12:00 - 2:00 | Judge & Contestant Mixer | Hyde Park Hotel, 331 Bulwer St, West Perth WA 6005 |
| Thu Oct 1 | 17:00 | Meet & Sniff | Hyde Park Hotel, 331 Bulwer St, West Perth WA 6005 |
| Fri Oct 2 | TBC | Interviews | Perth Pride Centre, Corner of James Street and Lake Street, Northbridge |
| Fri Oct 2 | 15:00 | Tech Rehersals Stage Competition | Connections Nightclub |
| Fri Oct 2 | 18:00 | Stage Competition | Connections Nightclub |
3. Optional events
3.1 The below events are not judged components of the competition however contestants are encouraged to still attend.
| Date | Time | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sat Oct 3 | 12:00 | Market Hall / Buy Swap Sell | Connections Nightclub |
| Sat Oct 3 | 12:00 | APHC Workshops & Panel | Connections Nightclub |
| Sat Oct 3 | 18:00 | Victory Party | Connections Nightclub |
| Sun Oct 4 | 11:00 | Walkies | Hyde Park |
| Sun Oct 4 | 11:30 | Sunday Sundowner | Hyde Park Hotel |
| Sun Oct 4 | 19:00 - Late | Kennel Club X | Perth Steamworks |
4. Contestants briefing
4.1 The Producers of APHC and the Kennel Parent(s) will meet with contestants to ensure a full understanding of these rules, the competition structure and answer any questions.
5. Meet & Sniff
5.1 Meet & Sniff is a stand-up cocktail-style event that officially welcomes all contestants, judges, and spectators to the competition weekend. Drinks and canapés will be served throughout the evening. Each contestant will be briefly introduced to the audience, marking their first public appearance of the event.
5.2 Judges will be in attendance. Contestants are expected to mingle, engage positively with attendees, and represent the Pup and Handler community in a respectful and inclusive manner. While the production team will ensure that all contestants and judges are introduced, there is no obligation for contestants to hold one-on-one conversations with judges during this event.
5.3 Contestants should be aware that, while the Community Engagement category is assessed across the entire weekend, events such as Meet & Sniff offer key opportunities for judges to observe how contestants interact with both the community and the public. Your conduct and engagement at these events will meaningfully contribute to your overall score in this category.
6. Interviews
6.1 Interview Format
6.1.1 Each contestant will participate in an individual interview with the full judging panel. Interviews will be conducted one at a time and must not exceed 20 minutes in duration.
a. All Australian Puppy contestants will be asked a core set of questions tailored to the Puppy title.
b. All Australian Handler contestants will be asked a core set of questions tailored to the Handler title.
6.1.2 In addition to the core questions, judges may ask follow-up or clarifying questions relating to a contestant’s knowledge, experience, community engagement, or views on pup and handler dynamics.
6.2 Guidelines
6.2.1 Contestants are welcome to wear pup or handler gear during the interview; however, full-face hoods or masks must be removed at the beginning of the interview to allow clear communication and engagement with the judging panel.
6.3 Timekeeping
6.3.1 Each interview must remain within the 20-minute limit. The contestant or their designated handler is responsible for time management and ensuring the interview concludes on schedule. If the time limit is reached mid-question, the contestant may provide a brief closing response before the interview is concluded.
6.3.2 If the time limit is reached and Interview round concludes before all judges have had the opportunity to ask their questions, points may be deducted from the total score for this round.”
6.4 Judging
6.4.1 The interview is assessed individually by each judge. While judges have discretion in how they allocate their points, the process typically involves:
a. A panel of up to five judges
b. Each judge asking one primary question, plus any brief follow-up
c. Titleholders will represent their current state of residence
d. In the event both Titleholders are from the same state, the Puppy Titleholder will judge the Puppy contestants during interviews and the Handler Titleholder will judge the Handler contestants during interviews.”
6.4.2 Contestants should prepare to address a range of topics with clarity, thoughtfulness, and authenticity. The interview is an important opportunity to demonstrate depth of understanding, personal values, and how you represent the pup and handler community.
7. Stage Round General Information
7.1 General Information
7.1.1 The Stage Competition consists of two rounds:
a. Speech Round
b. Fantasy/Play Demonstration Round
7.1.2 Both are public, on-stage presentations judged by the panel and are key components of your overall competition score. These rounds allow you to showcase your personality, your connection to pup play, and your ability to represent the community with pride and authenticity.
8. Speech Round
8.1.1 Overview
a. Overview” and replace: “…it may be personal, educational, humorous, heartfelt, or reflective of your journey as a member of the Pup and Handler Community
8.1 Speech Rules
8.1.1 Maximum duration is 2 minutes:
a. Timing starts when you either begin to speak or touch the microphone—whichever occurs first.
b. 90-second warning will be given (visual or auditory) to help you time your conclusion.
c. Points will be deducted for speeches that exceed the time limit.
8.1.2 Props & Visuals:
a. Props are not typically used in the speech round. If you plan to use one, notify the production team in advance for approval.
