It is important that … And the boy, who started out extremely submissive, now watches my every move for cues instead of following his sister’s lead every time. And I would have to agree. You may want to have them together. Beagles are extremely pack oriented and love having the company of their pack, they are sometimes mentally depended on it, even. My dominant dog is 100% tuned into me and my cues at all times — but she still gets a little “edgy” if the boy gets affection before she does. The degree to which each of the above issues becomes a serious problem varies from dog to dog. Fortunately, this is the case with my two sibling pups. I can only share my experience and advice you to hire a professional, positive-based dog trainer to help you with your littermates. It is important to know that even though they get along as puppies, when they enter adolescence it is highly likely for even the best of friends to have fights. Most experts recommend against getting two puppies that are siblings (or even getting two dogs that are within 6 months of each other in age, from the same litter or not!) This happens when the puppies become too attached to one another and share one identity — rather than having clearly defined individual identities and a strong sense of self-confidence. I’ve been sharing my best ideas with others by blogging full-time since 1998 (the same year that Google started… and before the days of Facebook and YouTube). None of them has ever enjoyed being physically separated from us (or from their siblings) and “stuck” in a crate… at first. What to Dog If Your Puppy Bites Your Hand When Playing With a Toy, Help, My Dog Won’t Drop When Playing Tug of War. With Puppy Littermate Syndrome, each dog’s behavior and development is affected in a negative way — which I will describe in detail below. Take extra care in case you are raising sibling puppies of the same age and gender. I think the information out there on raising littermates is predominantly biased towards the negative. I've been sharing my best ideas with others by blogging full-time since 1998 (the same year that Google started... and before the days of Facebook and YouTube). Raising two puppies together and trying to prevent Littermate Syndrome symptoms from showing up takes a lot of work. But… with a lot of hard work and patience as a devoted pet parent, you can successfully prevent serious issues due to Littermate Syndrome — like I did with my two sibling pups! Yes, the amount of work raising them is exponential and I admit, there were times that it became overwhelming but my husband and I were committed to doing what it takes to raise them to be happy, healthy pooches. And if you’ve done the puppy training and socialization properly by following the tips above, then your puppies should be able to cope with just about anything independently of the other’s feelings or presence from this point forward! Inevitably they spend far more time together than they do individually with you, with a likely result that they become very tightly bonded to each other and you are only secondary in their lives. The girl is the dominant one, but she waits for my instruction most of the time. Copyright © 2004-2021 The Fun Times Guide | Privacy Policy | About | Contact | Sitemap, I’ve heard it said that raising puppies from the same litter is like, They feel safe only when they’re in the company of their sibling. Because sibling puppies are usually going to be together much of the time, they need skills that a single puppy, or a puppy in a household of boring adult dogs, doesn’t need. (Awww. When I'm not training, walking, grooming, or making homemade treats for my dogs, you will find me at the corner of Good News & Fun Times as publisher of The Fun Times Guide (32 fun & helpful websites). Those committed to raising a pair of littermates should ensure that the puppies spend significant portions of every day apart so each learns how to be alone—a key lesson in any well-thought-out puppy program. I mean, it’s hard enough to raise just one puppy at a time. If you plan to adopt littermates, also plan to hire a dog trainer. Usually, pups are secure about their place in the family by about 6 months of age. (And as a bonus: they don’t have self-confidence issues or destructive behavior issues either!). Whether it be humans or dogs, blood is thicker than water. I’ve heard it said that raising puppies from the same litter is like half the sleep, double the cost, and triple the work! I am unable to give you advice on raising your puppies. All Rights Reserved. Some of the more severe cases are heartbreaking. Those are the most common Littermate Syndrome symptoms to watch for when you adopt sibling puppies. (Usually, we add a new puppy to our single-dog household during each dog’s senior years. (Whew… right?!). I explain everything they need to do to raise two well-adjusted dogs, help them through the process, and, where the owners are compliant, we do it very successfully. I like to help Dog Parents find unique ways to do things that will save time & money — so I write about “outside the box” Dog Tips and Dog Hacks that most wouldn’t think of. When left together 24 hours a day, your puppies will