Puppy play with 3 year old dog

[dontlookbackinangerr]

I have a 10 week old puppy who is overall very good and my 3 year old dog is such a gentle soul. He isn't possible of toys and is happy to share and just play.

10 week puppy obviously excited to play with him and they've had some healthy interactions. He will wag his tail and have a little wrestle with her.

Question: should I separate them when she gets too bitey on him? She's doing that thing where she pulls his ears and sort of locks on to his cheek. It doesn't normally hurt him but he has a couple of times done a little wince or yelp. He will tell her off with a bark sometimes.

We're fussing over him and giving time apart. Just want to make sure the play bitey wrestling is managed okay as really don't want any issues!

I wouldn’t fuss him when she’s teaching him manners - she’s not hurting him (and she really could if she wanted to). Leave them be and step in and remove him before she has to tell him off - fussing him after risks undoing her teaching him manners.

But puppies shouldn’t be left to harass adult dogs all the time. Both need time apart

Thank you, sorry just for clarity do you mean the older dog (he) is teaching the puppy manners (she), I think the genders got muddled here but I understand completely what you mean. I was just worried the puppy might be too bitey and hurt him too much which might not be good for their relationship.

My general sense has been it's normal and they're working each other out too and this is one way they do it.

Don’t worry about the puppy hurting the adult! Sounds like your adult dog is doing a great job of installing manners! It is completely normal - just don’t fuss the puppy when he’s been told off (it’s like other training - if a puppy is scared of a wheelie bin out on a walk you wouldn’t make a huge fuss). Just remember to give them a break from each other every now and then - it’s good for the puppy to learn the adult won’t always be his source of entertainment!

TBH your adult sounds like a star - you’re very lucky (I’m envious as my older dog was a nightmare with my youngest!)

I think I disagree with Killingoffmyflowers.

I do step in when a puppy hassles an older dog. I dont really feel it is ther dogs responsibility to "train" the puppy.

I would remove the puppy and let the older dog have piece. Always make sure there is somewhere the dog can go and the puppy cant so the dog can choose to move away without the need to retaliate

Not all dogs are happy to "discipline" puppies

piece = peace ffs!

Okay thank you both! I'll keep an eye on them and will keep giving space. I think he mostly enjoys it from observing them this morning. She's quite feisty lol.

Just thought it'd be good to get some perspectives and experiences from others :)