Puppy Play??

[duke's nana]

I have a 9 year old 20 pound peek-a-poo that shares a home with Duke. Now that Duke is over 30 pounds I really worry that he is going to hurt Trooper. I had been breaking them apart immediately but that wasn't getting anywhere. Today I let them play, watching very closely. I don't think Duke would ever mean to hurt him but sometimes I don't think he knows his own strength. After a while I did break them up and just let Duke chill beside me because it was getting too rough. I've read the other dog will let the other one know if he is hurting him but Trooper seems to enjoy it so much, almost too much that he will yelp as if in pain on some occassions. Has anyone else had any experiences with a smaller dog and their boxer?

 

[LilLillysMom]

I have the exact same problem with Lilly and our Shih-tzu. I know Lilly would never intentionally hurt him, but she plays so rough that sometimes he really does cry from pain. I keep them seperated when Lilly is in her "wrestling mood", but I would rather find a way to teach her that she cant do it anymore instead. Im up for any suggestions on this matter too!