8.1.3 Scoring Criteria:
a. Judges will assess content, delivery, confidence, timing, creativity, and how well your speech reflects your identity and values within the pup/handler community.
8.1.4 Preparation Tips
a. Practice with a timer to ensure you can confidently finish within 2 minutes.
b. Rehearse with the microphone if possible,and be ready to adapt to different stage setups.
c. Speak clearly and stay authentic. Connection matters more than polish.
9. Fantasy / Play Demonstration Round
9.1 Overview
9.1.1 This is your opportunity to show the judges and audience what pup play means to you through a creative, choreographed scene. Think of it as a live-action expression of your dynamic, headspace, and personality. This round is inspired by the International Pup and Trainer Competition (IPTC) standards.
9.1.2 Contestants are encouraged to submit a brief summary of their fantasy / play demo round to the production team to ensure safety, appropriateness, and feasibility, as well as to consider any necessary staging needs or support
9.2 Fantasy / Play Demonstration Rules
8.2.1 Duration: Maximum duration is 3 minutes:
a. Performances must not exceed 3 minutes.
b. Points will be deducted for performances that exceed the time limit.
c. The scene ends when your audio stops or when signalled by stage crew.
9.2.2 Audio Requirements:
a. Typically microphones will not be provided for this round. If you plan to use one, notify the production team in advance for approvaland embedded in your background music or soundscape.
b. Submit your final audio file (MP3 format) to the production team no later than 7 days prior to the date of the Stage Rounds.
9.2.3 Participants & Props:
a. You may perform solo or include up to two additional people in your scene.
b. These can be your handler, pup, pack member, friend, or partner—whoever helps you express your authentic self.
c. If two contestants choose to pair for a joint scene, you may only perform once, and you will be judged individually but simultaneously.
d. You may use up to five (5) props or toys on stage. Props must be safe and manageable within your performance area.
9.2.4 Preparation Tips
a. Watch previous IPTC stage performances for inspiration: IPTC Stage Videos – 2024
b. Focus on authenticity—your scene should reflect your genuine relationship to pup play.
c. Ensure your audio is high-quality and clearly conveys any dialogue or narration.
d. Rehearse with your supporting partners or pack and refine timing carefully.
10. Scoring
10.1 Judging Criteria and Point Allocation
10.1.1 Contestants will be judged on Community Engagement from the start of Meet & Sniff to the time that a winner is announced
10.2 Community Engagement – 125 Points
10.2.1 Contestants will be judged on Community Engagement from the start of Meet & Sniff to the time that a winner is announced
10.2.2. Judges will assess contestants on their ability to engage positively and authentically with others during the competition. Criteria include:
a. Interaction with the public
b. Presentation of a positive image of pup and handler play
c. General behaviour and conduct
d. Willingness to participate in events and activities
10.3 Interview – 300 Points
10.3.1 During the interview round, each judge will assess responses to structured questions. Scores will be based on:
a. The breadth and depth of knowledge demonstrated
b. The relevance of the answer to the question asked
c. The clarity and articulation of the response
10.4 Speech – 250 Points
9.4.1 Contestants will deliver a timed speech. Judges will score based on:
a. Content and relevance of the speech
b. Pace and timing
c. Stage presence and engagement with the audience
10.5 Fantasy/Play Presentation – 125 Points
9.5.1 In this performance-based round, judges will evaluate:
a. Clarity of the scene, dynamic, or presented image
b. Entertainment value and audience engagement
c. Pace, timing, and overall stage presence
10.6 Time Management
9.6.1 Time limits for each scoring round are strictly enforced. Any changes to time allowances or point distribution will be communicated in advance to all contestants and judges. Penalties may apply for exceeding the allotted time, as outlined in the stage round guidelines.
10.7 Scoring Methodology
10.7.1 Scoring will follow the Olympic-Scoring Method:
a. For each round, the highest and lowest judge scores are discarded.
b. A trimmed mean is calculated from the remaining scores to determine the contestant’s score for that round.
10.7.4 The contestant with the highest total trimmed mean score across all rounds will be declared the winner.
10.7.5 The contestant with the second highest score will be declared the runner-up.
10.7.6 In the event of a tie, the contestant with the higher Interview round score will be declared the winner.
10.7.7 All scoring is final and no appeals are available on individual scoring across the contest.
10.8 Minimum Score Requirement
10.8.1 To be eligible to win a title—regardless of whether the contestant is running unopposed or competing against others—a minimum of 60% of the total available points must be achieved.
10.9 Oversight
10.10.1 The APHC Production Team reserves the right to review and monitor the progress and conduct of titleholders at any point during their title year to ensure continued alignment with community values and titleholder responsibilities.
10.10 Awarded Titles
9.11.1 The winners of the competition will be awarded the titles of:
a. Australian Puppy 2026
b. Australian Handler 2026
11. Conduct and Conflict of Interest Policy
10.9.1 To maintain fairness and integrity in the judging process, the following conduct policies apply:
10.9.2 Strictly prohibited prior to the announcement of results:
a. Private meetings between contestants and judges, production team members, or sponsors
b. Shared accommodation
c. Any form of sexual activity or kink/fetish scene involving contestants and the above parties
10.9.3 Perceived bias: Any behaviour that may reasonably be seen to compromise impartiality will be reported to the Contestant & Judge Coordinator, Head Producer, and the Judging Panel. They will jointly determine whether disqualification of the involved judge and/or contestant is warranted.