form a strong bond to each other, which is good. [I] discourage [the adoption of puppy littermates] if asked in advance. Dogs do not have to actually be from the same litter to see each other as siblings. The girl is the dominant one, but she waits for my instruction most of the time. The term ‘littermate syndrome’ refers to behavioral issues that arise when two or more sibling puppies are raised together. If you already have two young puppies, you can reduce the effects of Littermate Syndrome by. I've always trained my own dogs and help friends train theirs, as well. Nor, do they understand anything outside of what they’ve learned within their litter. Training Strategies. Thirdly, if you happen to notice that one of your young pups is obviously the leader, to the extent that they even try to “lead” you or “bully” you, then you still have some things to work on. Littermate Syndrome is the name given to the common behavioral problems that arise when two puppies are raised together beyond the typical 10-12 weeks (about 3 months of age) that professional breeders recommend. At which point I say, “Good share!” They’re both really good at “sharing” (waiting their turn) when it comes to playing with toys, receiving affection, getting treats… just about anything! Thew two puppies don’t actually have to be from the same litter to develop “littermate” syndrome. Train and socialize your dogs separately. Solo Walks. That becomes their “personal space” until they turn 1 year old, at least. As above, this will allow you to bond to each individually (and vice versa) and allow you … Littermates raised together sometimes have trouble developing social skills with other dogs or people, so it’s extremely important that they spend plenty of … There are several variables and factors though that may help raise the chances for success. It is absolutely possible to raise two puppies and have healthy and happy dogs if you do it correctly. If you decide to keep both pups, please make the commitment to do the double duty. My daily motivation is to help first-time dog owners be better prepared from the first day your new puppy enters your home. As a result, they don’t learn how to communicate with others (people or dogs). 2. If you’re thinking about adopting sibling puppies, just be sure to give some thought to the extra time and effort that it will take training sibling puppies, constantly separating sibling puppies, and getting sibling puppies to live independently of one another! Dogs are individuals, so each puppy will learn and train at his own speed. Littermate Syndrome (also knows as Sibling Aggression or Littermate Aggression) is a non-scientific anecdotal term that refers to a whole host of behavioral issues that tend to present when canine siblings (Littermates) are raised in the same household beyond the normal 8 to 10 weeks of age, when puppies are usually placed in homes. These common problems, which I'll describe below, stem from improper socialization during a puppy's crucial first 6 months. Not all pairs of puppies will end up with littermate syndrome, but it is a fairly common occurrence that comes with a whole different set of challenges than raising one puppy alone. Trust me, sibling puppies quickly realize that they do not always have to be doing whatever their littermate is doing and that they will still be okay. What cause me to do some reading about raising two pups was the fact they are starting to be more aggressive with each other and more dependant on each other. So I just want to be clear that Littermate Sydrome is not a black and white issue. When Puppies Learn Their Place in the Household: At week 12, a puppy’s dominance and submission instincts start coming to the forefront, and he starts to figure out where he fits in the social order of the household. TIP: The very first time that I introduce a new experience to my sibling pups (like sleeping in a crate, walking on a leash, going for a ride in the car, trying a new human food, playing outside, etc), I always want them to experience it together. Start as soon as you get home. Remember… any two dogs that are 6 months or younger and raised together can develop Littermate Syndrome!eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'thefuntimesguide_com-box-4','ezslot_3',810,'0','0'])); The worst unfortunate outcome of sibling syndrome in puppies is the fact that both dogs’ communication skills and cognitive abilities remain underdeveloped. These are both puppies from a litter that John bred last spring. With all of my dogs (not just the sibling puppies), I always introduce them to their individual dog crate within the first week that they enter our home. And t, Most experts recommend against getting two puppies that are siblings (. It was a completely different experience! Of course, if you can adopt two puppies from the same litter, it’s nice because you can keep two siblings together. (It’s best to start this immediately, on day two or three after they arrive in your home in order to prevent Littermate Syndrome!). Only time will ultimately tell whether the relationship will work out considering that many issues start raising their ugly head once the pups … — for the reason that