Hi Doggy experts.

A few weeks ago, we took into our home a 9-month English Bulldog called Sonny because he had been deserted by his owner. He is absolutely adorable and has settled in pretty well with our Labrador and 2 Shi Tzus. We already love him to bits - he is so funny. He is pure bred and I have the pedigree certificates.

I have 2 questions.

He has made great friends with Micky our 6-year old Labrador and they are almost inseparable. They sleep together, groom each other and play together. The problem is, being a puppy he has boundless energy and always wants to play.

When he plays, he is quite rough and nips at Mickey's skin around his head and the poor thing already has a few scars from these roughhouse encounters. Micky also plays, but from choice he'd rather sleep. We are always separating them, and Sonny goes away and sleeps, but when our backs are turned, he is back playing again.

(The two Shih Tzus give him short shrift and one in particular snaps angrily at his face if Sonny tries to rough house and he runs away.)

Should we just let them sort things out for themselves, or should we intervene and try to stop this rough-housing?

The second question is about bones. Some websites say NEVER, EVER give bulldogs bones. Others say you can give them large, raw, meaty cow bones; others say almost any bone is okay for bulldogs. I am really confused and worry about the lack of calcium if we keep him away from all bones.

Any suggestions?

Anyone?????

I say let them figure it out. Its all about pecking order etc..... when the lab gets tired of it, he will let the puppy know. My french bully and thai ridgeback are like this as well. Every so often the fight escalates where I have to intervene. 99% of the time they are best friends. BTW, lucky find with that guy. Looks handsome and good natured.