new Golden Retriever puppy & 7 yr old German Shepherd

Question
My husband brought home a 6-wk female golden retriever puppy and we
already have a 7-year-old female GSD.  They played fairly well the first day, but
now the GSD appears more rough particularly in the way she nudges the puppy
(who will fall on her back).  No growling but the GSD will engage the puppy in
the nudging until we stop her or remove the puppy.  Is the GSD establishing
dominance, herding the puppy or simply being playful?  I'm not sure the
younger one enjoys it because she is definitely the one being pursued and the
GSD dominates by size alone & personality.  Occasionally, the GSD will also try
to nip at her, but we don't know if that's the way dogs play or if it's
inappropriate.  If this is all normal, how would we know if things escalated to a
level that was inappropriate?  Thanks!

Answer
This puppy, at six weeks, is far too young to be away from her dam (mother) and litter mates. It is totally inappropriate to allow your older dog to interact with this neonate on a continual daily basis.

You need to strictly supervise interaction.  It's possible that the older dog is demonstrating normal behavior by nudging the puppy; this might be latent maternal behavior.  However, you cannot allow the older dog and the puppy to engage in any interaction other than strictly supervised, several times a day.  The older dog might be demonstrating totally acceptable adult pack behavior when nipping, but again, the neonate must be protected.

Put the two together several times a day but closely observe interaction.  Watch the puppy; if you see her behavior is fearful or overtly submissive, interrupt the interaction by making a noise (not directed at either dog and not too intrusive as you don't want to frighten the puppy) to divert the older dog's attention, then separate them.  As the puppy gets older (12 weeks), you can increase their interaction but, again, it must be supervised.  At 16 weeks, the puppy should be ready to interact with the older dog on a more continuous basis, but you still must closely observe this interaction.