Doggy Style: The Complete Guide to This Classic Position
Doggy style is one of the most popular positions for good reason - deep penetration, primal energy, and versatility. Here is everything you need to know to do it well.
Intimacy and relationship writer with a practical approach to enhancing bedroom experiences.

Doggy style is one of those positions everyone knows. You do not need a diagram or an explanation. She is on hands and knees. He is behind her. Simple concept. But there is way more variation in how you actually do it than most people realize. Small adjustments change how it feels completely.
I remember the first time someone suggested arching my back differently during doggy. Game changer. Same position I had done dozens of times before but the sensation was completely different. That is when I realized there is more to figure out here than just getting into position.
How It Works Basically
She gets on hands and knees on the bed or whatever surface you are using. He kneels behind her between her legs. He enters from behind usually holding her hips for leverage. The thrusting motion provides most of the stimulation. That is the basics.
What matters more is the adjustments. Her back position affects the angle dramatically. Arched down increases G-spot contact. Leg spread changes hip height. Whether she is on elbows versus hands changes the angle significantly. Whether he is upright versus leaning forward affects depth and sensation. All of these are variables you can play with.
Why People Like It
For her this position allows full depth if that is what she wants. The angle with proper arch hits the G-spot consistently. She has some control since she can push back or pull forward to adjust how deep it goes. Her hands are free for touching herself. And honestly he does most of the physical work which is nice sometimes.
For him the view from behind is a big part of the appeal for many people. He controls pace and depth and rhythm. There is something primal about the position that feels different from face to face sex. Easy to generate power for thrusting. Can touch her back and butt and reach around to breasts or clitoris.
Ways to Change It Up
Flat doggy or prone bone is when she lies flat on her stomach instead of being on hands and knees. He lies on top or straddles her thighs. Creates a tighter fit and different angle and full body contact. Feels significantly different from the standard version.
Standing doggy is when she bends over a surface like a bed or counter or table while he stands behind. Good for spontaneous moments. Works well when you find surfaces that happen to be the right height.
Face down hips up is when she puts her head and chest down on the surface while keeping her hips elevated. Creates the maximum arch and often intense G-spot stimulation. My personal favorite variation.
Leaning forward doggy is when he brings his body over hers with his chest near her back. More intimate than the standard version. Allows for neck kisses and feeling his body against hers. Changes the thrust angle though.
Edge of bed doggy has her on all fours at the edge of the bed while he stands on the floor. The height difference often lines up well and he can stand rather than kneel which is more comfortable for longer sessions.
Making the Angle Work
The angle of her back changes everything about how it feels. Flat back gives neutral penetration with less G-spot focus. Arched down with head lower than hips hits the front wall and provides G-spot stimulation. Arched up with head higher creates different sensation and may reduce depth. Experiment with all three.
For controlling depth she can push back to take more or hold position to limit how deep he goes. He can grip her hips to control how far she backs into him. If depth is an issue a hand at the base limits penetration for both parties.
Rhythm matters. Do not just jackhammer at one speed the entire time. Start slow to warm up and find the right angle. Build intensity gradually. Mix deep slow strokes with faster shallow ones. Pause fully inside occasionally. The stillness creates contrast that makes the movement feel more intense.
The Clitoral Stimulation Problem
Doggy does not provide much direct clitoral contact on its own. This is worth addressing since most women need clitoral stimulation to orgasm. She can reach down to touch herself which works well in this position. He can reach around though that requires leaning forward. A small vibrator during penetration adds sensation. A pillow positioned under her to press against can help too.
Dealing With Discomfort
Too deep or cervix hitting is common in this position. Adjust the arch of her back since less arch usually means less depth. He can thrust less deeply or use a hand to limit penetration. The flat prone version naturally limits depth. Most importantly communicate. She needs to tell him when depth is uncomfortable and he needs to actually listen.
Arms and wrists getting tired happens when you are holding yourself up. Switch to elbows instead of hands. Put head and chest down for the face down hips up variation. Use pillows under chest for support. Transition to prone flat doggy when tired.
Knees hurting is rough especially on hard surfaces. Put pillows or a folded blanket under knees. Move to a softer surface. Try the standing variation instead if knees are really bothering you.
Feeling disconnected is valid. Not facing each other can feel impersonal for some people. He can lean forward so she feels his body against hers. Touch her back and kiss her neck and shoulders. Talk during sex. She can look back for eye contact. Or just accept that this position is less intimate than face to face and use it as part of a rotation rather than the whole encounter.
Using Your Hands
Do not just grip her hips the entire time. Run hands up her back. Caress her butt. Reach around to breasts. Light scratching if she enjoys that. Hair gentle or firm depending on what she is into. The hands make a huge difference in how connected the position feels.
Communication During
Does this angle feel good. Harder or softer. Tell me when you want me deeper. Sounds and moans work as feedback too. You cannot see each other's faces so verbal communication becomes more important. Check in.
Using It As Part of a Flow
Do not necessarily stay in doggy the entire time. Start face to face and transition to doggy when you want more intensity. Go from doggy to prone bone for variety. Return to intimate positions for finishing if you want that connection. It works well as one element rather than the only thing you do.
Being Careful
Deep penetration means being careful about not slamming into the cervix painfully. Start gentler when she is not fully aroused yet. Communicate about what is comfortable. This position allows for more intensity than some others which means more potential for going too hard. Pay attention.
What This Comes Down To
Doggy style is popular because it genuinely works. Good angle for stimulation. Visually exciting. Allows for intensity. Plenty of variations to keep it interesting. The key is treating it as adjustable rather than one fixed position. Play with angles and depths and speeds until you find what feels best.
And not everyone loves this position. Some find it too impersonal or too deep or uncomfortable. If it is not working for you or your partner that is fine. Good sex is about finding what actually feels good not performing positions you think you should enjoy.
About the Author
Marcus Cole
Intimacy and relationship writer with a practical approach to enhancing bedroom experiences.
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