Is it better to get 2 puppies from the same litter?

Professional trainers like myself recommend against bringing home two puppies around the same age, let alone two from the same litter. While this sounds like a good plan in theory, in practice it often causes quite a bit of heartache and potentially some serious aggression trouble.

Is it a good idea to get sibling puppies?

Many factors influence behavior, and not all siblings raised together will exhibit this problem, which is called “littermate syndrome.” In other words, it's a risk, not a foregone conclusion. That said, many dog behaviorists, trainers, breeders, and shelters actually discourage adopting siblings.

Why should you not get puppies from the same litter?

The most common reason given for not adopting two pups from the same litter is that they will “bond better” with each other than with you. This intuitively makes sense, in that the pups have already had the closest and most intimate experience with each other, and often during important phases of socialization.

Is it better to get 2 puppies at the same time?

Two puppies might play together, but are also likely to bond so strongly that they can't tolerate being apart and won't bond with their humans. Puppies have to learn to be alone to avoid developing separation anxiety, but this is difficult with the constant presence of another puppy.

Is it better to have 2 dogs of the same gender?

Gender: While there is no set rule that a female dog will be a better friend for a male dog, if you have never had two dogs at the same time it is generally easier and often safer to have dogs of the opposite sex. Same-sex combinations can be tricky to manage as dogs work out their dominance or pack order.

Should You Get Two Puppies From The Same Litter?

Are dogs happier in pairs?

Dogs are social animals and usually happier around other dogs, but a second dog will never be a substitute for inattentive, absent or too busy owners.

What is the best gender combination for two dogs?

For the happiest dogs and the safest household, opposite sex dogs almost always do best together. Many same-sex combinations of dogs will fight, sometimes to the death. Those who work out a dominance order may not fare much better.

How do you raise two puppies successfully?

Is it good to raise puppy siblings together?

Professional trainers like myself recommend against bringing home two puppies around the same age, let alone two from the same litter. While this sounds like a good plan in theory, in practice it often causes quite a bit of heartache and potentially some serious aggression trouble.

How do you successfully raise two sibling puppies?

Does littermate syndrome go away?

The short answer is no, littermate syndrome does not go away on its own. But the behavioral issues that arise from two sibling puppies being raised together can be addressed. It may take a significant amount of effort on your part to help your dogs achieve proper socialization skills and good behavior.

How long does it take for littermate syndrome to develop?

Littermate syndrome is an anecdotal term that refers to a host of issues that tend to present when siblings are raised in the same household beyond the normal 8-10 weeks.

What I wish I knew before getting a second dog?

Allocate the Time and Resources for Another Pup

You also have to keep in mind that you'll need to invest extra for essential gear — collars, leashes and crates, to name a just a few items — as well as unexpected vet visits, potential boarding and possible pet sitters and dog walkers.

What are signs of littermate syndrome?

Can you crate train 2 puppies together?

Your new puppies should be crated separately and kept close enough for you to hear them at night if they need you. Train them individually: When training two puppies, the dogs should attend training classes separately.

Can 2 puppies share a crate?

Make sure each puppy has their own crate to sleep in and even their own puppy toys. Don't get used to putting them in the same crate. Let them sleep separately in their own area. You can start by putting their crate or bed close to each other, but gradually move them apart so they get more comfortable being apart.

Do dogs prefer a sibling?

Dogs are innately social animals, so it makes sense to think they prefer to be with a family or group – but that group does not have to be other dogs. Now a domesticated, socialized species, many dogs are happy with just their owners/family.

Do puppies know who their siblings are?

Research suggests that dogs are able to recognize their siblings and their parents later in life as long as they spent the first 16 weeks together. Intuitively, the less time dogs spend with their families as puppies, the less likely it is they'll be able to recognize a family member later on.

Can 2 female puppies live together?

Two female dogs could act exactly like their male counterparts. As young pups, these two new female puppies may be friendly and pal around as you'd expect. But when they get a little older, they could vie for dominance.

Is it hard to train 2 puppies at once?

It is difficult to train and properly socialize two puppies at the same time. “Littermate syndrome” can often develop because the pups tend to prefer each other's company over that of any human.

What is the best age to get a second puppy?

Many breeders recommend that your first dog be at least one-to-two-years old before you add a second to the family. If you have an old dog, he may not be physically able to play with or tolerate a pup.

How long does it take for two puppies to get used to each other?

It can take up to one month for an old dog and new dog to really settle in and accept each other's position in the pack. If you want a second dog, you need to be ready to commit to this process and not panic.

What is second dog syndrome?

In dogdom, there's a turn of phrase called, "Second Dog Syndrome". This describes the process of adding another dog to the home quite well, but not necessarily in a positive light. As humans, we are bound to forget all of the time and effort it takes to raise a puppy right.

Which dog breeds don't get along?

Does having 2 dogs help separation anxiety?

Another dog.

Getting your dog a companion usually doesn't help an anxious dog because their anxiety is the result of their separation from you, not just the result of being alone.