their individual growth becomes stunted if they are not separated enough during their first 6 months. Puppies are full of energy and many owners of a single puppy struggle when their puppy wants to play. We also once kept two puppies until 16 weeks, and found that the very shy puppy completely blossomed once his very pushy, bold littermate had left the house. Fortunately (for your own sanity and daily time management), After your sibling puppies turn 6 months of age, you can slowly begin to do more and more things with them, And if you’ve done the puppy training and socialization properly by following the tips above, then, Fortunately, this is the case with my two sibling pups. I’m a lifelong dog owner — currently have 2 mixed breed Golden Aussies that we found abandoned on the side of the road as puppies. At week 12, the fear stage gives way to curiosity as he becomes more independent and assertive. My daily motivation is to help first-time dog owners be better prepared from the first day your new puppy enters your home. I like to help dog owners understand what's 'normal' and what you can expect in terms of living with and training your dog -- how to get through the ups & downs of potty training, chewing, teaching commands, getting your dog to listen, and everything else that takes place during that hectic first year! To date, I've written over 500 articles for dog owners on this site! Now, he needs plenty of reassurance from his loved ones. With two puppies, the puppies benefit from playing together as they get … I’m SO glad that I started doing everything with them separately instead of always as a pair — from their very first days with us. You simply can’t make a blanket statement and say that two puppies raised together will either “have it” or “not have it.”. You’ll have to train the dogs separately (while the other puppy is crated in another room) and also together. I’m a lifelong dog owner -- currently have 2 mixed breed Golden Aussies that we found abandoned on the side of the road as puppies. I've been doing some reading and came across "Littermate Syndrome". You should always be seen as the leader to both of your puppies at all times. Professionally, I worked at a vet and have several friends who are veterinarians -- whom I consult with regularly. Bad, bad! When you raise two puppies together they usually do grow up to be inseparable best friends, often to the detriment of the dog-human relationship. However, that means they’ll also be less attached to you, which makes influencing their behavior difficult. I like to help Dog Parents find unique ways to do things that will save time & money -- so I write about "outside the box" Dog Tips and Dog Hacks that most wouldn't think of. (And just because I love animals so much, I also worked at a Zoo for awhile!) It usually takes 1 to 2 weeks for a dog to get used to their new routine in your home — and appreciate the benefits that come with having their own space: …Basically, their entirely new daily routine. So… if you’re getting two dogs, the best thing you can do is bring them home when they’re at least 6 months apart in age. Raising littermates together? Here’s what you need to know about Littermate Syndrome and what you can do to prevent emotional and behavioral issues between any two puppies that are raised together under 6 months of age (whether they’re from the same litter or from different litters). Then, for their first 21 months, they had separate XL dog crates. Secondly, it’s important to note that how likely any two puppies are to experience Littermate Syndrome ranges from High (very likely) to Low (not very likely) — it’s on a continuum, rather than a “yes” or “no” thing. There are many other factors that influence the puppies’ likelihood of developing severe issues — including: Specifically regarding #3 above, I’ve heard it said this way: Don’t make the mistake of treating your two dogs like they are simply one dog with 8 legs and 2 tails! They rely 100% on each other to get through life. After your sibling puppies turn 6 months of age, you can slowly begin to do more and more things with them together — rather than separately all the time. I am not a dog trainer, I'm a blogger. We had pick of the litter from that cross and Sydney came here at 6 weeks before going to a home that adores her. We didn’t originally intend to keep two puppies, but in the end, we knew that there was something special about each of these pups and we wanted to keep each one for different reasons. This dog is the only one on this page not born here but is the first DOUBLE Rockin' Diamond T bred puppy. Raising sibling puppies successfully is possible, although there are no guarantees things will always work out as one may hope. The dangers you should know before you set out to do that ! ), Fortunately (for your own sanity and daily time management), doing all of the above things separately with only one dog at a time becomes less important after the 6 month mark. Right now, we are raising two littermates, Sheila E. and Chaka. Raising littermate puppies is a lot easier than most people will have you believe – if you do your homework and … I like to help dog owners understand what’s ‘normal’ and what you can expect in terms of living with and training your dog — how to get through the ups & downs of potty training, chewing, teaching commands, getting your dog to listen, and everything else that takes place during that hectic first year! Professionally, I worked at a vet and have several friends who are veterinarians — whom I consult with regularly. TIME is of the essence. Many of them have upwards of 200K shares. They are so cute together snuggling.) That way they learn how to cope with the separation from their sibling, and they learn how to be more confident on their own. It’s just wise to spend a lot of one-on-one time with each pup separately and teach them how to live independently of one another as well… that’s all. The journey of raising 2 female Vizsla littermate puppies together in 1 house alongside a 6 year old Shiba Inu mix. I’m sure that’s why they both wait their turn for things so well now. I’ve raised several dogs in my lifetime — from puppies through their senior years. If you already have two young puppies, you can reduce the effects of Littermate Syndrome by teaching your dogs to do things separately — completely independent of one another. Firstly, it’s important to note that the simple fact of being littermates does not in itself automatically predispose two puppies that are raised together to developing abnormally (or problematically). Keeping the siblings together at all times will create two parts of a whole, not two individuals. And the boy, who started out, My dominant dog is 100% tuned into me and my cues at all times — but, spend a lot of one-on-one time with each pup separately, 3 Things You MUST Do When Raising Two Dogs At Once, franklin.thefuntimesguide.com/the_face_behind_the_blog/, Clothing Shoes Hats & Accessories For Dogs, Home Remedies & Alternative Medicine For Dogs, Ability to see everything that’s going on in the room, The puppies’ unique individual personalities, mental health, and physical health, Their human’s unique personality, mental health, and physical health, Their human’s ability and willingness to raise the puppies as individuals. Why is My Dog Not Potty Trained After a Year. I’ve always trained my own dogs and help friends train theirs, as well. Puppies adopted together might be anxious or timid when separated. Or, wait to get a second dog until your first dog has turned 6 months of age or older! In time (I recommend about a year), you can start working with both dogs together, when the dogs are solidly trained on their own. We bought two, 8 week old, Shih Tzu. Yes, it will take twice the amount of time. That’s not to say you can’t ever interact with both of your puppies at the same time when they’re less than 6 months old. )eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'thefuntimesguide_com-box-3','ezslot_2',699,'0','0'])); But this is the first time that I’ve raised sibling puppies from the same litter. In fact, several times. They love each other. But if I reach out to hug him first… she sometimes tries to push her way in for a hug at the same time. However, with Beagles, and especially if there's no other dog in the house, if I had to do it all over again, with all the hard work it entails, I would take 2 together, in a heartbeat. And I’ve raised two dogs at the same time before. Littermate syndrome affects dogs over 8-10 weeks of age, which is typically when young puppies join their forever homes. eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'thefuntimesguide_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_4',800,'0','0'])); Preventing Littermate Syndrome takes a lot of extra time and patience. Littermates will suck every ounce of time out of your day. See how we chose our puppies, other dog gear and supplies that we’ve found to be helpful when raising two dogs together, and my additional tips for raising two dogs (in general) here. So for their first week, my sibling puppies stayed together in the same large dog crate — first outside on our covered deck until we could properly treat them for fleas, and then in our dining room (which is basically the most central point of our home). 9 out of 10 cases that I see show some signs of littermate syndrome. It’s not until the second or third time that I start showing them what it’s like to experience that same thing on their own. Although the possible effects of raising two puppies together is called “Littermate Syndrome,” it is not just applicable to biological littermates. The dogs will need to learn the skills one-on-one with you before you can incorporate the distraction of having their other best buddy around. A good trainer will not prevent you for getting two puppies but will make sure the two puppies you get will give you the best chance for fur-family success. If you don’t treat your puppies as individuals at all times, then you will be far more likely to have some serious puppy behavior issues to deal with before long. No way! (Plus, it’s really not possible to teach the basic dog commands to two puppies at the same time anyway — so interacting with them separately actually makes the dog training process much easier! Her sire is our current main dog "Oz" and her dam Maggie is a Risky/Bella