A big dog can play with a little dog, they just need to learn how to do it respectfully.
The black and tan dog is my grandson Jack and he is the top big male dog in the family. The mini Maltese is Fergie and he is the 2nd in command so to speak under Jack and he is the top little male dog. The Border Collie is Oreo, who came here because he didn't always play properly and tried to dominate other dogs.
Personal space is extremely important to dogs. Whenever Oreo goes over and touches Fergie, Fergie gives him a level 2 correction, which is a bunt or snap to the side of the neck or head. Here Fergie is patient with Oreo and does not bark or growl when giving the correction.
Notice how Jack is paying them no attention but is mindful of their interaction. Jack remains looking at me for the first 2 corrections, but when Fergie gives Orea a third and more assertive correction, Jack turns to look. Jack notices that Fergie has things under control and that Oreo is respecting Fergie's corrections and Jack ignores them again. Then Fergie is standing in front of Oreo and Oreo nudges or bunts Fergie and Fergie didn't correct him. Notice how Jack sees this and walks by Oreo to get his focus to say, "I'm watching you." as Jack will back up Fergie when the other dog isn't listening to Fergie's corrections. Fergie stands in front of Oreo in a dominant stance as Jack walks around Oreo.
Later you see Fergie give Oreo a very assertive level 3 correction with controlled bites to Oreo's muzzle. This is where Fergie is saying, "I have asked you several times now to be respectful of my personal space, now I'm telling you." Notice how the other dogs don't even flinch or look at them when Fergie gives that correction. They are all Alphas, like Fergie, who have also corrected Oreo the same way. Oreo is a very confident high energy Alpha pup who is incorrigible in doing what he wants to do. They know this interaction is NOT a fight and that Oreo deserves the correction Fergie gave him. Notice how after the correction, Jack looks at Fergie saying, "Are you good?", and Fergie replies, "Yeah, I'm good Bro. He just don't listen."
After this correction, Oreo goes back to bugging Fergie again. This is when Ellie the Pit Bull intentionally walks in between them to tell Oreo, as Jack did earlier, that she too was watching and to respect Fergie's space. You will see Oreo tone it down a little for a few seconds. Then Oreo touches Fergie with his paw and Fergie gives him another good level 3 correction but without the bite this time. Now watch closely. The conversations taking place in the next second between 4 dogs is incredible when you understand dog language.
As soon as Fergie gave that correction, Ellie came in with assertive corrective energy, head stiff, low and forward, staring right at Oreo giving him a stern warning and Jack came in on the other side doing the same. Notice Oreo focuses on Ellie. As Jack comes in his head is also stiff, low and forward but he is also licking his lips. This is because Jack's warning is more assertive than Ellie's. You can see the difference in intensities in their heads. Now Jack was coming to go in between Oreo and Fergie to protect Fergie. You will see Fergie look at Jack, telling him, "I got this, bro." This was the most important correction of the whole video because this is where Fergie is claiming himself against the top male dog in the family to establish with everyone, especially Oreo, that he can and will defend his own space and doesn't need help to do it. Then Fergie just walks away with his tail up. As Ellie passes, you see Oreo fully focused on Jack. He saw the conversation Fergie had with Jack and saw Jack concede to Fergie and walk past on the outside of Fergie. Oreo then focuses on Fergie as he walks away, saying, "Damn Bro. You're one tough little dog." Oreo sees this as if the top dog is conceding to Fergie, then I better concede to Fergie as well. Standing up for yourself is sometimes just telling others you can. Ellie sees Oreo focusing on Fergie again and comes in to correct him and get his focus on her and begins to place herself in between Oreo and Fergie.
After he passes Fergie, Jack goes to his Father Jake. As he passes Fergie and Oreo, his tail is up and wagging side to side communicating dominance to both of them. As he approaches his Father, Jack's tail starts to wag in a circle, the happiest wag there is. After that whole interaction, Jack is happily saying hello to his Father like nothing happened. I LOVE how the entire time Jack's Father Jake and Kiara the Tibetan Mastiff just chill.
Notice how all the dogs were calm and assertive with Oreo the whole time, even Fergie, when he was giving the correction with a controlled bite.
If you have a big dog who has little dog friends, it is important to teach your big dog to respect their personal space so that the Littles don't get accidentally hurt while playing.
Cheers ✌️