Let's be real for a second. Almost everyone thinks they know how to do it doggy style because it seems like the most straightforward thing in the world. You get on all fours, they get behind you, and that’s that, right? Not really. In practice, it often ends up with someone’s knees hurting, a weird angle that hits the cervix uncomfortably, or just a general sense of "is this supposed to feel better than it does?" It is one of the most searched positions for a reason, but it's also one of the most misunderstood.
When you look at the data from sex researchers like Dr. Debby Herbenick, author of Because It Feels Good, it’s clear that rear-entry positions are top-tier for a lot of people because of the depth and the visual element. But depth isn't always a good thing. Sometimes it's actually too much.
The mechanics of the human body are finicky. If you're just hovering there on all fours, you're putting a massive amount of strain on your wrists and kneecaps. That’s not sexy. That’s a workout you didn’t sign up for. To actually enjoy how to do it doggy style, you have to stop thinking of it as a static "pose" and start thinking of it as a geometry problem that needs solving.
The Problem With the Standard Approach
Most people start on their hands and knees. This is fine for about three minutes. Then, the blood starts leaving your hands, or your knees start screaming against the mattress. If you have a soft mattress, it’s even worse because you’re constantly fighting for balance.
Health experts often point out that "standard" doggy style can lead to something called "collision dyspareunia." That’s just a fancy medical term for when the penetration is too deep and hits the internal organs or the back of the vaginal wall in a way that hurts. It’s a common complaint. If you’ve ever felt a sharp, stabbing sensation during this position, it’s likely because the angle of the pelvis is tilted too far forward.
We need to talk about the "flat-dog" vs. "high-dog" distinction.
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When the receiving partner stays high on their hands, the vaginal canal is angled differently than when they drop down to their elbows. Dropping to your elbows—what some call the "puppy" variation—actually narrows the internal space slightly and changes the "G-spot" accessibility. It’s a small shift that makes a world of difference.
Adjusting Your Geometry for Better Results
You’ve got to use pillows. Honestly, if you aren't using props, you're working ten times harder than you need to.
Stick a firm pillow under the hips of the person in front. This elevates the pelvis. What this does is take the pressure off the knees and creates a downward slope that allows for a more natural entry angle. It also helps the person behind. They don't have to hunch over as much, which saves their lower back.
Let’s talk about the "Leaning" Variation
Instead of being in the middle of the bed, try leaning over the edge of it or over a sturdy piece of furniture like a sofa. This allows the receiving partner to keep their feet flat on the floor. Standing is much more stable than kneeling.
- The person in front leans over the bed, resting their chest on the mattress.
- The person behind stands firmly on the floor.
- This creates a 90-degree angle that is often way more comfortable for long-term sessions.
It’s basically a game of leverage. If you’re both on the bed, you’re fighting the friction of the sheets and the squishiness of the foam. If one person is on the floor, they have a "base of power" to work with.
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Why the Clitoris Gets Forgotten
This is the biggest fail in how to do it doggy style. Usually, the person in front is just staring at the headboard or a pillow, and the person behind is focused on the rhythm. The clitoris is completely out of the equation.
According to the Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy, the vast majority of women require clitoral stimulation to reach orgasm. Doggy style provides almost zero natural friction in that area. If you want this position to actually result in an orgasm for the receiving partner, someone’s hand needs to be involved. Or a vibrator.
It’s not "cheating" to bring a toy into the mix. It’s actually just smart. Reach back, or have the partner reach around. Or, better yet, the person in front can use a small wand or bullet vibrator while the penetration is happening. This turns a "one-sided" position into something that works for everyone.
The "Close-Legged" Secret
Most people spread their knees wide. Try the opposite. Keeping the thighs pressed together creates more "tightness" and friction, which can be much more stimulating for the partner behind. It also changes the way the internal tissues are stretched.
Communication and Safety (The Non-Boring Version)
Listen, "air" happens. When you're doing rear-entry positions, air can get trapped and then... well, it escapes. It’s called a vaginal flatulence, or "queefing." It is a totally normal, biological byproduct of air being pushed into a space by a piston-like motion. If it happens, don't make it weird. If you act like it’s a big deal, the mood dies. If you ignore it or laugh it off, the session stays hot.
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Also, watch the neck.
People tend to crane their necks back to look at their partner. This is a great way to end up at the chiropractor the next morning. If you want to see what’s happening, use a mirror. It’s safer for your spine and, frankly, much more erotic to watch the reflection than to strain a muscle trying to look over your shoulder.
Variations You Should Actually Try
Don't just stick to the basic version. Mix it up.
- The Flat Slide: The person in front lies completely flat on their stomach. The partner behind slides on top, keeping their body weight supported by their knees on either side of the front partner's thighs. It’s much more intimate because there is full-body skin contact.
- The Side-Lying Doggy: Both partners lie on their sides, facing the same direction (like spoons), but the partner behind shifts down slightly to enter from the rear. It’s lazy, it’s comfortable, and it’s great for morning sessions when nobody has the energy to be an athlete.
- The Elevated Arch: Use a yoga bolster. Placing a firm, cylindrical bolster under the stomach forces a slight arch in the back that many people find increases the intensity of the sensation.
Making It Work Long-Term
The key to mastering how to do it doggy style is realizing that it shouldn't be a "performance." You aren't filming a movie. If your wrist hurts, move. If the angle is hitting your cervix and it feels like a dull ache, say something.
"Lower" is usually better than "higher." Most people find that dropping down to the forearms solves about 80% of the comfort issues associated with the position. It aligns the spine and makes the depth more manageable.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Session
- Grab two pillows: One for under the knees, one for under the hips.
- Change the height: If the bed isn't working, move to the couch or have one person stand on the floor while the other leans over the bed.
- Incorporate a toy: Use a small vibrator for clitoral stimulation to ensure both partners are getting what they need.
- Slow down: Because this position allows for deep penetration, going too fast too soon can cause pain. Start slow to let the body adjust to the depth.
- Watch the angles: Experiment with tucking your chin versus looking up; keeping your spine neutral usually allows for a longer, more comfortable experience.