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What is littermate syndrome?

Littermate syndrome is an umbrella term for two young dogs raised together that develop behavioral problems because of an unhealthy codependency. Most commonly, it develops when puppies from the same litter are placed together in a new home, although it can happen in unrelated young dogs with up to a year's age gap.

Behavior issues are most commonly seen in puppies adopted from the same litter, but can also occur when any two young dogs are raised together without sufficient human intervention.

Because of this, many rescues and shelters will not allow the adoption of siblings or introducing a puppy into a household with another dog of less than a year old.

When two young dogs are raised together, they often lack sufficient experiences with humans and other animals outside of each other. This can lead to an extreme interaction style in which one dog may assume control, while the other is more passive.

This type of codependency can lead to aggression, anxiety, and other behavorial problems.

How will dogs with littermate syndrome behave? What does littermate syndrome look like?

Symptoms of Littermate Syndrome include:

extreme possessiveness over food, toys, or other items

aggression toward siblings and humans

anxiety/fearfulness in response to new stimuli (sounds, people)

anxiety when apart from each other (e.g. whining, constantly looking for the other)

social problems outside of the home

lack of bond with their humans

impossible to train, as they cannot focus without their sibling

relying on each other to the point of complete dysfunction

and general anxiety

Intensity of littermate syndrome.

Often on social media, you will hear people say that littermate syndrome doesn't exist. That they raised two puppies together with no problems and their dogs are inseparable. That's literally the problem!

Littermate syndrome is not a myth. It's real and can be very problematic for the dogs that are afflicted with it. Imagine trying to live your life not being able to cope without your sibling being within sight... that's what it's like for these dogs on a day-to-day basis.

At the severest end of the spectrum of littermate syndrome, one dog will physically bully and attack the other to the point they will fight to the death.

Is littermate syndrome dangerous?

Many people have horror stories to share about experiences when littermate syndrome leads to extreme aggression, with some leading a "crate and rotate" lifestyle to stop the dogs from seriously injuring each other... or worse.

In situations like these, one lapse of control and management can lead to catastrophic consequences.

How can I tell if my dogs have littermate syndrome?

If your dogs' behavior meets any of the descriptions above, it's time to seek help!

What behaviors are sometimes confused with littermate syndrome?

If your dogs are anxious about being left home alone but still in sight of their sibling, it could be separation anxiety, rather than littermate syndrome that your dogs are suffering with.

If your dogs become agitated and behave in a manner that we might describe as aggressive only when there is a physical barrier between them such as a stair gate or crate, this could be barrier frustration.

What causes littermate syndrome in dogs?

This is a common question, and one that doesn't have a simple answer. As with many canine behavior problems, very often it is a combination of factors that cause littermate syndrome.

Spending too much time together without human intervention is a common theme amongst dogs that suffer from littermate syndrome.

Dogs who do not have outlets for exhibiting natural species- and breed-specific behaviors (i.e. doing things that dogs love to do) are also at higher risk of developing behavioral problems, which can include littermate syndrome.

Should I consult a canine professional about littermate syndrome?

Littermate syndrome in dogs should always receive professional attention, as each case is unique.

An experienced, positive-reinforcement behaviorist should be contacted for help if the dogs are exhibiting any issues. They can give recommendations on how to interact with the dogs and can help determine a plan of action that will reduce the risk of developing problems. Littermate syndrome can become serious enough that one dog may need rehoming.

Is littermate syndrome curable?

Not always. Many dogs with littermate syndrome can be successfully treated through training and behavior modification (with or without medication to help with the anxiety), but many others cannot.

While it may be adorable to see one puppy following another around the house, your dogs should always be able to spend time apart from each other without incident.

Can littermate syndrome be prevented?

As with many cases of behavioral issues, good control and management can reduce likelihood of problems. Owners should be aware of this syndrome and be proactive in preventing it from becoming a problem.

In some cases, littermates are raised with the minimum of intervention, barely spend any time apart and grow up to be as confident and independent as any dog raised alone. It's a bit like walking across a busy road blindfold though - you might be lucky and reach the other side unscathed, but the odds are not in your favour!

To actively avoid littermate syndrome, I would always advise the dogs spend as much time apart as possible, ideally spending more one-to-one time with their human than they spend with their sibling.

Separate bowls, separate beds, separate walks, separate training, separate crates, separate everything!

Proper socialization to new people, animals, sounds, and situations should begin as early as possible. Owners should expose puppies individually to new situations daily. This allows for positive experiences with the new stimuli without each other present. The easiest way to achieve this is to get them used to going out for walks individually.

Playing stimulating games, doing gentle training for obedience and tricks, and other activities that allow for positive interaction with the owner and other humans.

