How much to intervene in rough play between new pup and older pup?

[BudaisintheZONE]

We have 2 labs. One is 16 months and we just got a new pup who is now 10 weeks. They love to play but it gets really rough. Lots of mouthing. Lots of rolling around. Occasional yelp from younger one although she gives as much as she gets! Both girls btw.

Am worried about too much for the little one though. They love to ay tug of war and she gets dragged along.

Do we stop this? We have been letting them play a bit but then end up separating them. Little one ends up in playpen a lot.

The only problem with letting them play loads is that the dogs will prefer each others company to yours. Let them play but use it as a training oportunity to do recalls with distractions. If both dogs will recall from the game then well done praise them and play with the dogs yourself. You have to be the centre of their universe but obviously it is hard to compete with another lab frolicking around. You do need to limit the amount of time they spend together - it must not be more than the time you can spend one to one with each dog.

Puppies can play rough and it is part of their learning to know how far to go but I do intervene and give the dogs other things to do.

I would let them play together without intervention,they will sort it out themselves.Only if the larger dog seemed to be really bullying the smaller would I step in.I agree with the above poster that both dogs need plenty of one on one time with you too.Not easy!

Both previous posters have said all I would say too.

FWIW, three years ago I introduced a very young GSD pup into my then 7yo Lab x's life. My Lab was grieving the death of his old pal terribly and at first was grumpy with the pup. After a few days though they played in exactly the way you've described. My Lab is the Alpha male, neutered and not unkind, but definitely the boss and occasionally put my Shep in his place as they played. Once or twice I felt it necessary to yell at my Lab to ease off (!) which he did without a problem.

They are now, and have been for the past 3 years, best of pals and still play together, my Shep giving my Lab a new lease of life. Perhaps the bit to remember is to step in if you really think that its getting too rough but until then let them play and find their own rules and pecking order.

As minimu says, it is important to establish a bond between you and each dog so that they love each other but love you even more, but that isn't hard ime, it just comes naturally due to spending individual time with each dog.

At the moment it doesn't sound like you have anything to worry about and as long as you ensure that it really isn't all too rough you will all, I'm sure, be fine.

Thanks for all advice. My main worry is for the little one's joints really. I know you are not supposed to play throw and fetch games with them when too young as it's not good for their joints and she gets really dragged around by the bigger one. They are just playing and I know the mouthing each other is good at learning bite restraint etc.