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. Many of them have upwards of 200K shares. Raising two puppies together and trying to prevent Littermate Syndrome symptoms from showing up takes a lot of work. It is absolutely possible to raise two puppies and have healthy and happy dogs if you do it correctly. Sister's littermates. Remember, puppies don’t do a great job raising other puppies. Unimaginably Helpful Tips for Raising Sibling Puppies Together. These common problems, which I'll describe below, stem from improper socialization during a puppy's crucial first 6 months. However, for clients who have already got littermates when they contact me, I am as supportive as I can be. Professionally, I worked at a vet and have several friends who are veterinarians -- whom I consult with regularly. 2. 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. 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. Raising sibling puppies successfully is possible, although there are no guarantees things will always work out as one may hope. (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! 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). Remember, the separation isn’t forever! (Usually, we add a new puppy to our single-dog household during each dog’s senior years. Littermates will suck every ounce of time out of your day. 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. If you plan to adopt littermates, also plan to hire a dog trainer. To date, I've written over 500 articles for dog owners on this site! 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. 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. Sibling puppies, therefore, will be as difficult to handle as two fighting human siblings. Raising littermates together? (Whew… right?!). It was a completely different experience! July 14, 2018. This dog is the only one on this page not born here but is the first DOUBLE Rockin' Diamond T bred puppy. 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. As above, this will allow you to bond to each individually (and vice versa) and allow you … )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. Fortunately, this is the case with my two sibling pups. Filed Under: Home & Garden, Raising Two Dogs Tagged With: Adopting/Rescuing A Dog, Aggressive Dogs, Car Rides With Dogs, Dog Age, Dog Gear & Necessities, Dog Training Commands, Feeding Tips For Dogs, Kennels & Crates For Dogs, New Dog Owner Tips, Peeing And Housebreaking Tips, Raising Two Or More Dogs, Walking Tips & Leashes For Dogs. 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. Littermates raised together sometimes have trouble developing social skills with other dogs or people, so it’s extremely important that they spend plenty of … And the boy, who started out extremely submissive, now watches my every move for cues instead of following his sister’s lead every time. 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. 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! 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. As a result, they don’t learn how to communicate with others (people or dogs). So I just want to be clear that Littermate Sydrome is not a black and white issue. [I] discourage [the adoption of puppy littermates] if asked in advance. I’ve raised several dogs in my lifetime — from puppies through their senior years. 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. 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. I think the information out there on raising littermates is predominantly biased towards the negative. 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. 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! After that, they got separate XL dog beds. I am unable to give you advice on raising your puppies. Train and socialize your dogs separately. And I’ve raised two dogs at the same time before. Bad, bad! 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. Yes, it will take twice the amount of 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. I've been doing some reading and came across "Littermate Syndrome". If you decide to keep both pups, please make the commitment to do the double duty. Most experts strongly advise against raising sibling puppies — because they may become difficult to handle as they mature due to Littermate Syndrome. The term ‘littermate syndrome’ refers to behavioral issues that arise when two or more sibling puppies are raised together. 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. 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. 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! When left together 24 hours a day, your puppies will form a strong bond to each other, which is good. With Puppy Littermate Syndrome, each dog’s behavior and development is affected in a negative way — which I will describe in detail below. However, that means they’ll also be less attached to you, which makes influencing their behavior difficult. But if I reach out to hug him first… she sometimes tries to push her way in for a hug at the same time. TIME is of the essence. 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! Now, he needs plenty of reassurance from his loved ones. 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! Save it to read again later… or share with others on Pinterest! I am not a dog trainer, I'm a blogger. My daily motivation is to help first-time dog owners be better prepared from the first day your new puppy enters your home. So don’t count on your puppies to … 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). 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. To date, I’ve written over 600 articles for dog owners on this site! 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. All Rights Reserved. The dangers you should know before you set out to do that ! TIP: What has worked best for us is to use the phrase “share.” Whenever I say, “Harley, you share,” she immediately takes a step back and waits her turn. Why is My Dog Not Potty Trained After a Year. — for the reason that their individual growth becomes stunted if they are not separated enough during their first 6 months. You may want to have them together. Many of them have upwards of 200K shares. That said, raising two puppies can give you hours of entertainment watching them play and experience life together. Every dog deserves their own physical space, their own “things,” and special one-on-one time with you — with extra attention given to their own unique needs and wants. 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. 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. You simply can’t make a blanket statement and say that two puppies raised together will either “have it” or “not have it.”. July 21, 2018. There are several variables and factors though that may help raise the chances for success. (Awww. Like this post? 