Hi Everyone,

Apologies as this may be a bit of a ramble...

My husky (saska) is 10 weeks old.  I already have a 12 year old toy jack russell (phoebe).  They get on really well BUT saska is already getting big and heavy (as they do) and has started using her stature when playing.  She does submit to Phoebe during play most of the time but I notice her using her jaws to grab phoebe round the neck or presses her weight into phoebe to confine her against a wall or corner.  Phoebe doesn't seem too bothered and will get out of it and nip back... thing is, I'm wondering if, and when, do I start intervening.  Today phoebe yelped out and bit back at saska when playing.  Saska's weight and pouncing 'technique' that she seems to be aware of now was a bit over-the-top and it got me wondering when she does get bigger am I going to be able to leave them alone together or am I going to have to separate them? (I currently don't as phoebe used to be alone with a Rottweiler who she was very comfortable with).  Is there a rule or something that I should be putting in place now to help prevent this or even tone it down a little? I know saska is a husky and this is considered 'normal', but I am getting concerned for phoebe.
Another thing, saska hasn't been out to be exercised yet as she hasn't been allowed her second injection until tomorrow.  Maybe this is part of the problem?

Thanks in advance for any suggestions anyone may have!

I have never heard advice on this with a small breed and large breed puppy. For me I was told that they will figure out their own places in their pack/family. I was told that intervention was not necessary unless you heard a harmful scream and a member cowering away with out returning to the fold. However this was a husky puppy and a full grown aussie or a full grown husky. So I would just watch for now. The interaction you described sounds like Phoebe is letting Saska know what is too much and that they are taking care of the dynamics themselves. Being watchful right now is the best does not mean that once they figure it out they can't be left alone. Growing up with a smaller dog should alleviate the possibility that she is too much when older. They should figure it out.
Notice I said should not definite.

Not sure of the meaning of the following:
"Another thing, saska hasn't been out to be exercised yet as she hasn't been allowed her second injection until tomorrow. Maybe this is part of the problem?"
Are you saying she is not getting out and about due to her young age and has not had a second series of shots yet?
A a puppy she is gonna be a bit intense and with less exercise the more intense. HAve you starting doing training to stimulate her mind? That can help intensity. Start leash training short yard walks on the leash to show her how to walk on the leash, basics like name recognition, sit, come, ... just some suggestion.

Hi Colleen,

Thankyou for the reply.  Yes, that's exactly what I meant regarding not getting out and about yet... maybe she wasn't getting the chance to burn off energy therefore, was using it during play to the extreme.  I have been training her.  I will do around 15 mins of training with her each day (sit/stay/wait/down/up) and phoebe joins in, as well as trying to stay consistent throughout the day.  My 5 year old daughter is also doing same (as I have taught her the same commands).  Saska is very much respondent and seems aware of what is being asked, so she is good that way.
I used to have a rottweiler with Phoebe and a trainer did tell me not to intervene as phoebe although small will set the rules herself.  Eventually things worked out and phoebe became boss lady.  My concern was although the rottweiler was big and a little hyper he was nowhere as near as heavy or strong as saska at just 10 weeks.  I guess I should let them set their own boundaries together and watch how things change (if they do) once I start the walks and further socialising with other dogs etc tomorrow.

Yes the mental stimulation can be needed just as much as the exercise of body. Sounds like you are approaching it right. Keep in mind that you can do the walks in your own yard and you can socialise (between two dogs) with game in house or in your yard. (Have the two dogs find your daughter...you daughter can "hide" in yard or house and call dogs to her then you can repeat from another room. Also I thought the pacing in the back yard on the leash worked great for our pre bed routine. We walked on leash from one end of back yard to other but when the puppy tugged we changed direction working our waying back and forth. Exercise, and training all at once but not out on a real walk yet!

I have read on here 5 mins per month so I'm assuming her walks/exercise will be about 10-15 mins long to start. I will continue the 15 min training each day. Great idea with them searching for my daughter, they will all love that. Thankyou again for the responses! Your huskies are gorgeous!

Why thank you....yeah the game of "hide and seek" re-enforces the their recall and socialization.

Thanks for the compliments on my dogs. Saska is such a cutie can't wait to watch here grow.

I'm really looking forward to seeing her grown too... in saying that I'm fully enjoying her character as a puppy haha. They are such a beautiful, fun breed. You're so lucky to have 3! If I could I would too, only phoebe wouldn't thank me ... maybe one day.