The Doggy Style: rear-entry position on all fours
The Doggy Style is one of the best-known rear-entry positions. The receiving partner is on all fours, supported on hands and knees, and the penetrating partner kneels upright behind them, holding their hips. It allows vaginal or anal penetration that can be quite deep, the partner behind sets the pace, and it asks for a moderate amount of effort, mostly from the knees and wrists.
Also known as: Doggy · Doggy style · Rear entry on all fours
Anatomy and biomechanics
The receiving partner gets on all fours, facing away: hands flat on the bed or floor with arms straight, knees apart and bent under the hips. The penetrating partner kneels upright directly behind, resting on both knees and the balls of the feet, and holds the partner's hips with both hands. Penetration can be vaginal or anal and can go deep. The partner behind controls the rhythm and depth; the partner in front can push back gently, arch or round the lower back to change the angle, and say when to slow down. There is no eye contact, and body contact is limited to the pelvis, buttocks and hands.
Why this position works
Many people like this position because penetration from behind can feel deep and intense, and small changes in the arch of the back or the distance between the knees are enough to change the sensation. The partner behind has a lot of control over the rhythm, while the partner in front can relax and guide with words or by moving back and forth. The partner behind can reach around to stimulate the clitoris, or the receiving partner can rest on one forearm and use the free hand. Sensations vary from person to person.
Variations of this position
Variation 1: on the forearms
The receiving partner lowers their chest and rests on their elbows and forearms instead of their hands.
Resting on the forearms lowers the chest and raises the hips above the shoulders, which increases the arch of the lower back and changes the angle of entry. It also takes the load off the wrists. Penetration can feel deeper, so start gently.
- From the base position, the receiving partner bends their arms and rests their elbows and forearms on the bed, with a pillow under the chest if they wish.
- They keep their knees apart under the hips, which now sit higher than the shoulders.
- The partner behind stays kneeling upright and adjusts the height of their hips to the new angle.
- Begin slowly; the receiving partner can arch or round the lower back to make the angle more or less pronounced.
Variation 2: with knees together
The receiving partner brings their knees together, and the partner behind kneels with their knees on the outside.
With the knees close together, the thighs press closer around the penis, which some people find feels tighter, and penetration is usually a little less deep. The partner behind straddles the receiving partner's legs, so the movement is shorter and more controlled.
- The receiving partner stays on all fours and brings their knees together until they touch.
- The partner behind moves their knees to the outside of the receiving partner's legs, still kneeling upright.
- Hold the hips and enter slowly; the angle is slightly lower than in the base position.
- Use short, steady movements, and add lubricant if the friction feels too strong.
Variation 3: partner behind with one foot planted
The partner behind lifts one knee and plants that foot flat on the bed, in a half-kneeling stance.
With one foot planted, the partner behind gains leverage and sits a little higher, so the angle of entry points more downward; leaning slightly towards one side changes it again. It asks for a bit more balance and leg strength from the partner behind, while the receiving partner stays exactly as in the base position.
- Start in the base position, with the receiving partner on all fours.
- The partner behind raises one knee and places that foot flat on the bed beside the receiving partner's leg.
- Keeping both hands on the hips for balance, they adjust their height until the hips line up.
- Move gently at first, and switch legs when the supporting leg gets tired.
Variation 4: with clitoral stimulation
The receiving partner rests on one forearm and uses the free hand or a small vibrator on the clitoris, or the partner behind reaches around.
Moving onto one forearm frees a hand and lowers one shoulder slightly, which tilts the pelvis a little. Penetration works the same way, but adding clitoral stimulation can make orgasm easier for many people with a vulva. A small vibrator is easy to hold in this position.
- From the base position, the receiving partner shifts their weight onto one forearm, with a pillow under it if needed.
- With the free hand, they stimulate the clitoris with their fingers or a small vibrator; alternatively, the partner behind reaches around with one hand.
- The partner behind slows the rhythm so the hand can keep steady contact.
- If you use a vibrator, clean it before and after use, and choose a water-based lubricant if it is made of silicone.
Variation 5: at the edge of the bed
The receiving partner is on all fours at the edge of the bed, and the partner behind stands on the floor.
