Big Dogs And Little Dogs Sharing A Household Small dogs and big dogs can get along beautifully, and may even snuggle up and share beds. With safety precautions in place, bigger and littler can have fun, enriching relationships. As with all doggy housemates, it's important that you do not show favouritism, and try to avoid situations that can lead to resource guarding. Give your dogs food and bones in separate crates, or use a puppy pen to give each dog a safe space of their own. Dogs typically recognize another from their own species, though it is possible for large dogs to think small dogs are prey, and they may lunge, chase, even kill small dogs. When large and small dogs play together, look for signs that the bigger dog is accommodating their little buddy. Often, large dogs will slow down, even lie down to get on their smaller friend's level. Play fighting is normal, even if it's noisy, just make sure both dogs are relaxed and bouncy, and neither dog is actively trying to get away.