Many people these days, it seems, are not just getting one puppy, but two from the same litter. While the rationale behind this sounds great – they can keep each other company, will always have a playmate, and won’t get upset about being left alone while their owners are at work. In reality, the problems may far outweigh the benefits. The puppies may become so bonded to each other that everything and everyone else in their world ceases to matter. When separated, they simply cannot function as individuals.
Once they reach both physical and social maturity the real trouble begins; aggression towards each other leading to fights (especially if the two puppies are females), dual aggression toward other dogs, one becomes dominant while the other becomes timid. This is usually when the dog trainer gets called in because this behavior seemingly came out of nowhere. “They always got along so well, they were inseparable! Now I have to keep them separated for fear they will kill each other!” It’s very upsetting for owners to have to deal with this kind of thing.
So what’s the solution? Well, if you are considering littermates, think again. It might be better to get one puppy first and then add a second when the first is well on its way to becoming a well-trained, well socialized, independent dog. If you already have littermates, then make sure you are ready to invest the time needed to make them two individual dogs. This means they must be allowed, no, REQUIRED, to have their own space, to develop their own personalities, and to look to the owner for bonding and love. They must have lots and lots of “only dog” time.
* Crate them separately (preferably in separate rooms.)
* Feed them separately.
* Walk them separately.
* Play with them separately.
* Train them separately.
* TRAIN them! Take them to a good puppy class where the instructor knows how to work with littermates. Take them at separate times. Do NOT take them to the same class.
Of course they can play together, but in supervised and controlled sessions. And, they need to regularly, and separately, play with other dogs and puppies their own age in order to properly learn dog to dog communication. Are you scared yet? Well, fear not, this routine will not be forever. After a period of about 12 to 14 months the pups will have formed their own personalities and temperaments, and be ready to live their separate lives together.
Littermate syndrome:
I have read all the negative write ups and im getting two from the same litter, first of all they are Africanis dogs the African Landrace, we have two at home with awesome natures and they have raised numerous pups with perfection.
Our household has other dogs and an established pecking order as our old female is fifteen and raised all our pups x3 through the years. We are not getting these two to be company for each other they have different owners under the same roof. My dads dog will be responsible for his pup in the evening=bed time and my dog the same with the other.
They will have their own feeding areas with their new friends, our dogs are great around food and often play musical bowls with out a issue in case one is getting something the other isn’t.
Have have trained dogs in obedience and agility so training them individually is obvious as i train another dog not belonging to me and mine.
There are four handlers in our house for training so we have that covered. The dogs are not going to be at home all day while we are at work. I will bring the pups to work (up to 12months) and they have a companion schedule worked out between my dog and my friend/work college’s Boston. Both dogs are able to keep them company with boundries. They will be attending training as they get older and have had all three puppy vacs. But they will have different handlers.
I believe i am doing as much as i can to prevent this.
Please if you can give me any further tips or advise i would be greatfull.
Regards
Jacqui and the Pooches
South Africa