Doggy style, or doggie style, is a sex-from-behind position. The person penetrating stands or kneels behind their partner. The classic form is when the person who's receiving is on their hands and knees. But you and your partner can make whatever changes you want to make this position feel good for you both.
How to Try Doggy Style
The most basic setup requires one person to kneel on all fours. Then, their partner gets behind them. They'll put their penis or a sex toy, like a dildo (a penis-shaped sex toy), into their partner's vagina or anus.
If you've ever watched doggy-style porn, you'll see that it can take some adjusting so this position feels comfortable and equally good for both partners. But that's true for any sex position.
Myths About Doggy Style
Here are some things about doggy-style sex you might have heard that aren't true:
Doggy style is only good for vaginal sex
In fact, doggy style works well for vaginal or anal (butt) sex. If you're behind your partner, you can stroke or touch the outside of their anus. You can also penetrate it with a finger, penis, or sex toy. Just remember to use a condom or other type of barrier, such as a dental dam, that can protect you from sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and bacteria you might find back there.
Doggy style can't be intimate
It's also a myth that you can't feel close to your partner during sex unless you're face to face. If you have a vagina, you may be more likely to have an orgasm in doggy style because your G-spot will get more stimulation. (The G-spot is an area on the front vaginal wall that can add to sexual pleasure. It's named after Ernst Gräfenberg, a German sex researcher who discovered it in 1950.)
To make a rear-entry position feel more intimate, you could:
- Wrap your arms around your partner's body, if they're in front of you. Cuddling is a powerful way to get close.
- Position yourselves in front of a mirror. That way, you can still look into your partner's eyes. Prolonged eye contact can help you feel more affectionate towards each other.
- Communicate in real time with your partner. For instance, you may speak up when something feels good to you. Or maybe you let your partner know without speaking — for instance, moaning or moving a certain way. One study shows that communicating with each other during sex can increase how satisfied you feel with your sex life.
Doggy style increases your chance of conceiving twins
There are two different types of twins, but your position during conception has nothing to do with either.
Identical twins look alike. You could have them if your egg splits into two after it's fertilized by sperm. This happens randomly.
Fraternal twins don't look alike. You can become pregnant with them if more than one egg is released by your body and both are fertilized by sperm. While this is more common, having sex doggy style won't improve your odds.
Doggy style is painful
No sex act should hurt. If so, you can:
- Lube up. Using lube can reduce friction. A water-based kind will also reduce the chances that your condom will break.
- Talk to your partner. Let them know what feels good and when something doesn't.
- Take your time with foreplay. Go slow to get your body ready for sex. If you have a penis, foreplay gives it a chance to get harder and more erect. And if you have a vagina, it helps stimulate fluids that moisten your vaginal walls.
- Change your position. Sometimes, a small adjustment can make a big difference.
- Talk to your doctor. The medical term for pain right before, during, or after sex is dyspareunia. It can happen for a range of reasons, both physical and emotional. Your doctor can help you figure out the cause.
How to Try Doggy Style Safely
Sex experts say to stay positive and open-minded when talking to your partner about trying new sex positions. Focus on aspects of your sex life that you do enjoy, then try to be candid about what else you'd like to try.
It’s key to make sure both you and your partner feel comfortable not just during sex, but when you talk about it. Start from a place of positivity and curiosity. It can also help to outline some rules for safety, comfort, and pleasure.
When's the best time to talk about sex? Experts suggest carving out a specific time to talk. Make sure your partner is in the right headspace and can give you their full attention. Remember that people process things at different speeds. Give your partner time to think about it and become comfortable with whatever you suggest.
Possible risks
Doggy style is an easy position to switch between the anus and vagina. But if you do so, it’s important to remember to switch condoms to avoid spreading bacteria from the anus to the vagina. This can cause an infection.
Penile fractures happen when you severely bend your penis when it's erect; they aren't common. By some estimates, they only occur in 1 in 10,000 or 1 in 100,000 people. But doggy style is one of the sex positions most likely to cause this to happen. That's because your penis might slip out while you're thrusting, and instead of sliding it back into your partner, you could accidentally bend it against their pelvic bone or another part of their body.
