Hello everyone, I would really appreciate some advice. Our new pup is 8 wks old, a male GR, and our other dog is a 4 and a half year old female GR. She is playing really roughly with him, I worry not just for his safety, and intervene before things get too out of hand, but also fear she may cause him to be aggressive when older. She is more clingy since his arrival, I have tried keeping her routine the same, and been giving her extra attention and treats to reassure her that she is as special as ever. Obviously I am doing something wrong. Until now she has always been a docile character and enjoyed the company of other dogs. Please can anyone help?

Until I really watched how my bitch was playing with out new puppy I too worried that she was being rough, but in fact she was 'pulling her punches' and was in fact being bery careful. Dogs do play rough, and they seem to understand the rules.

>been giving her extra attention and treats to reassure her that she is as special as ever

But this isn't a human, no need to give extra treats, she won't link it to the pup.  He is 8 weeks old you say.  He would be playing very rough with his siblings now if he was still with them.  Your bitch is taking up where his mum left off.  Older dogs have to show pups their manners.  I don't think you have a problem.  So stop worrying!  :-)

Thank you both for your reassurances! I know I over think and worry... I was beginning to convince myself I was creating a monster for the future when I saw him being bowled over and running for cover.

If you are worried, you could always intervene ,and see if he wants to rejoin the rough and tumble, let him tell you if it's too much or not.

Yes, he waded straight back in!

>Yes, he waded straight back in!

:-)  :-)

Things I would be careful of in your situation: the flooring they play on, when they play and for how long.

Pups aren't really in total control of their limbs at this stage and can easily stretch and strain joints on uneven or slippery surfaces.   Don't allow play during times you've reserved for training, eating, sleeping etc - keeping a puppy on a timetable of sorts can often be key to managing toilet training and separation anxiety.  Don't let her 'cut in' when it doesn't suit you :)  Don't allow the play time to go on too long - he genuinely won't know when to stop, and has no self control, and at her age your bitch could probably go on on for hours! 

From the sounds of it they are both behaving quite naturally but use training, baby gates and doors for time out and remember not to leave them alone - he will take liberties and, although her coat will protect her, he could easily nip somewhere tender and she might overreact without you there to supervise.