When we first got our puppy (Ginger) our alpha dog (Eli) did not play with her. She was less than 20 pounds, while he was over 80 pounds. I am not sure, but I think our Eli wasn't sure how to play with her, I think he might have thought he would hurt her. Now that Ginger is a little older, and close at least 30 pounds, he and Ginger do play at times. Eli will lay on his back, and wrestle with her. He is a great dog.