A penile fracture can be intense and painful. If it happens, you'll probably hear a cracking or popping sound and your penis will suddenly stop being erect. This is a medical emergency and you'll need to go to an ER right away. If left untreated, a penile fracture can prevent you from getting erect again.
To avoid a penile fracture during sex:
Use your hand to guide your penis into your partner. Especially if it slips out and you need to put it back in.
Keep lube nearby. It can make sex more comfortable.
Talk to your doctor. If you have issues keeping your penis erect, they can prescribe a treatment that helps. While it may feel awkward talking about your sex life with your doctor, doing so could make a positive difference. And it could help protect your penis. You're more likely to get a penile fracture when you have a soft erection.
Doggy Style Modifications
Not comfortable getting on all fours on your bed or floor? That doesn't mean anything is "wrong." Everybody is different. Try these tips from Deb Laino, a sexuality and relationship counselor.
Lie flat on your stomach. This can keep your partner from penetrating too deeply, if you don't like how that feels.
Grab a pillow. Place something soft under your belly or hips, whichever feels better. This can take any unwanted pressure off of your hips and glutes, the muscles in your butt.
Try some lube. Look for a water-based kind.
Bend over. Try leaning over a piece of furniture, such as a chair or desk for more support. Keep in mind that for the most comfort, it should also be at a good height for the person giving penetration.
Stand up. Standing is another variation of the doggy-style position. If you're in front, you'll stand and bend over slightly, holding onto a wall for support. This is easiest if you and your partner are of similar height.
Get creative. Use whatever you have handy to make the position more comfortable. For instance, you may put a pillow under your knees.
What if You Don’t Like Doggy-Style Sex?
If you try doggy style a few times and feel like it's not your thing, there are plenty of other ways to enjoy sex.
For instance, you could try spooning, in which you and your partner both lie on your sides, facing the same way. If you're the receiving partner, you'll be in front and your partner will cuddle you from behind.
Like doggy style, spooning is also a rear-entry sex position. But many people find it more comfortable and like the connection that goes with it.
Keep in mind that everyone has their own favorite sex positions, as well as ones that just don't hit the spot. You don't need to force yourself to like a position; if you do, you might not get pleasure from it.
Instead, try to find a few positions that you and your partner both like so you can keep your sex life varied and fun.
That will probably involve talking about sex, which can feel really awkward at first, even with a partner you've been with for a long time. Here's how to bring it up:
Find the right time. If you talk about how to improve your sex life right before or during sex, your partner may feel a lot of pressure. And talking about it right afterward may make them feel judged. Instead, find a neutral time and place to bring it up. For instance, maybe in the car when it's just you two and you're both relaxed and not distracted.
Go slowly. Start any talk by reassuring your partner that you care about them and want to talk about sex so your sex life can be even better.
Use "I" statements. Instead of focusing on what you don't like about your sex life, call out what you really enjoy. Use sentences that start with "I" so your partner doesn't feel like you're criticizing them. Some examples:
- "I like it when..."
- "I think it would feel good to..."
- "I'd love to try..."
Ask for your partner's opinion. Be curious about what they think. You could ask what positions they'd like to try. Or how they feel about your ideas.
Get their consent. Never pressure your partner. It's important that they agree and are comfortable with anything new that you try in your sex life. That might mean making some compromises. But the more you talk about your sex life — and what's working and what's not — the easier it will be to find a middle ground.
Takeaways
Doggy style is a rear-entry sex position. Typically, you're down on all fours, but there are lots of ways to modify it. Talk honestly with your partner both know what feels good. And if one or both of you don't like this position, there are plenty of other sex positions you can try.
Doggy Style FAQs
What to do if there is a height difference when trying doggy style
Try using a wall. The giving partner will sit on a chair, while the receiving partner will stand and lean on a wall. They might put their hand on the floor and lift their butt in the air, which is sometimes called the "lazy wheelbarrow" doggy-style position.
