'People think it's all about sex, it's really not': why do these men dress up as dogs and role-play?

A documentary has taken viewers into the strange world of grown men who have a fascination with dressing up as dogs and have playtime together.

Human puppies with their handler take a walk through a park. Source: Channel 4

A documentary about grown men who get kicks out of dressing up in latex dog costumes and behaving like canines has stunned viewers. 

The Secret life of Human Pups from Channel 4 follows men who don doll-like costumes and meet regularly for playtime consisting of fetching balls, going for walks with handlers, and play-fighting. 

The men wearing the outfits and masks, which cost about $800, deny the hobby is sexually orientated, claiming it is a lifestyle choice. 

Kye, a 28-years-old Oxford graduate, told The Mirror that "puppy play" is a form of "escapism".

But people have taken to social media to openly question the show.

One man who did not want to be named told Manchester Evening News, "people often think it's just all about sex, but it's really not". 

"Of course there is an element of that, as with any fetish, but it's about the socialising as well."

He said the group is for gay and straight people and for people of all ages starting from 18.

But the fascination and interest lies in an element of escapism, said another unnamed participant.

From the documentary is Rachel who split up with her partner due to his alter ego Spot. Source: Channel 4

"It's a chance to go back to animal nature," he said. 

"My partner comes home from work and he's like, 'hey pup', and I'm like, 'woof!'"

The popularity of these kind of groups have surged in recent years according to Manchester Evening News.