10.9.4 Identification: To prevent unintentional breaches, contestants and judges will be formally introduced prior to the commencement of competition events. All participants must wear official APHC identification, provided by the production team, at all events.
CODE OF CONDUCT FOR TITLEHOLDERS & CONTESTANTS
1. Purpose
1.1 This Code of Conduct establishes the behavioural expectations and responsibilities of APHC titleholders and contestants. It ensures titleholders and contestants uphold the integrity of the organisation, protect the community, and act as positive ambassadors for APHC throughout the competition weekend and into a title year.
1.2 This Code is binding from the commencement of your entry to the competition and any subsequent awarding of the title.
1.3 This Code remains enforceable for as long as you publicly hold or refer to your APHC title, or represent yourself in that capacity.
2. Core Principles
2.1 Titleholders must uphold and model the following principles:
2.1.1 Respectful Behaviour
a. Treat all individuals with dignity, regardless of gender, sexuality, ethnicity, ability, background, or beliefs.
(i) Use appropriate language and avoid aggressive, intimidating, or demeaning behaviour.
(ii) Avoid any action that may bring the APHC or the wider community into disrepute.
2.1.2 Anti-Discrimination and Inclusion
a. Comply with the Anti-Discrimination Act 1991 (Qld) and relevant Commonwealth laws.
b. Promote inclusion and accessibility in all APHC-affiliated appearances or activities.
c. Do not engage in discriminatory, harassing, or vilifying behaviour, including online.
2.1.3 Boundaries and Consent
a. Maintain appropriate personal and physical boundaries at all times.
b. Always seek and respect informed, enthusiastic consent in all interactions, especially in kink contexts.
c. Do not use your title, role, or visibility to manipulate, coerce, or exploit others.
2.1.4 Online Conduct
a. Represent APHC and the title responsibly on social media and digital platforms.
b. Refrain from posting material that is defamatory, discriminatory, inflammatory, or that violates community guidelines.
c. Do not misuse your position to incite harassment or encourage targeting of others.
2.1.5 Safety and Duty of Care
a. Exercise care and consideration at events, particularly in scenes or spaces involving risk.
b. Promptly report safety concerns, boundary violations, or inappropriate conduct to the APHC committee.
c. Support a culture of consent and accountability in all public and private representations of APHC.
3. Titleholder Obligations
3.1 Participate in title-related events, fundraisers, and education campaigns to a reasonable extent.
3.2 Respond in a timely manner to communications from the APHC committee.
3.3 Notify APHC if you are unable to fulfil your duties due to health, travel, or personal reasons.
3.4 Maintain confidentiality over sensitive or personal information shared during your tenure.
4. Breaches of Conduct
4.1 Examples of Breaches include but are not limited to:
a. Harassment, bullying, or abuse (online or offline)
b. Sexual misconduct or non-consensual behaviour
c. Public intoxication or substance abuse at APHC events
d. Breach of privacy or confidentiality
e. Misuse of title or status for personal gain or manipulation
f. Failure to uphold APHC’s values in public forums
4.2 Reporting and Complaints
a. Complaints may be submitted by any person and must be made in writing to the APHC committee. Anonymous reports may be considered but may limit procedural outcomes.
5. Disciplinary Process
5.1 All complaints will be managed in accordance with the principles of procedural fairness and in accordance with APAH’s grievance processes
5.2 Initial Assessment
a. The APAH Investigations sub-committee will assess the complaint and determine if it warrants further investigation.
5.3 Procedural Fairness
a. The titleholder will be notified in writing of the allegation and provided an opportunity to respond.
b. A reasonable timeframe will be given for response.
c. If needed, the committee may seek independent advice or mediation.
6. Outcomes
6.1 The committee may, at its discretion, take one or more of the following actions:
a. Formal warning
b. Mandated apology or behaviour modification commitment
c. Temporary suspension of title duties
d. Termination or revocation of title
e. Barring from future APHC participation or endorsement
f. All decisions and reasons will be recorded in writing.
7. Appeals
7.1 Titleholders may request an appeal of any disciplinary decision within 14 days of notification. Appeals must be made in writing and will be reviewed by a panel of no fewer than three individuals, at least one of whom must be independent of the original decision.
7.2 The decision of the appeals panel is final.
8. Legal and Governance Considerations
8.1 This Code forms part of the APAH governance framework and is enforceable under:
a. Associations Incorporation Act 1981 (Qld)
b. APHC Constitution and By-laws
c. APHC Contestant Requirements and Titleholder Agreement
8.2 Non-compliance may result in action as outlined in the APHC rules or under relevant association law.
CONTESTANT ENTRY FORM
Contestant Entry Form
Thank you for your interest in APHC 2025.
After submissions close, the producers will contact entrants with ongoing instructions.
If you have any questions about the entry process, please contact us.
