10 Doggy Style Positions That Put a Twist on the Tried-and-True Classic
Plus sexpert tips on how to make it feel amazing, every time.
We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we love. Promise.
There are hundreds (if not thousands) of ways to have good sex, which, in and of itself, can mean something different to everyone. But there’s a reason the doggy style position is such a go-to classic. According to sex and relationships therapist April Maria, sex educator at Hot Octopuss, the angle is what makes it such a favorite, stimulating the upper wall of the vagina or prostate with more precision while still offering deep penetration.
It’s also versatile enough to be tweaked however you like. The basic structure of classic doggy is that the receiving partner is on all fours and the penetrating partner goes in from behind, but you can totally make it your own with a little creativity. “It’s not just about going hard and fast—it’s about finding the angle, rhythm, and connection that feels just right,” says Maria. “Try arching the back, propping up the knees with a pillow, or try a spooning variation for a slower, more intimate vibe.”
If you’re into a rougher energy, add some handcuffs, a paddle, and some sexy, sexy dirty talk. Doggy is also great for anal penetration, just make sure to lube up. And if you’re into toys, doggy is a great position to explore in. Start with a penis or strap-on ring like the We-Vibe Pivot or Romp Juke, says sex and relationships expert at Lovehoney, Jess O’Reilly, PhD. “They’re easy to add on to any sexual routine without making any significant changes.” You can also try suction vibes, couples’ vibrators like the We-Vibe Chorus, anal toys, or pretty much any kind of vibrator, really.
Doggy can also be great for people who don’t love eye contact during sex. “Some people feel less self-conscious and more able to focus on the physical sensations when they're not being looked at,” says Suzannah Weiss, resident sexologist for Fleshy. “Some neurodiverse people prefer this position because they find eye contact overwhelming or distracting. Others just like to be able to fantasize during sex or think whatever thoughts get them off without feeling compelled to focus on their partner.”
However you slice it, doggy style is a great position for almost any type of sex, mood, and speed—the key to making it great is communicating openly and honestly with your partner about how to customize it to your needs. Once you’ve done that, consider the 10 variations below to make this classic even better.
The Classic Dog
The receiving partner gets on all fours and the penetrating partner kneels behind to enter. “Use pillows to prop yourself up. Not only will you experience different sensations at different angles, but it can make this position more comfortable for both partners,” says O’Reilly. Make it better with a penis ring for deep, rumply vibrations for both of you. (These vibes, alas, won’t do much for someone wearing a strap-on. Try a wearable strap-on that vibrates in the vagina.)
SHOP NOW We-Vibe Pivot App Controlled Rechargeable Vibrating Cock Ring, $55, Lovehoney
SHOP NOW Eve's Vibrating Strapless Strap-On, $47.50, Adam & Eve
Helper Dog
Keep the general angle intact with an extra-large sex wedge (or even better, a wedge with a sex toy holder). The receiver drapes themselves over the wedge and arches their butt up. The giver lies on top to enter or, for more vigorous thrusting, leans over in a crouch/squat move. If you don’t have the wedge/toy combo, a vibrator tucked atop a stack of very firm pillows works too.
SHOP NOW Liberator Wanda, $120, Adam & Eve
SHOP NOW Magic Wand Rechargeable, $149.99, Adam & Eve
Sleeping Dog
Get the deep penetration of doggy and the intimacy and cuddliness of spooning with the side sex position. It’s basically doggy but lying on your sides, like if you were in doggy and you fell over onto the bed. Or, for an image that doesn’t involve anyone falling, it’s like spooning, but the receiver curls their legs up and leans forward for more targeted penetration. Zhuzh it up with a reach-around that includes a hand or toy.
SHOP NOW Je Joue Vita Vibrator, $65, Babeland
The Bulldog
Lean into the purely animalistic elements of doggy with the Bulldog, a more muscular version of doggy. The receiver gets on all fours, leaning down on their forearms and arching their back so their butt is in the air. The giver stands or crouches behind to enter, grabbing the receiver's hips for support. The giver is in full control of everything here, so it’s a good option for Dom/sub play.
SHOP NOW iPlay Vibrating Couples Ring, $79, Good Vibes
The Walking Dog
Try a modified version of wheelbarrow position to get the same deep penetration in a more doable version. Instead of balancing on their arms, the receiver rests their upper body over a bed or table. The giver stands behind and lifts up the receiver’s legs, holding them aloft as they thrust with penis or strap-on. Or, to relieve the giver of lifting duties, the receiver can scoot further onto the bed so their hips are resting on the mattress (and maybe resting on a lay-on vibrator, too).
SHOP NOW Jimmyjane Form 2 Pro Lay-On Vibrator, $100, Adam & Eve
Down Doggy
If you don’t want to get super athletic, bust out Down Doggy, which Weiss recommends for when you're feeling extra lazy. Just lay on your stomach and you’re good to go—but you might need to stick your butt up a little or put a pillow under your hips or stomach. If you’re too lazy to even rub your own clit (we get that), enlist the help of a vibrator. “You can put the toy under you and grind against it. A couples' toy like the We-Vibe Sync is good for this because it fits inside your vagina, so it'll stay in place. A toy that's designed for you to grind against is also great for this position.”
SHOP NOW We-Vibe Sync Lite, $99, Good Vibes
SHOP NOW Starsi, $79, Cute Little Fuckers
Bent Over Doggy
Bend over a bed or couch and hold the hell on. “This can allow for even deeper penetration while also allowing you to stabilize yourself. Because your partner is standing, they can thrust with a more downward angle, so if you're someone who likes doggy in general because you like the downward thrusting motion, you might like this variation,” says Weiss. This also works for anal sex—either way, slather on the lube.
SHOP NOW Tush Cush, $22, Cake
Doggy Stairs
Feeling brave? “This position is a bit more advanced and adventurous,” says Weiss. The receiver kneels at the bottom of a staircase with knees on the floor and hands on a step. The giver kneels on the floor behind to enter. “This can be a fun way to experiment with different thrusting angles; you can try moving your knees up onto a step if you're feeling adventurous (but exercise caution) or spreading your legs further apart for different sensations. You can put a pillow or blanket below your knees, since the floor and the steps aren't cushiony like a bed.”
SHOP NOW Pillo, $115, Dame
The Slo-Mo Dog
If doggy seems a little impersonal or not exactly intimate, slow it waaaay down. Deliciously long, deliberate thrusts, coupled with an ass massage and gentle clit stroking will help you two feel more connected, like full-on loving humans instead of a couple canines hitting it in the alley.
The Tight Dog
If you’re looking for a tighter feel, have your partner put their legs outside of yours, then press your legs firmly together. O’Reilly recommends adding a clit suction vibrator like the Womanizer Premium II. “It offers the most unique sensation that I’d describe as a cross between suction, vibrations, and pulsations. On its own, it’s an orgasm powerhouse, but if you combine it with penetration from behind, it can lead to more overwhelming orgasms,” says O’Reilly.
SHOP NOW Womanizer Premium II, $179, Womanizer
BDSM Bondage Sex Positions
20 Best Sex Positions for Deep Penetration
15 FaceTime Sex Positions for Your LDR
How to Have Amazing Sex in the Car (Seriously)
