Dogging in Sweden - The secret codes and the law

Could you imagine having sex with a stranger in a public place in the middle of the night? Would you stop and watch if you saw people having sex in the park? In England, dogging can be traced as far back as the 19th century in England and today dogging has also become a more common phenomenon in Sweden!

But what exactly is Dogging? Let's take a deep dive into Dogging and the secret codes and rules you should know!

What is dogging?

Dogging is having sex outdoors in either public or semi-public places, often in cars and parking lots. Dogging has become a popular activity for heterosexual couples and singles who enjoy the thrill of exhibitionism or the voyeuristic aspects of dogging. While some just want to be seen performing sexual acts, some choose to actively participate in sex with strangers.

Why is it called dogging?

The word dogging in this sense originated in England and can be found in English dictionaries as far back as the mid-19th century! With its long history and with over 3000 dogging locations in England, dogging is next to English sex culture. Although the true origin of the term is unknown, there are a few popular theories as to why this is called dogging:

The most common theory is that dogging comes from "walking the dog" serves as a kind of social camouflage when cruising for sex in public places. If caught, you can simply use the dog walk as an excuse to wander out into the countryside or park after dark.

Another possible origin for the term is the English verb "Dogging" as in "to hunt or track". In this scenario, the word would refer to the search for sex partners or a sex show.

Maybe the expression comes from how quickly dogs go from meeting, sniffing, to pooing! Whatever the true origin of the word may be, they all seem fitting. After all, the excitement lies in the pursuit of spontaneous, temporary and fleeting sexually charged encounters.

Are Dogging, Cruising and Cotaging the same thing?

While the three share the characteristic of having sex in public or semi-public places, "Cottaging" is gay slang originating from the UK, which refers to men having anonymous sex with other men in public toilets, also known as Cottages ) in Great Britain.

Dogging is more often used by heterosexual people and couples looking for anonymous sex encounters or looking to expose themselves. It takes place predominantly in parking lots but can take place in any public or semi-public place.

Cruising, is American gay slang for the same activity as dogging and can take place in public toilets (as in Cottaging) but also on beaches, parks, forests or sex clubs .

What kind of people practice dogging?

Anonymous sex and sex without relationships are often seen as something negative. Men who engage in activities such as dogging are often portrayed as perverts with low social skills. Even more damaging is that women who enjoy sex are often shamed and declared sluts just for exercising their sexual autonomy!

A free view of sex often attracts a lot of bad judgment as it challenges many outdated and deep-rooted misogynistic and heteronormative norms.

In reality, most people who practice dogging are what society at large would consider good people with meaningful jobs and family lives. The truth is that most people who enjoy Dogging are normal people who are simply looking for some sexual excitement to combat the monotony of everyday life!

That is why dogging is becoming more common in Sweden!

People have different reasons for practicing dogging. Some may enjoy the thrill of the taboo of having sex in public and are titillated by the risk of being seen. Others enjoy the erotic and adrenaline rush they get from the pursuit of spontaneous sexual encounters.

Dogging has also been documented to function as a means of deconstructing traditional hetero-masculine sexual roles where sexual performance and competence serve as indicators of one's masculinity. Exploratory studies of dogging culture show that men elevate the priority of women's sexual pleasure and desire during dogging encounters. People who practice dogging often find that they often open up to the exploration of new and alternative erotic experiences.

It is not unusual for threesomes and sexual experiences with people of the same sex just because it is nice, without caring about the gender of the person. Dogging experiences often challenge the binary masculine model of gay/heterosexuality and displace sexual acts from sexual identity.

Where do you do Dogging in Sweden?

You can find people practicing dogging in search of sex with strangers in several secluded areas. Beaches, parks, parking lots, and wooded areas adjacent to highways are common public places for dogging. Indoors, unisex toilets, erotic cinemas and sex clubs are popular public places for dogging in Sweden .

Does dogging sound exciting? Your safest bet is to head to a secluded park and hope for the best or join an online dogging group to find the best spots. People often arrange meetings with potential sex partners on websites and anonymous sex chats!

If someone wants but I don't? What then?

Most people like Dogging are more than happy to see just a bit of action and tend to be very respectful and accepting of boundaries. It's unlikely to get a bad reaction for saying, "No, thank you." Dogging practitioners are extremely good at consent and this can often be given with both verbal and non-verbal codes.

Non-verbal signals in dogging and cruising.

Grooming often includes a range of non-verbal cues as signs of intent and consent.

1. Cruising in public spaces and parks

When cruising in public spaces such as parks, the nonverbal cues often consist of glances and slow movements to ensure consent. A typical interaction might look something like this:

Person A sees Person B masturbating behind a tree. They both make eye contact. A starts touching themselves and slowly moves towards B.

If B turns away from A, this would be a clear signal that consent has not been given.

If person B continues to masturbate, perhaps biting their bottom lip while looking at person A, this is most likely an invitation to approach.

It is always best to verbally confirm consent. When you're close enough, ask "May I?" Before you touch someone else. After all, it is both polite and wise to ask.

2. Cotting and dogging in a public toilet

A common signal to show interest is to slide your foot into the other person's booth to invite them into mischief. If someone slips their foot into your booth and you're interested, you can easily RSVP by sliding your foot into their booth.

Non-verbal signals outside the booths, among the sinks, often resemble how an interaction might look during cruising in, for example, a park.

3. The secret car codes when dogging by car

When dogging by car, the car's lights, doors and windows often serve as non-verbal cues to the person's intent.

• If the car windows are covered, the person or couple in the car wants to keep their interaction private. This is the dogging world's equivalent of a "Do Not Disturb" sign.
• Turn signals and warning lights are often used to invite someone to come to the car.
• Having the car's interior lights on is an invitation for voyeurs to come and have a look.
• Having the car windows down is often an invitation to look and touch. Please note that this is not necessarily an invitation to participate in the action.
• An open door is often an invitation to look, touch and even participate in the events. Always proceed slowly and be sure to confirm consent. Verbal confirmation is always best.

What does Swedish law say about dogging?

In Sweden, dogging is legal. This is because it's not actually illegal to have sex outdoors here. But still try to be discreet if you practice dogging in Sweden. However, one should be careful not to be noticed and not dogging in densely populated areas. If someone discovers you, the person can make a report for annoying behavior.

Just do what you are comfortable with

Although dogging and anonymous sex can be very exciting, it may not be for everyone. But like many things in life, some things are acquired tastes and new experiences often surprise us. Going dogging for the first time can be both exciting and scary at the same time.

The charged sexual energy of being around people looking for action, or even seeing strangers in full ecstasy is a real thrill exciting experience in itself! Feel free to go for a walk in a popular dog spot, alone or with a partner, if only for the sexually invigorating and voyeuristic experience. There is no compulsion to participate or do anything. It's a golden rule those who do dogging live by. Are you feeling comfortable and up for it? Why not walk closer to the car or flash someone into yours?