Standing gives the partner behind more freedom of movement and spares their knees; the height of the bed sets the angle. Both of the receiving partner's knees stay on the mattress. Because the standing partner can thrust harder, keep the movement controlled and build up gradually.
- The receiving partner gets on all fours at the edge of the bed, knees close to the edge and hands on the mattress.
- The partner behind stands on the floor, feet hip-width apart, and holds the hips.
- If the heights do not match, a firm cushion under the receiving partner's knees or a slight knee bend from the standing partner lines up the hips.
- Make sure the bed does not slide and the floor is not slippery; stop if either of you feels unsteady.
✓ Tips
- Start slowly and agree on depth: penetration from behind can go deep quickly, so let the receiving partner say when to go further.
- For anal sex, use plenty of lubricant and a condom, go very gradually and stop if there is pain.
- A condom also protects against sexually transmitted infections in vaginal sex; if you switch from anal to vaginal penetration, put on a new condom first.
- Avoid long, forceful strokes that pull all the way out: if the penis slips out and hits the buttocks or perineum on the way back in, it can bend painfully. Re-enter slowly.
- Put a cushion or folded blanket under the knees, and if the wrists get tired, lower onto the forearms.
- Stop and change position if there is pain in the knees, wrists, lower back or pelvis.
Key facts
- Interaction type
- Vaginal or anal penetration from behind, on all fours
- Active anatomy
- Penis
- Receptive anatomy
- Vagina or anus
- Main stimulation
- Deep vaginal or anal penetration from behind
- Setups and participants
- Couple · 2 people GayHeteroLesbien
Frequently asked questions
Why can it feel so deep?
With the receiving partner on all fours, the pelvis tilts and penetration from behind meets little resistance, so it can go deeper than in many face-to-face positions. Some people enjoy that and others find it uncomfortable: start slowly, and if it is too much, the receiving partner can bring their knees together or lower their hips slightly.
Is it suitable for anal sex?
Yes, it is one of the most common positions for anal sex. Use plenty of lubricant and a condom, go very gradually, and at first let the receiving partner control the pace by moving back onto their partner. Stop if there is pain.
What if my knees or wrists hurt?
Put a cushion or folded blanket under your knees, and rest on your forearms instead of your hands to take the load off your wrists. If it still hurts, choose a position with less load on the joints, such as spooning.
Can the clitoris be stimulated in this position?
Yes. The partner behind can reach around with one hand, or the receiving partner can rest on one forearm and use the other hand or a small vibrator. Many people with a vulva find that clitoral stimulation makes orgasm easier.
Safety and evidence
Scientific context for common terms used on this page. Keeping these terms makes the content easier to understand; the sources clarify what is established and what remains uncertain.
G-spot: what the evidence says
“G-spot” is a widely used term for a sensitive area of the anterior vaginal wall. Scientific literature has not established a discrete anatomical structure with an agreed location, size and nature; sensitivity and response can vary between individuals.
Reviewed by the editorial team ·
Related sex positions
The Doggy on the Edge
The receiver positions themselves on all fours with their knees on the edge of the bed and lowers their torso and…
Lazy Dog
A lazy rear-entry position lying down: she lies on her side, rolled towards her front, and he lies on top of and…
Mounted Rider
Rear entry lying flat: she lies face down with her legs straight and together, and he kneels astride her thighs.
The Monkey
The penetrating partner lies on their back with one leg raised straight up; the receiving partner sits on their…
The Lion
Posterior penetration position with A-spot, G-spot stimulation.
The Mason's Workshop
Rear entry on an armchair: the receiving partner kneels on the seat facing the backrest, forearms folded on top of…
The Reverse Cowgirl
One person lies on their back; the other sits on top straddling but facing their feet, with their back to their…
The Amazon (Squat)
He lies on his back and lifts his legs, knees bent toward his chest; she kneels astride his pelvis, face to face,…
The Cowgirl
One person lies on their back; the other sits astride their hips, facing forward, with their knees supported on the…
Standing from Behind
She stands and bends forward from the hips, resting her hands or torso on a table, the bed or a wall; he stands…
The Hammock
The penetrator sits or kneels and holds the legs of the receiver, who reclines backward supporting themselves on…
The Wheelbarrow
The receiving partner lies face down with chest and hands on the bed; the penetrating partner stands at the edge,…