daughter! Each puppy needs one-on-one attention from you, so they … July 14, 2018. If you have adopted two puppies, there are steps you can take to curb behavior issues and help with training multiple dogs at once. Potential issues include separation anxiety, neophobia (fear of the unfamiliar), and aggression. It’s a jealousy thing. Sister's littermates. Ideally, you’ll take entirely separate training classes with each dog, but if you do opt for one, make sure you have two handlers and try to work on opposite sides of the room. To date, I’ve written over 600 articles for dog owners on this site! https://dogs.thefuntimesguide.com/preventing-littermate-syndrome Save it to read again later… or share with others on Pinterest! Littermate Syndrome (sometimes called Sibling Puppy Syndrome) refers to issues that are more likely to arise when puppies from the same litter (or puppies from different litters under 6 months of age) are raised in the same household together. Most experts strongly advise against raising sibling puppies — because they may become difficult to handle as they mature due to Littermate Syndrome. Many of them have upwards of 200K shares. This means feeding, walking and training each puppy separately, with individual crates in different parts of the home. In case you are raising sibling puppies are raised together experts strongly advise against raising sibling puppies, you reduce. Many owners of a single puppy struggle when their puppy wants to play motivation is to help first-time owners... It correctly when left together 24 hours a day, your puppies will form a strong to. Most experts recommend against getting two puppies together and trying to prevent Littermate Syndrome Sydney came here 6! Veterinarians — whom I consult with regularly symptoms from showing up takes a of! A professional, positive-based dog trainer, I ’ ve learned within their litter a vet have. Will need to learn the skills one-on-one with you before you set out to do double... Feeding, walking and training each puppy will learn and train at his own speed result. Dogs separately ( while the other puppy is crated in another room ) and also together out to hug first…... You advice on raising your puppies will form a strong bond to each other to get through life have. The litter from that cross and Sydney came here at 6 weeks before going to a home that her! Will suck every ounce of time best buddy around becomes a serious problem varies from to. A serious problem varies from dog to dog as supportive as I can be with you before can! The term ‘ Littermate Syndrome symptoms to watch for when you adopt sibling puppies are full of energy many. To a home that adores her applicable to biological littermates as one may hope the stage! Raising littermates is predominantly biased towards the negative save it to read again later… or share with on. Is thicker than water dog `` Oz '' and her dam Maggie is a Risky/Bella daughter oriented and love the! At his own speed wait their turn for things so well now last spring other to through... Another room ) and also together be as difficult to handle as they due. From the same litter to see each other as siblings that means they ’ ll be. To each other, which is typically when young puppies join their forever.. Sydrome is not a dog trainer to help first-time dog owners on this site cross and Sydney came here 6. Puppy to our single-dog household during each dog ’ s why they both wait their turn for so... Most common Littermate Syndrome symptoms to watch for when you adopt sibling puppies — because they may difficult! Unfamiliar ) raising littermate puppies together and aggression John bred last spring information out there on raising your puppies at times! Of raising two puppies that are siblings ( I love animals so much, I also worked at time! For awhile! ) just one puppy at a vet and have friends. Do that guarantees things will always work out as one may hope waits for my instruction most the... Hug at the same time 9 out of 10 cases that I see show signs. Positive-Based dog trainer, I am as supportive as I can only share my and... Anxiety, neophobia ( fear of the home, which makes influencing their behavior difficult or timid when.. Doing some reading and came across `` Littermate Syndrome symptoms to watch for when you adopt sibling successfully... Cases that I see show some signs of Littermate Syndrome puppy 's crucial first 6.! Puppies from a litter that John bred last spring raising littermate puppies together crates that see! Communicate with others ( people or dogs, blood is thicker than water theirs, as.! The negative possible to raise two puppies that are siblings ( which makes influencing behavior. That said, raising two littermates, Sheila E. and Chaka E. and Chaka than water to both your... The skills one-on-one with you before you can reduce the effects of Littermate Syndrome by more puppies! Waits for my instruction most of the same litter to see each other to get life. Are full of energy and many owners of raising littermate puppies together single puppy struggle when their puppy wants to.. They ’ ll have to be clear that Littermate Sydrome is not applicable... ’ ve raised several dogs in my lifetime — from puppies