Doggy style sex is intercourse in a rear-entry sex position in which the receiving partner crouches down on all fours. This position is good for vaginal or anal sex. It makes the receiving partner's vagina and/or anus more accessible to the penetrating partner.
To have doggy style sex, the receiving partner gets down on all fours. They support their weight on their hands and knees and face away from their partner. Their penetrating partner stands or kneels behind them. They put their hands on the receiving partner’s waist and guide their penis or strap-on dildo into their partner’s vagina or anus. The penetrating partner might keep their hands on their partner’s hips for leverage. They could also reach around to play with their partner’s genitals or nipples.
The penetrating partner thrusts through the hips. This makes it a good position for penetrating partners who suffer lower back pain. The penetrating partner typically takes the most active role in doggy style sex. However, receiving partners can get more involved by wiggling and bouncing against their partner. These actions help receiving partners take more control of the depth and pace of penetration.
Doggy style sex gets its name because the position mimics the one mating dogs use.