rw-another vid to observe

I don't think I'd be too worried about it with these two, but I'd still step in and break it up because I wouldn't want Cleo to learn to do this with other animals and RC did look a smidge uncomfortable (struggled and "settled" but her body still looked rather tense).  It really looked like an interrupter on Cleo's part, just not one I'd want practiced with that big of a size difference

stardog85

It really looked like an interrupter on Cleo's part

I'd agree, she was getting worn out since she tires much more quickly than RC does...almost like she needed to catch her breath lol. Rather like boxers leaning on one another in the ring...just to get a bit of a blow. Maybe next time I will just put the wee terror outside for a bit so Cleo doesn't need to lay the smack down on her LOL.

She always listens to "leave it" but I do feel bad using that because as soon as she does break contact or look at me to back off she gets nailed in the face or ears...lol.

With the additional info that RC goes back at her full force if you call Cleo off, I think it's even more wise to break things up before it gets to that point so Cleo doesn't feel the need to escalate force.  A time out for RC might be just the ticket!

I know with Kes I have taught him a cease and desist cue since he's not the best at heeding body language.  It's worked really well.

It really looked like an interrupter on Cleo's part, just not one I'd want practiced with that big of a size difference

That's how I saw it, too.  All the body language from both dogs was curved, open mouth, soft, playful.  Size matters, however, and I always err on the side of caution when the difference is that great.  They do seem like very good friends, though:-)

 How adorable!  They are clearly having a ball --- but as mentioned by the others, there is such a huge size difference (and since you say Cleo always uses body control with pups) I would never leave them unsupervised.  Accidents can happen so quickly.  The gag afterward on RCs part:  I do think there was an element of air blockage when Cleo had him in a throat-hold for so long (note the lack of trying to escape during THAT time -- RC was in total submission, just in case).  They are clearly best buds, but Cleo wasn't totally respecting RCs size -- so I would allow the play, as long as it under supervision.

Weird, we have seen humans doing exactly the same to dogs without hurting them but it seems like a double standard to me.

Dog doing it = interrupting, really good freinds

Human doing it = hurting the dog, bully

Is the puppy in a state of learned helplessness in this video? because if a human does it then for sure is for some people

 good point, espencer!

Here is another video of the same play session...this one was earlier...I think. Note the way Cleo uses her arms and paws to hold the pup down...lol. They really do enjoy one another but it is intense at least on RC's part. Cleo takes so long to work up to intense she really is tired out too quickly to sustain it..lol. BTW "settle" is used in our house with Cleo to mean change your body position to a less bouncy aroused, potentially knock me over, one...sitting or laying I don't care which.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xd5gNJQSVb0