Puppy and big sister play

Hi all. I've read through quite a few of the forum posts about puppy and older dog play and got some good tips, but I just wanted to share my experience so far and get your input.

We have just gotten a beautiful, confident little boy around 9 weeks and we have a 2.5 year old girl.

He is very confident and holds his own, but Eco is quite rough and I suspect a little unsure of the new addition to the family. He's only been with us for under a week so I know it will take her a little time to get used to him. She seems like a bit of a bully at the moment and runs him off his feet quite a bit and wants to pin him down. He's so little though so I worry that she will accidentally hurt him because she's pretty heavy. I'm not worried that she'll intentionally harm him.

Should I rather let them have short little play sessions and then give him time on his own to explore the garden and play without her pestering him? Or just let them keep on going? Keen to get your input on how much time to give him on his own (and her as I'm sure it's a bit stressful for her as well).

Games he seems to like to play is he goes under the couch and they have a little face to face bitey fest while he barks like a mad thing. Also some romping and wrestling around in the dog bed. When he's had too much he tends to either retreat under the couch further or come to us humans for protection.

What games do your pups and dogs like to play with each other?

They are both gorgeous

I've not had two together so can't offer experience, however, I would offer two thoughts. Yes time apart is a good thing, I'm sure being pestered to play all the time would drain anyone and could lead to snappiness, so a safe haven for quiet time in my view is essential.

Secondly, a time out command would be extremely useful. If you can teach them that when you say enough (or suitable command) they stop the rough housing. It might take a little longer to learn for the pup but well worth the effort even for your own sanity when the noise reaches that crescendo

She is possibly trying to tell him who is boss id agree a little time out is essential for both dogs but usually the pup annoys the adult . With it being a 2 dog house now is to treat both dogs the same as your adult dog may become resentful of the pup. Train them both at the same time etc. Your pup will also learn a lot from eco and take on her habits . I like your wee pup he is beautiful welcoke to the forum wee doggy.

Welcome to the forum, both your dogs are beautiful. I have a 16 week old staffy pup & a 6 year old jack russell. I don't give them that much time apart but as Rebel my puppy needs pee breaks more frequently I spend time in garden with him alone. Saxon my jack Russell I take one long walk every day or 2 himself. Rebel has an open door crate when he needs time out & Saxon goes on my bed for a nap. With treats I've taught them enough if wrestling is getting a bit rough & noisey. They play together with rope pulling toys, tennis balls & cuddly teddies etc

What a gorgeous pup I'm sure Eco will enjoy a lot of play time as she's young but I agree teaching pup enough would be good for Eco

The funny thing with these two is that we have to tell Eco that it's enough! She follows him around, sits in the bed with him and always wants to play/rough and tumble. If she's outside while he's inside she starts whining. That's unless she gets told off and then goes to sulk in the spare room.

Playing with toys is a good move while they are so different in size - although Eco wins at tug in seconds.

Chomksy keeps going back for more play and interaction with her so think he's having a good time and not getting too bullied. Lots of face chewing between the two of them! Impressed with Eco as his teeth are little razors.

Saxon my jack Russell I take one long walk every day or 2 himself. Rebel has an open door crate when he needs time out & Saxon goes on my bed for a nap. With treats I've taught them enough if wrestling is getting a bit rough & noisey.

Eco gets her walk on her own and joins me out and about while Chomsky stays at home with my husband. We are also going to put up a little pen for him so he can have some time out from her . Definitely bringing out the treats distracts them when play gets noisy inside and I will carry on with that.

Looking forward to him being a bit bigger and the two of them really being able to play

It sounds like things are going well & your doing a great job of sharing your attention equally. I love watching the bond between my boys grow, they have such fun together

Just an update that they are playing very well together Eco lets him be the boss and nobody has gotten hurt. She gets a teeny bit jealous sometimes over human attention, which I suppose is not surprising given that she has been our little princess, and does knock him off his feet a bit too much outside at times, but I think they'll be fine

Lovely pictures - they are both gorgeous

Aww I'm glad things are going well