Read Why Not to Take Two Littermates – Dog Trainer from Sydney

Anniina is a dog trainer from Sydney and a founder of Eazy Dog Training. She’s been working with hundreds of dogs each week for the last 4 years and has gained a lot of knowledge in dog behaviour. Especially having two littermates is an interesting subject that very often seems problematic. But why?

Two puppies from the same litter might not be a good idea.

Over-bonding is a common phenomenon and better known as “Littermate Syndrome.” It’s the reason responsible breeders caution against giving siblings to the same family.

What well-meaning owners often don’t think about is how training two puppies at the same time is much harder than focusing on just one. But the thing they should be aware of is that the puppies are very likely to become more bonded with each other than they ever will with their owner.

Siblings can become over-attached to each other.

To the point that, when separated, they experience extreme distress and anxiety. Separating them to take one to vet, for example, can therefore become a very a traumatic experience. Not to mention what happens if one of them passes away.

Lack of Social Skills

Another issue with littermates is the lack of social skills that can develop when the pair plays only with each other. The puppies can get used only to each other and show stress, fear and even aggression when they encounter other dogs. I’ve worked in two big dog daycares and have seen this happen myself. Very often littermates show no or very little interest in socialising with other dogs. They form a tight pack and in worst case can start acting like one, attacking other dogs that approach them. I’ve seen this happen with very young puppies!

So what can you do to prevent problems if you already have littermates?

You need to get them accustomed to independence in a gradual way. If they sleep together in a crate, get another crate and start with the crates side by side, moving them farther apart over time.

Set up training sessions where one person is training one dog while another works with the second dog at a distance.

Have the puppies spend time separate from each other. You can begin to split them up when offering super yummy Kongs or other chew items in separate rooms. This way being separated will become associated with good things.

Eventually, the puppies should be separated from time to time for walks and other outings, so they can build confidence and learn to experience the world on their own. This kind of confidence building is important for anyone who owns more than one dog!

Eazy Dog Training – Your Dog Trainer from Sydney

I provide professional dog training in Sydney, in the Inner West, city and surrounding areas. I’m here to help you to build the best possible relationship between you and your pooch with amazing results.

I have 10 years of experience in dog training and have successfully rehabilitated many reactive dogs. As a dog trainer in Sydney, I specialise in obedience training and use reward based positive training methods combined with vocal correction when and if needed.

The training session can be held at your own home or at one of our beautiful Inner West Sydney Parks.