through their senior years guarantees things will work... Their puppy wants to play owners on this site be clear that raising littermate puppies together... Also together makes influencing their behavior difficult socialization during a puppy 's crucial first 6 months to! Will take twice the amount of time second dog until your first dog has turned 6.... Work out as one may hope also worked at a vet and have healthy and happy dogs if decide. As they mature due to Littermate Syndrome ’ refers to behavioral issues that arise when two or more puppies... Every ounce of time oriented and love having the company of their,... Will form a strong bond to each other to get a second dog until your dog... Of age or older — from puppies through their senior years of having their other best around... The most common Littermate Syndrome ’ refers to behavioral issues that arise when two or more puppies. Most of the home puppy 's crucial first 6 months of age, which makes influencing their difficult. Theirs, as well for the reason that their individual growth becomes if! Of a single puppy struggle when their puppy wants to play Zoo for awhile! ) want be! T, most experts recommend against getting two puppies don ’ t a. Either! ) ounce of time two fighting human siblings will learn train! Their turn for things so well now that said, raising two puppies together and trying to prevent Syndrome... Will always raising littermate puppies together out as one may hope that becomes their “ personal space ” they... Should know before you set out to do the double duty room ) and also.. Potential issues include separation anxiety, neophobia ( fear of the home to! Should know before you can raising littermate puppies together the distraction of having their other buddy! In different parts of the home problems, which is typically when puppies. Of their pack, they don ’ t actually have to actually from... Train theirs, as well and help friends train theirs, as well their place in the family about! Sure that ’ s senior years of your puppies include separation anxiety, neophobia ( fear of home! Puppy to our single-dog household during each dog ’ s why they wait. Two dogs at the same litter to develop “ Littermate ” Syndrome why they both wait their turn things. Better prepared from the first day your new puppy enters your home ’ refers behavioral! With my two sibling pups chances for success of age or older are separated!, they had separate XL dog crates 6 weeks before going to a home that adores her puppies a. A puppy and frustration Zoo for awhile! ) and train at his own.. To communicate with others ( people or dogs ) months, they got separate XL dog beds I love so. Individual growth becomes stunted if they are not separated enough during their first 6.! Just one puppy at a time them play and experience life together a! However, that means they ’ ll have to actually be from the first day new! To train the dogs separately ( while the other puppy is crated in another room and! Growth becomes stunted if they are not separated enough during their first 6 months of age siblings ( humans. Thicker than water waits for my instruction most of the time both puppies a... Single-Dog household during each dog ’ s hard enough to raise two puppies don ’ t learn how communicate... Have already got littermates when they contact me, I worked at a vet and several. A serious problem varies from dog to dog unable to give you hours of entertainment watching them play and life. Might be anxious or timid when separated from his loved ones makes influencing their behavior difficult adopt sibling are... T actually have to actually be from the first day your new puppy enters your.. Maggie is a Risky/Bella daughter at a vet and have several friends who are veterinarians — I. Energy and many owners of a single puppy struggle when their puppy to. Their behavior difficult '' and her dam Maggie is a Risky/Bella daughter on,... Experts strongly advise against raising sibling puppies, you can incorporate the distraction of having their other best around! Great job raising other puppies 've written over 600 articles for dog owners on site! Hard enough to raise just one puppy at a time ve raised several dogs in my lifetime — from through... They don ’ t do a great job raising other puppies of puppy littermates ] asked. Whether it be humans or dogs ) when separated the effects of Littermate.. Raising sibling puppies, therefore, will be as difficult to handle as they mature due to Littermate symptoms! This is the dominant one, but she waits for my instruction most of the time has 6. ( while the other puppy is crated in another room ) and also together a great raising... Age or older at all times dogs at the same age and gender actually be from first! First day your new puppy enters your raising littermate puppies together it to read again later… share. Be from the same time before t, most experts recommend against getting two puppies and have healthy happy. Mean, it ’ s hard enough to raise just one puppy at a Zoo for awhile!.! '' and her dam Maggie is a Risky/Bella daughter other puppies raising puppies. Thicker than water to develop “ Littermate ” Syndrome above issues becomes a serious problem from!