Rough play between puppy and older dog

[tinkywinkyshandbag]

My male puppy and female older dog (nearly 4) do play but I am worried it's too rough, there is a big difference in size (she is 25kg versus his 4kg), he puppy bites and jumps up at her face, he does this all the time as soon as he sees her and she doesn't like it. When they do play, she tends to body roll him. She also does the bitey face thing but with snarly lips, not a smiley soft mouth, although doesn't actually bite him or growl unless he tries to take a toy. When I sense it's getting a bit too much I tend to separate them (he has a playpen or I will put them in separate roles I'm) or do some calming games but it's a bit of a pain having to keep them separate. Any tips for teaching him to play more gently? I have tried just leaving them to get on with it but I'm worried she is going to hurt him. Ive been on the dog training FB site often recommended and they seem to suggest basically always keeping them separate. I assume he will calm down as he gets older but it feels like unless they play together they will never learn to get along. Thanks.

[missbattenburg]

it feels like unless they play together they will never learn to get along

I think it's much more likely that if the puppy is allowed to do something to sour the relationship now, they will never get along.

Whereas, if he is kept from doing so, by supervision and separation, they have a chance at forging a relationship when he is older and better behaved.

That FB site is excellent. Follow their advice.

[Nesssie]

Exactly as @missbattenburg says. Its not the older dogs job to teach him manners. Its yours. Keep them separated and supervised, distract him whenever he tries to engage her.

[Tumbleweed101]

My older dog disliked the puppy for ages but the last couple weeks they’ve just started playing properly together without that undercurrent of real aggression from the older dog. Puppy is now 8 mths old and I think he’s learned his doggy manners around her now so she’s more accepting.

[tinkywinkyshandbag]

Thank you all, I'm keeping them mostly separate and using his playpen, they get walked/fed separately but we are having short supervised play sessions. Seems to work better when toys are not involved, and if it gets too exciting I throw grated cheese on the lawn for them to forage and it seems to calm things down!