Here's something for all of you looking for a one-night tryst but don't want to venture further than the public park. It's called "dogging," and it's essentially having sex in a car parked in a public place with other people watching or even joining in.

This pastime originated in the U.K., where it is no less than a craze, but now it's rapidly gaining popularity in the U.S., Canada, Germany, France, Ireland, and New Zealand.

The name is derived from Peeping Toms who would follow, or "dog," couples hoping to catch them having sex. Then dogging was done in the tube stations late at night. In its most recent incarnation, it's being done in parking lots and parks.

Now if you're interested in getting involved in the dogging scene, here's some information about the rules, where to find the scene and how it's done.

HOW TO FIND IT

Online
Doggers usually find each other amid Internet forums and newsgroups. It's much quicker than popping into every park in the area looking for action. Some dogging forums will post time and place of these events. Other times they ask doggers to reply with their cell phone number then use text messages to reveal the location, to ensure it remains secret.

In the U.K., doggers' websites list the most popular secluded locations, like public parks and parking lots.

Bluetooth
Or you can always opt for "Toothing." Using Bluetooth technology, you can find other PDA phones in your vicinity while in a specific location like a parking lot, a nightclub or public transport, and send out a general proposition seeing if anyone is up for some action.

KNOW HOW IT'S DONE

Doggers use a series of simple signals to let others know what they're up to.

Let others find you
If you want to invite voyeurs to approach your car and get an eyeful, park in a somewhat visible spot, then flash your headlights or leave the interior car light on. This will tell everyone that you're doggers and you're about to put on a show.

Give them a clear view
When there are voyeurs outside the car watching you, roll down the windows a smidgen if you want them to get an even better view of the action.

Open your door to invite others
If you want them to share in the sexual activity, the accepted way to do this is by opening the door and letting one of them in or by getting out of the vehicle.

There are rules of etiquette when it comes to the dogging affair...

Don't attract unwanted attention
Driving around aimlessly at a dogging spot desperately looking for action is a sure way to bring law enforcement down on you. And, of course, this will ruin it for every other dogger there. When you show up at a dogging spot, be discreet and patient. If you're in the right place, something will go down.

Relax
Don't be aggressive or overly persistent, or you will frighten everyone away.

Use protection
Always use condoms. A no-brainer, really, as you are potentially going to have sex with a stranger or strangers.

Be respectful
Respect the women at a dogging event. Without them, it would be a sausage fest. This means no touching the ladies without expressed consent.

Clean up after you're done
Remove all traces of sexual activity such as condom wrappers, condoms, tissues, panties... whatever. The second that regular park-goers find a used rubber in the pristine grass, the cops will start clamping down on doggers.

Keep it legal
In the U.K., dogging is not exactly illegal, as the law is a little sketchy about public nudity. In the U.S., this practice is going to be more of a challenge to do legally. Know the laws of the land when it comes to public displays of affection. Even if you like being watched, you don't want Mr. John Q. Law peeking through your window.

KNOW HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF

There are a few simple things you can do to protect yourself when dogging.

Store valuables
All your valuables should go in the glove box; lock them up, if possible. Your powered-up and charged cell phone should always be ready for use... just in case.

Keep the car doors locked
Do so unless you trust the person or people outside. Always have a dependable flashlight stashed somewhere in the car.

Leave the engine running
Many doggers leave the car ignition on in case an emergency warrants getting away in a hurry. I'm not suggesting that you peel out in the middle of the event or anything; it's just a safety measure to let other people know that you will leave at the first sign of trouble.

SOME DOGGONE FUN

In the last couple of years, dogging has really taken off in popularity. The thrill of watching or having people watch you have sex, and the excitement of getting caught teamed with the safety of having a cell phone on you if something goes wrong makes the idea feasible. It's fun.. but remember that it's not legal. That's probably half the fun of it.