Puppy play concern

Hi , new to the forum . I've been looking for a while and have found it very informative here .
I have a 12 week old Staffy whos name is Theo and I have a 8 year old Labrador Named Bailey . They are getting along well so far but I am a bit concerned about how Theo is playing with Bailey . He bites his neck when playing and just holds on . Bailey doesn't seem bothered and keeps playing . I checked Baileys neck and has a few small marks from Theo . I thought if Bailey doesn't like it he would let him know . Should I try to intervene in their play and stop Theo biting Bailey . We have taught Theo to not bite us , I'm just concerned that when Theo gets bigger he will hurt Bailey and he might react and they might fight . I don't think Bailey wouldn't stand much of a chance if they fought . Will Theo grow out of that or should I try to stop him and if so how can I stop Theo holding on to Baileys neck ?

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Hi & Welcome to the Forum from Flo and me

So... At 12 weeks it's all play and nothing to worry about but you can start to lay down some ground rules if it gets a little too boisterous by teaching a calm command. When you want Theo to give it a rest call him and when he comes reward. What you want is to reward the behaviour you want and Staffies learn (generally) quiet quickly as long as you have something more rewarding than trying to tease Bailey in to playing, you might need the tastiest of treats.

Bailey being the older dog will put Theo in his place, trust me, but it sounds like Bailey is one chilled pooch and, for the most, enjoying the fun.

-Ian- wrote:Hi & Welcome to the Forum from Flo and me

So... At 12 weeks it's all play and nothing to worry about but you can start to lay down some ground rules if it gets a little too boisterous by teaching a calm command. When you want Theo to give it a rest call him and when he comes reward. What you want is to reward the behaviour you want and Staffies learn (generally) quiet quickly as long as you have something more rewarding than trying to tease Bailey in to playing, you might need the tastiest of treats.

Bailey being the older dog will put Theo in his place, trust me, but it sounds like Bailey is one chilled pooch and, for the most, enjoying the fun.

Thanks Ian , Bailey is extremely chilled . He generally likes all dogs . The only time he wont play with Theo is about 6am ( too early for Bailey )when Theo wakes up and wants to play and Bailey just deeply growls at him and Theo keeps his distance for a while and then will try again . I will start to try what you suggest now even though its not rough play , so it will be easier when it gets older .

6 AM is too early for anyone, surely

Decide on a command like... Enough... And when Theo comes or stops pestering Bailey reward. One thing that I learnt here is to set up a dog to win and they learn so much quicker

Yeah 6am is too early for me too , I'm still in bed .
This is Bailey and Theo .

Hi and welcome from me and Misty. I agree with Ian's comments.

I love the pics, they are both stunning looking dogs

Hi and welcome from me and mine.

I have to say that all sounds pretty normal. You should see our 3 at it, especially Millie (the little one) with Nola (lab x retriever). It hasn't abated over the 2 years we've had Millie and it has also never escalated. We definitely have an 'enough' command (more of a call/request), taught as Ian says with yummy treats. Teach it when you don't need it first, then build up. If nothing else, it's useful when your ears/living room/sanity need a break!

Bailey will tell Theo when he's had enough, or if rather than when! Nola will just walk off and it sounds like Bailey will probably have that type of reaction too.

If at any point you are concerned about their play, try and get a little video clip we can look at. Or just to show them off, we love looking at videos!

Hiya id be inclined to agree with liz and ian. bailey will let theo know when hes had enough a one word command comes in useful the dog understands it . Have you thought of tough toys for theo to chew? Kong toys are good id also use frozen vegetables,old frozen teatowel to soothe theos gums.

Just a bit of an update . Theo and Bayley are getting along really well now . Theo still bites when playing but Bayley lets him know if he has gone too far . Here are a few pics,

Great news! I absolutely love that last pic

Thanks Liz , me too . I had to take the photo through the kitchen window as I didn't want to disturb them .
I also wanted to add a thank you to all those who gave advice . It really helped to allay my concerns .

Great pics, looks like they are the best of buddies there. Glad the forum helped