I have a 6 month old JR pup and an 8 week old RottiexGSD.  When they play they play quite rough and the noise sounds horrendous with all the pretend growling and barking. They do leap on each other nipping and chewing.  Sometimes my JR seems to be getting carried away and the GSDx squeaks a bit but the JR doesn't take any notice in fact seems to spur him on.
I then tell him off and move him away but the baby immeadiatly flies after him and leaps on him sinking those little needle teeth into his legs or back.  it is only play but I do worry the JR being that bit older may be too much for her as sometimes she tries to run away but he won't let her he just grabs her again.  But then I feel unfair telling him off and making him back off, for her to just and grab him before I have even left him,and goad him into it again.
Am I right to step in (I do worry one may get hurt)  or should I leave them to sort it, as the other side of me is saying she will soon be bigger than him and his life might be hell for a while if he doesn't show her he is stronger now.

I would step in yes - bearing in mind the temperament of both breeds (and the size difference) they could both be learning exactley the wrong things if you allow them to continue.

I step in with my two and use the words time out and they now know what these words mean and 9/10 stop when I say these words.

Ok Thanks, didn't want to stop them playing but they do go OTT at times, so will step in now and call a halt.
Bev

Personally I've always just let mine get on with it. They are all entire males of varying ages, and I VERY rarely have an altercation now. It may be different though with dogs that are going to be so different in size. When the adult dogs are playing with pups, they are rough, but know when to draw the line.

With adult dogs it may be different but both of these are puppies so yes I would step in and say when enough is enough. It is up to you as pack leader (which we are, as much as we deny it) to say who plays with whom and when so they will not think anything of it if you stop them. Besides, pups need to learn when to stop on command and rest because they will keep going till they are over tired. Have you not got a cage for both of them, or at least the youngest? All of mine stop playing as soon as I say, which is especially handy if the phone rings mid game! :p

I agree with colliesrus, i will let them have about 5 mins play then say 'Enough!' and if they don't stop straight away I seperate them, one in the kitchen, one in the dining room. They soon learn that if they stop on command they can lay down together and keep each others' company :)

Do you really want your dogs to be rehearsing combat......... ?

No I don't which is why from today, unless the game is gentle or with a toy, pack leader will step in with an order to be obeyed. They have had thier fun mummy has spoken.

Bev

Hi bevb,
I know how you feel. My shih Tzu puppy and my best friend's boxer puppy (18weeks and 22 weeks old) play really roughly together. I do intervene when necessary as i feel it is not fair play due to size and strength diffences in both breeds. There is, however, a fine line. My puppy still goes back for more even when boxer pup is called off and visa versa. I am not sure just where that line is and was told off for pulling them apart by my friend when things got too much, which really annoyed me. This is what I am stressing over at the moment, as I feel it is important for puppies to have good manners whilst in play mode. I guess it will just take time and will get better as they get older. I long for the day when i see both of them sleeping side by side the best of friends!!!!

If you teach them now to stop when you want them to then one day soon they will sleep next to each other. Puppies are like other energetic children who don't recognise when enough is enough. How often have you heard a parent say, 'that's enough or someone will get hurt' and 30 seconds later one of the kids starts crying?! Besides, it is your puppy so your decision as to when they stop. :)

I have2 1/2 yr old westie and 11 week old westie both males older one castrated (medical reasons). The pup is always grabbing at bailey and there is a lot of noise not aggressive though they do this a few times a day pouncing on each other but ears are always back and when i do separate them there is no growling and they lie beside each other sleeping. I take it this is just playing and just to leave them to it or do you step in. The only problem is they always do this under my legs i have had the odd few nips when i yelp they both run away.

My puppy keeps hanging on the older dogs ears (tempting with spaniels I know!) and I can't get her to stop that either. When I shout 'no!' or 'leave!' and give her a toy instead she will do as she is told, but 10 minutes later she'll be back. She's stripped all the top layer with the rich colour off my show Cav's ears, the little monster! I have tried spraying EVERYTHING that exists on the adults' ears and nothing deters her!

All my dogs like to beat up my cats , they play really rough and its 80 pounds versus 5 pounds. I think it's ok.

alot of the time i just let my 2 get on with it, but i can tell when its getting a bit OTT and i put them both on a  timeout and seperate them for a bit and let them both calm down.  Use your instincts and put them in time out if u feel they are taking it a bit far, small disagreements and quickly get out of hand and end up in a fight.