Introduction
Getting two puppies from the same litter is a common choice for many dog owners. There are some advantages, such as built-in companionship and entertainment value. However, there are also significant challenges, including training difficulties, increased costs, and the risk of littermate syndrome. This article will examine the key pros and cons pet owners should consider when deciding whether to adopt sibling puppies. The potential bonding benefits will be weighed against hurdles like training two puppies at once. Overall, the goal is to provide a comprehensive look at this decision to help owners determine if getting two dogs from the same litter is the right choice for their family.
Bonding with Littermates
Puppies from the same litter often become very strongly bonded to each other. This excessively close bond is called “littermate syndrome” and can lead to significant behavior issues if left unchecked (The Wildest). Littermates tend to play and interact with each other much more than with humans. As a result, they fail to form strong attachments with their human family. Without proper socialization and training, littermates can develop extreme anxiety when separated even for short periods. They may fight with dogs outside their littermate bond and struggle to listen to commands from their owners. Littermate syndrome can be prevented through early intervention, but it requires dedicated training and management starting as soon as the puppies come home.
Training challenges
Training two puppies at the same time can be extremely difficult compared to training just one puppy. Puppies from the same litter often bond very closely with each other, which can make it hard to train them separately. As one trainer notes, “Training two puppies at the same time is nearly impossible for one person to do, and training them at once (even if not simultaneously) will result in two undertrained dogs” (Source). The puppies will often be more interested in playing with and interacting with each other than focusing on commands from you.
Trying to train two puppies together often results in them reinforcing bad behaviors in each other, and neither puppy gets the full attention needed for proper training. As experts advise, “One new dog at a time is generally challenging enough for most pet parents, and experts don’t recommend adopting two puppies at once” (Source). It takes a great deal of time, patience, and consistency to train just one puppy properly. Attempting to train two simultaneously spreads your focus and makes it far more difficult to establish good habits in either pup.
Housetraining difficulties
Housetraining two puppies from the same litter at the same time can be exceptionally challenging. Puppies learn to eliminate in specific areas from their mothers and littermates at a very young age. When you bring home siblings, they will likely continue eliminating anywhere and everywhere together inside your home. According to an article on Cuteness, “Housetraining two puppies at the same time may seem like double the trouble, but it doesn’t need to be” (source). The key is to treat each puppy separately, have individual routines, and be extremely consistent. It’s essential to frequently take each puppy outside to the desired potty area and praise immediately after they go. Any accidents must be interrupted with a firm “no” and cleaned thoroughly with an enzymatic cleaner. Housetraining littermates requires diligence but is very possible. Just don’t expect it to happen overnight.
Increased costs
There are increased costs associated with caring for two puppies together such as food, supplies, vet bills, and more. According to The Truth About Getting Two Puppies at Once, having two puppies will double the cost of regular puppy bills, including food, grooming, veterinary costs, toys, dog training, and other expenses.
Likewise, Two Puppies At The Same Time explains that the costs of caring for two puppies are doubled when it comes to veterinary care, training supplies, food, treats, toys, boarding, and the amount of time needed for their care. The lifetime costs of owning just one dog is estimated to be around $10,000, so owning two puppies simultaneously essentially doubles that expense.
To avoid financial strain, it’s important to carefully budget and prepare for the increased costs that come with raising two puppies at once before making the commitment.
Double the work
Caring for two puppies requires twice the time and effort compared to one. Everything has to be done in duplicate – you’ll need to take them on separate walks and toilet breaks, feed them separately, provide separate bowls, beds and toys. Training two puppies means repeating lessons separately for each dog. Socialization will require exposure for each puppy individually. Grooming takes twice as long with two dogs to bathe, brush and clip nails for. Veterinary costs like vaccines, deworming, flea/tick prevention and spay/neuter procedures also double with two puppies. It takes significantly more time, energy and resources to properly care for a pair of puppies versus raising just one.
