Doggy-style sex is a type of rear-entry penetration where the receiving partner faces away, typically on their hands and knees. It may provide deeper penetration and more stimulation.

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Illustration by Alexis Lira

With vaginal sex, rear entry lends itself to deeper penetration and G-spot stimulation — and the benefits don’t stop there.

It also allows for deeper penetration with anal sex, introducing the possibility of anal orgasm.

Thrusting in this position is all about the hips, so if the giving partner experiences lower back pain, doggy may help take some of the pressure off.

Adding a supportive pillow or wedge under the receiving partner’s lower stomach can also help alleviate pressure and create more space for penetration.

Well, it’s all in the name. As you might’ve guessed, this position starts from behind.

The receiving partner gets on their hands and knees, facing away from the giver.

Some people enjoy staying on all fours, while others may be more comfortable leaning down so that their hips are higher than their head.

The giver can enter from behind in a kneeling or standing position.

Although the giving partner does most of the heavy lifting, hinging and thrusting from the hips, the receiving partner can kick it up a notch by wiggling and bouncing back against their penis or toy.

If the sensation becomes too intense or uncomfortable, there are a few things you can do to modify the move:

  • Sometimes it’s as simple as asking your partner to make shallower movements. Their penis or toy will still be able to stimulate your G-spot or P-spot.
  • Instead of having your partner thrust from behind, try taking control from the front. Thrusting backward onto their penis or toy will allow you to control the depth and speed.
  • Switch up your positioning so there isn’t as much of a direct path to your cervix or sphincter. It could be as simple as moving your knees closer together, positioning your arms closer to your knees, or arching your back.

If you aren’t getting enough stimulation or simply want more, there are a few things you can do to take it to the next level:

  • Get closer! Grab a towel or sex strap and have your partner wrap it around you so your backside stays elevated during penetration. This can also help take some of the pressure off of your lower body — especially your knees.
  • Try leaning all the way down. You can do this by extending your arms out in front of you or propping yourself up on your elbows. This helps open up the vaginal or anal canal so your partner has a longer, unobstructed path for penetration.
  • You can also achieve this by spreading your knees further apart. It may be a little harder to balance with your legs out wide, so reposition your hands or place a pillow under your lower stomach to remain supported.

Don’t give up yet! Several techniques can help make up for the difference:

  • Kneel, kneel, kneel. The receiving partner can raise their hips up higher by kneeling, pressing against the headboard or wall for additional support. The giver can also get on their knees (if they aren’t already there) to help close the gap.
  • Lay on your stomach. Think missionary, only the receiving partner is on their stomach instead of their back. You can also experiment with the giving partner kneeling while the receiving partner lays out flat, hips slightly lifted with thighs resting in the giver’s lap.
  • Make use of props. If you aren’t already using pillows, now’s the time. Either partner can bump their hips up a couple of inches by kneeling on a pillow or other cushion.

If spending time in doggy leaves you with unwanted aches and pains, there are a few things you can do to prevent or alleviate discomfort:

  • Slip a pillow under your knees. This will help to distribute your weight evenly so there isn’t as much pressure or friction on your knees.
  • Stack to your heart’s content. If the receiving partner is feeling strained, stack pillows, blankets, or other cushioning until it creates an even surface to rest on.
  • Maximize your environment. Hands and knees just not working for you? Take things out of the bedroom and have the receiver lean over the edge of a table or counter. Less cramping + a sexy new location? Win-win.

Whether you want to introduce your partner to other areas of your body or show them how it’s done, you’ve got options:

  • Have your partner reach around and play with your genitals — or take matters into your own hands. Lube up first to add even more sensation.
  • Tag team your erogenous zones. Use one of your hands to stimulate your nipples while your partner pulls your hair, or have your partner nibble your ear while you run your hands along your torso.
  • Empty the toy box. If you aren’t already using sex toys, here’s your cue to start — and don’t stop at just one. Anal beads can add more heat to penile-vaginal sex. Adding a cock ring or vibe can enhance your partner’s reach-around during anal sex. Make it a full-body experience with nipple clamps, feather ticklers, and other toys.

Already a doggy style pro? First of all, congrats. Now it’s time to get even more creative with the position:

  • Get in front of your bedroom mirror or move to your bathroom vanity. This way you can make eye contact with each other and see your naked bodies intertwined from a different angle.
  • Rough things up. If both partners are on board with rough play, the receiver is all but at the giver’s mercy with this position. Start slow with light spanking and back scratching before working up to rougher choke holds and whips.
  • If you’re having vaginal sex, switch up the point of entry. Make sure you both lube up beforehand and only go from vaginal to anal entry — not anal to vaginal. Going from back to front without first cleaning the penis or toy could lead to an infection.

The most important thing is that you and your partner are on the same page and having a good time.

If you try these techniques and aren’t a fan, that’s OK! This move isn’t for everyone, and you don’t have to do anything you don’t want to do.

Talk to your partner about what is or isn’t working, and go from there. There’s plenty more to experiment with!