Playtime -- Is my dog being a bully?

This is a great question and I have a similar one so I'm anxious to see what kind of responses you get.  Buster (12 year old greyhound mix) really wants to play with Max (7 year old cattledog mix), but Max doesn't seem to know how to play...he gets all nervous and runs off.

If he is instigating play again, it's probably ok.  An older dog will tell a pup off that is too rough, and play will be interrupted.
Do make sure that, as he grows, he is not becoming a danger to the smaller dog jsut because of his size.  Labs can play rough.  although terriers are good at protecting themselves.
Sorry I can't tell you more without a video. []

The barking seems to be going away... I'm happy to report that Hannah is now playing with Harry much more calmly (although Hannah likes to be chased, so there is much running around) and they appear to be playing a lot better with each other. I'm excited!!

Thanks for the tips!

Hannah is extremely forceful with the playtime, but is there anything I can do to get her to play with him a little more gently? Or should I quit worrying about it and let him tell her when she's playing too rough?

Somebody I know and respect very much came up with the idea of the "Bully Test". If YOU think that your dogs are playing too roughly, separate them for a moment. It might help to have to people do this, one to hold each pup. Just separate them by a few feet for a few moments. Then, let the younger pup go (the one you think is being bullied). If the pup runs right back into the game, then it's just play, no worries. If the pup does not run right back into the play, perhaps they need a break from each other for a little while. It's a great way to assess puppy/dog play and to see if the dogs really need a break, or if it's all just in fun.

You also have to keep in mind and realize what is play and what is not. Some dogs can play in what appears to be VERY rough ways. People who don't know our dogs (or who don't know much about dogs in general) and watched them playing would likely think they were hurting each other. They snap, curl backand display teeth, make growly groany noises, grab each other's body parts, slam and tackle each other. But nobody ever gets hurt, and nobody ever gets over the top. If one dog has had enough they'll let the other dog know and the play will be over. So you really have to sit back and just observe, and see how they are interacting. But your best guess would be that as long as the pup goes right back to playing, there is no harm being done.

Kim MacMillan

Edit...I had said "curl back teeth"....changed it to appropriate wording.......

The Bully Test sounds like a great idea. Simple, and makes sense.