According to an article on Pupvine, “Having two same-aged puppies can be exhausting. Plan for double exercise sessions, training times, vet visits, socialization outings, and more…Be prepared to have your schedule dominated by puppy needs for the first 6-12 months.” Properly caring for and training two puppies requires an owner’s full commitment.
Creating healthy independence
There are several strategies you can use to prevent littermate syndrome and promote healthy independence in two puppies raised together (https://pupford.com/littermate-syndrome-dogs/). The key is to prevent the puppies from becoming overly bonded and dependent on each other, which can impede proper socialization.
Give the puppies their own crates, beds, food bowls, and toys. Rotate joint playtime and alone time for each puppy. Take the puppies on separate walks, training sessions, and car rides. Have different family members be primary caretakers for each puppy. Enroll them in separate obedience classes once they are vaccinated. Expose them to new environments, people, and dogs separately as much as possible (https://www.wshs-dg.org/resource-center/ask-the-trainer/131-ask-the-trainer/461-litter-mate-syndrome).
Implementing these strategies from the start and continuing them consistently will promote healthy independence. The puppies will form strong bonds with their people and learn good social skills with other dogs. With effort and prevention, littermate syndrome can be avoided.
The benefits
Getting two puppies together from the same litter can have some potential benefits. The most commonly cited advantage is that the puppies will have a built-in playmate and companion.
Raising two puppies together means they always have someone to play with, wrestle with, and expend energy with. This can be beneficial for highly energetic and social breeds that thrive when they have canine company.
Having a littermate can provide comfort, entertainment, and security for a puppy adjusting to a new home. The two puppies may form a strong bond and alleviate stress or loneliness when separated from their littermates and mother.
Additionally, two puppies may learn how to interact, communicate, and play together from an early age by being raised side-by-side. This early socialization with another dog can potentially help with developing good canine social skills.
However, while these potential benefits exist, the reality is that raising two puppies together also comes with many drawbacks and training challenges. Careful consideration is required before deciding to adopt two puppies together.
Making the decision
Getting two puppies from the same litter is a big decision that requires careful consideration of the pros and cons. Here are some key factors to weigh:
Bonding – Puppies from the same litter will likely have a strong bond, which can lead to behavioral issues down the road if they become too dependent on each other. However, some people find it rewarding to watch sibling puppies play and interact.
Training – It can be more difficult to train two puppies at once. They may become distracted by or reliant on each other, making it harder for them to focus on commands from you. Twice the puppies means twice the effort when it comes to training.
Costs – There will be double the costs when it comes to food, supplies, vet bills, training classes, etc. The expenses add up quickly so it’s important to make sure you can afford two puppies.
Care – Two puppies equal double the work. They will need to be fed, walked, played with, cleaned up after, and given attention. Make sure you have the time and energy to properly care for two puppies.
Independence – If not properly socialized and trained, litter mates can become too dependent on each other, which could lead to separation anxiety when apart. socializing them separately helps promote independence.
The decision ultimately depends on your specific situation, resources, and ability to put in the extra work. Weigh the pros and cons carefully to determine if getting two puppies together is right for you.
Conclusion
In summary, adopting two puppies from the same litter can be an exciting prospect. The puppies will provide each other with much-needed socialization, play, and companionship as they grow. However, littermates often bond too closely with each other, which can lead to training and behavior challenges. They may fail to form strong bonds with their human family. Housetraining and teaching independence will take extra time and effort. The costs of caring for two puppies at once is also considerably higher.
While the idea of raising litter mates together may sound ideal, the risks often outweigh the benefits. The average owner is better equipped to focus on training and socializing one puppy at a time. For those set on getting two, adopting puppies separately, with an age gap between them, tends to yield better results. This allows each puppy to be trained and socialized individually. At the end of the day, it depends on your unique circumstances. With plenty of time, patience and resources, it is possible to raise happy, well-trained littermates successfully.