I’ll be the first to say it: Doggy style (or sex from behind) gets a bad rep, even though it’s one of the most dependable sex positions out there. Over time, doggy style has become the position you turn to if you’re feeling low energy after a big dinner, or as a last resort after you’ve indulged in more exciting, modern positions. Just the name alone, "doggy style", feels crude, stripped of any dignity or sophistication (remember Lotus Pose? Why can’t all sex positions have a name so elegant?) But alas, crass name or not, I’m here to break down the tried-and-true position, and make a solid case for why it’s one of the best around.

 

Let’s start with the basics, shall we? When engaging in sex from behind, one partner will be on hands and knees, facing away from your partner. To start, keep your weight evenly distributed across your limbs. After you are in a comfortable position, feel free to mix it up depending on what feels good. Try arching your back into a Cow pose, propping your bum up, or trying a Melting Heart pose by laying the upper half of your body on the floor, arms outstretched, with your knees bent and thighs pointing straight up. Position your body in a way that makes you feel the most comfortable, most receptive to pleasure, and provides your partner with clear access to your anus or vaginal area.

 

This leads me to one of my major arguments in favor of doggy style: there is so much opportunity to get creative! While traditionally, doggy style implied penetration from behind, I think we can expand on that, can’t we? It's 2020, people! Pegging, eating ass, and ass-play in general are all on the table—or wherever you’ve decided to get it on. Just make sure make both parties give enthusiastic, verbal consent. While you can penetrate vaginally from the doggy style position, this is a rare moment for the butt to take center stage. For those with male anatomy, the G-spot is located in the prostate gland and is roughly the size of a walnut. You can stimulate this pleasure center by—you guessed it—the butt (or more specifically, through penetrating through the anus or licking and/or massaging the taint). Additionally, the partner from behind can massage their partners breasts or chest, stimulating the nipples, or give them a steamy back massage.

 

Because the name is a bit vulgar, “doggy style” almost drains this position of any romance or intimacy; but I’d like to argue that this is an intimate position, indeed. While you’re not face-to-face with your partner, you are giving them trust to explore your body, which, IMO, is pretty darn intimate. If you’re looking to add a bit of romance to the affair, start with a back massage using aromatic body oil, and make sure you have some soft pillows on hand to help prop you or your partner up, and for some comfy cuddling to wind down afterwards. If you find that this position results in a bit of back pain, try this position on a hard surface rather than a mattress or couch (maybe even in the shower, if you have the room? Up to you!) If you’re feeling pressure on your knees, you can stand and lean against a wall or surface so you’re still maintaining a good angle for optimum pleasure. Don’t be afraid to make this position your own!

 

I hope I’ve convinced you that doggy style doesn’t need to be a throwaway sex position when you’ve run out of other options. Think of it as the lines in a coloring book, in which you and your partner get to fill it in with your own unique pops of color.

If you're having sex, remember to be safe. Shop condoms here.