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). 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. At week 12, the fear stage gives way to curiosity as he becomes more independent and assertive. Dogs do not have to actually be from the same litter to see each other as siblings. 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. All this is to say that I do believe there can still be issues arising from raising littermates together, even if it isn’t related to over-bonding. The degree to which each of the above issues becomes a serious problem varies from dog to dog. (It’s best to start this immediately, on day two or three after they arrive in your home in order to prevent Littermate Syndrome!). The girl is the dominant one, but she waits for my instruction most of the time. Puppies are full of energy and many owners of a single puppy struggle when their puppy wants to play. Solo Walks. 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. 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. Her sire is our current main dog "Oz" and her dam Maggie is a Risky/Bella daughter! Thew two puppies don’t actually have to be from the same litter to develop “littermate” syndrome. 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. Many people think that raising two puppies together that are from the same litter makes for a more successful pairing, but it really doesn’t matter. 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. 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! 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. They are so cute together snuggling.) Some of the more severe cases are heartbreaking. 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). 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. 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!) I can only share my experience and advice you to hire a professional, positive-based dog trainer to help you with your littermates. (And just because I love animals so much, I also worked at a Zoo for awhile!) Then, for their first 21 months, they had separate XL dog crates. Only time will ultimately tell whether the relationship will work out considering that many issues start raising their ugly head once the pups … We bought two, 8 week old, Shih Tzu. 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. With two puppies, the puppies benefit from playing together as they get … If he gets treats first… no problem. Beagles are extremely pack oriented and love having the company of their pack, they are sometimes mentally depended on it, even. Keeping the siblings together at all times will create two parts of a whole, not two individuals. 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. 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. We had pick of the litter from that cross and Sydney came here at 6 weeks before going to a home that adores her. I’ve heard it said that raising puppies from the same litter is like half the sleep, double the cost, and triple the work! 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. Each puppy needs one-on-one attention from you, so they … 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. And t, Most experts recommend against getting two puppies that are siblings (. 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. As I’ve already mentioned, even puppies from different litters that are raised together can have the type of behavioral and cognitive issues that are widely associated with Littermate Sydrome. Pros of Keeping Littermates: Having two puppies from the same litter means that they will already be used to each other and they are much more likely … You’ll have to train the dogs separately (while the other puppy is crated in another room) and also together. 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. They love each other. My daily motivation is to help first-time dog owners be better prepared from the first day your new puppy enters your home. 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). It is important that … Take extra care in case you are raising sibling puppies of the same age and gender. And I would have to agree. That way they learn how to cope with the separation from their sibling, and they learn how to be more confident on their own. 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. Potential issues include separation anxiety, neophobia (fear of the unfamiliar), and aggression. Nor, do they understand anything outside of what they’ve learned within their litter. I've always trained my own dogs and help friends train theirs, as well. This means feeding, walking and training each puppy separately, with individual crates in different parts of the home. TIP: It’s also helpful if one dog can actually see you interacting with the other dog in many of the above scenarios. Training Strategies. — Hill’s Vet. 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. Those are the most common Littermate Syndrome symptoms to watch for when you adopt sibling puppies. 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. The girl is the dominant one, but she waits for my instruction most of the time. Littermate syndrome affects dogs over 8-10 weeks of age, which is typically when young puppies join their forever homes. 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! (And as a bonus: they don’t have self-confidence issues or destructive behavior issues either!). It’s a jealousy thing. That becomes their “personal space” until they turn 1 year old, at least. In fact, several times. If you already have two young puppies, you can reduce the effects of Littermate Syndrome by. 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. This may at times trigger resentment over getting a puppy and frustration. (And just because I love animals so much, I also worked at a Zoo for awhile!) 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. I mean, it’s hard enough to raise just one puppy at a time. Right now, we are raising two littermates, Sheila E. and Chaka. Of course, if you can adopt two puppies from the same litter, it’s nice because you can keep two siblings together. 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), doing all of the above things separately with only one dog at a time becomes less important after the 6 month mark. 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. Raising littermate puppies is a lot easier than most people will have you believe – if you do your homework and … Professionally, I worked at a vet and have several friends who are veterinarians — whom I consult with regularly. Although the possible effects of raising two puppies together is called “Littermate Syndrome,” it is not just applicable to biological littermates. 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. In time (I recommend about a year), you can start working with both dogs together, when the dogs are solidly trained on their own. 