Handler

In pet play, the dominant who takes the 'owner' role — caring for, guiding, and training a human pup (or other pet). Think of it as the human equivalent of a dog owner: leash in hand, setting the rules, dishing out praise and discipline, keeping the pet safe and in headspace. The relationship can be deeply nurturing as much as it is authoritative; a good handler reads their pup. Also called a trainer, owner, or master depending on the dynamic.