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. If he gets to go outside before her… no problem. They rely 100% on each other to get through life. I’ve always trained my own dogs and help friends train theirs, as well. 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. If you have adopted two puppies, there are steps you can take to curb behavior issues and help with training multiple dogs at once. https://dogs.thefuntimesguide.com/preventing-littermate-syndrome 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. 9 out of 10 cases that I see show some signs of littermate syndrome. Whether it be humans or dogs, blood is thicker than water. Usually, pups are secure about their place in the family by about 6 months of age. — for the reason that their individual growth becomes stunted if they are not separated enough during their first 6 months. 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). Dogs are individuals, so each puppy will learn and train at his own speed. Syndrome ’ refers to behavioral issues that arise when two or more sibling puppies, therefore, be. Litter from that cross and Sydney came here at 6 weeks before going to a home that adores her that! Clients who have already got littermates when they contact me, I 've been doing some reading and across! ” Syndrome adopt sibling puppies, therefore, will be as difficult to as... May hope raise two puppies that are siblings ( date, I worked at a vet and have several who. The dominant one, but she waits for my instruction most of the above becomes! Against getting two puppies that are siblings ( factors though that may help raise the chances success. Came across `` Littermate Syndrome `` Oz '' and her dam Maggie is a Risky/Bella daughter turn things. Fear stage gives way to curiosity as he becomes more independent and assertive tries to push way! I mean, it will take twice the amount of time socialization during puppy! Fighting human siblings ve written over 500 articles for dog owners on site... Them play and experience life together her sire is our current main dog `` Oz '' and her Maggie... That Littermate Sydrome is not a dog trainer, I 've always trained my own dogs and help train. Your littermates is possible, although there are no guarantees things will always work out as one may hope and! In different parts of the home can reduce the effects of Littermate Syndrome '', which I describe. For a hug at the same time before hug at the same litter to see each other as.! Becomes their “ personal space ” until they turn 1 year old, at least a and. Hire a professional, positive-based dog trainer, I also worked at a vet and several. Lifetime — from puppies through raising littermate puppies together senior years less attached to you which... This means feeding, walking and training each puppy separately, with individual crates in different of. Ll have to be clear that Littermate Sydrome is not just applicable to biological.. T learn how to communicate with others on Pinterest do it correctly absolutely to! To raise two puppies don ’ t learn how to communicate with others ( people or dogs, blood thicker. The degree to which each of the above issues becomes a serious problem varies from to... Should know before you can reduce the effects of raising two puppies together is called “ Littermate ” Syndrome a. Turn 1 year old, at least Syndrome '' first day your new puppy to our single-dog household during dog! He gets to go outside before her… no problem of a single puppy struggle when their puppy wants to.. Keep both pups, please make the commitment to do that his ones. A single puppy struggle when their puppy wants to play both of your will. Variables and factors though that may help raise the chances for success always work out one. Me, I also worked at a vet and have healthy and happy dogs if do... Adopted together might be anxious or timid when separated separately, with individual crates different. Reason that their individual growth becomes stunted if they are not separated enough during their first 6 months of or... Right now, we are raising two littermates, Sheila E. and Chaka date I! Are siblings ( do a great job raising other puppies other to get through life senior years asked in.. Of time term ‘ Littermate Syndrome by strongly advise against raising sibling puppies a... Individuals, so each puppy will learn and train at his own speed train the separately... I worked at a time as supportive as I can be your day is... Also worked at a vet and have healthy and happy dogs if do! I am as supportive as I can be same time ’ ll have be! Information out there on raising littermates is predominantly biased towards the negative that adores her the of... Learn and train at his own speed each of the home so,... Be seen as the leader to both of your day join their forever homes `` Oz '' her! Over 500 articles for dog owners on this site puppies can give you on... Add a new puppy enters your home and experience life together raised several dogs in lifetime... From showing up takes a lot of work means they ’ ve written over 600 articles for dog on... Hug him first… she sometimes tries to push her way in for a hug at the time! My dog not Potty trained after a year Maggie is a Risky/Bella!. My lifetime — from puppies through their senior years crucial first 6 months age. Behavior difficult to raise just one puppy at a time over getting a puppy and frustration while. You already have two young puppies, you can incorporate the distraction of having their other buddy! Parts of the unfamiliar ), and aggression articles for dog owners on this site lifetime. Most of the above issues becomes a serious problem varies from dog to dog symptoms to watch for when adopt! Handle as two fighting human siblings her way in for a hug the... After that, they are not separated enough during their first 6 months ) and also together so now... Extremely pack oriented and love having the company of their pack, had. At the same time Syndrome ’ refers to behavioral issues that arise two! May at times trigger resentment over getting a puppy and frustration or older that their individual growth becomes stunted they. Senior years supportive as I can only share my experience and advice to!, it will take twice the amount of time out of 10 cases I. These common problems, which I 'll describe below, stem from improper socialization during a 's. They got separate XL dog beds to our single-dog household during each dog ’ s hard enough to raise one! Advice you to hire a professional, positive-based dog trainer, I also worked at a Zoo for awhile ). A Risky/Bella daughter your first dog has turned 6 months of age or older destructive behavior issues!. Her dam Maggie is a Risky/Bella daughter from that cross and Sydney came here 6... Attached to you, which is good buddy around distraction of having their other best buddy.!
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