Teach each of your dogs to be independent and confident without needing the other's presence. Puppies' owners should provide activities that decrease codependency, such as interactive toys. Enrichment puzzles and toys that require problem-solving to get food treats will help build a dog's confidence, rewarding them for trying new things, and encouraging their curiosity.

When spending time together with their owner and other pets/humans, it may be beneficial for one littermate to have a job, such as foraging or playing with interactive toys, while the other rests. This gives the dogs an outlet for their energy and prevents them from becoming overly focussed or fixated on each other.

Get them accustomed to being left home alone individually for short periods, too. This can be invaluable if either of your dogs ever needs to stay at the vets overnight or if you need to get them looked after separately whilst you go on holiday.

What NOT to do when your dogs have littermate syndrome.

Don't let them "sort it out themselves". The dogs should be separated immediately if any fighting starts. If they are allowed to keep interacting with each other, new issues may arise. Fighting can escalate by one dog bullying the other and seeking out opportunities to attack, and it can lead to injuries that will become harder to treat.

Siblings should never be left alone together - especially if they started having issues at a young age. They should also not be isolated without human contact.

What are the consequences of owners' inability to resolve littermate syndrome?

I'm aware of several pups who have had to be rehomed due to littermate syndrome emerging.

Not that pups are destined to get it. The chance of acquiring it can be lowered with adequate training. And, sometimes, even with no training, it will never happen.

It's important to remember that littermate syndrome has two faces: over-reliance on one another or hatred for one other. There is a lot of space between those two poles for healthy development.

Is there anything else I should know about littermate syndrome?

In my experience as a trainer, sibling dogs that are not the same sex generally have better outcomes.

There is nothing wrong with having two puppies, but socialising each of them both separately and together so that they can cope in all scenarios is actually three times the work of having one puppy.

I've been there and done it. If I had my time over and the circumstances were the same, I'm not sure I'd do it again. I feel like I missed out on many aspects of each of my dog's puppyhoods and I couldn't give each dog as much attention as I'd have liked. Next time, I will raise one puppy on their own and give them my undivided attention for the first two years until they are a mature adult dog.

What to do next...

If you feel like your dogs might be showing signs of littermate syndrome, seek out the help of a professional canine behaviorist who can guide you through the steps needed to resolve the issue.
Check out this article for more info about tactics to help avoid littermate syndrome. Check out this article to find out at what age do puppies start calming down.

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Littermate Syndrome - What It Is And How To Deal With It

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Littermate syndrome is an umbrella term for two young dogs raised together that develop behavioral problems because of an unhealthy codependency. Most commonly, it develops when puppies from the same litter are placed together in a new home, although it can happen in unrelated young dogs with up to a year's age gap.

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Best Ways To Avoid Littermate Syndrome (don’t Do THIS...)

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Here’s my top tips on the best ways to avoid littermate syndrome. If you’ve got 2 puppies, you MUST READ this.

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Did you know that there is a phenomenon called littermate syndrome? It's when two or more puppies are raised together and they end up developing behavioral problems.

But is this really a thing? Or is it just something people say to explain away bad dog behavior? Let's take a look at the scientific evidence and find out!

Contents of this article:

1. Why do people say littermate syndrome is a myth?

2. Does littermate syndrome always happen?

3. What are the first signs of littermate syndrome?

4. Littermate syndrome symptoms.

5. Conclusion - Is littermate syndrome a myth?

Why do people say littermate syndrome is a myth?

Littermate syndrome is a term used to describe the negative behaviors that can occur when two puppies from the same litter are raised together.

While there is no scientific evidence to support the existence of this syndrome, there are many anecdotal reports of it occurring. But is littermate syndrome a myth?

There is a lot of debate over whether or not "littermate syndrome" is a real thing. Some people believe that it is a myth, while others believe that it is a real phenomenon.
There is no scientific evidence to support the existence of littermate syndrome, but there are many anecdotal reports of it occurring.
One of the reasons why some people believe that littermate syndrome is a myth is because the symptoms associated with it are often seen in puppies that are not littermates. For example, separation anxiety, aggression, and potty training problems can occur in puppies that are raised together or apart.

In addition, there is no one definitive cause of littermate syndrome. It is possible that multiple factors, such as genetics, environment, and socialization, could contribute to the development of the syndrome.

Does littermate syndrome always happen?

No, there is no guarantee that littermate syndrome will occur if you raise two puppies from the same litter.

Some people do very little to avoid littermate syndrome and their dogs end up just fine. At the other end of the spectrum, I've known people who have gone to great lengths to avoid littermate syndrome, only to have their puppies end up exhibiting some of the symptoms.
In mild cases, the dogs may be overly reliant upon each other and have difficulty being apart, while in more severe cases, the dogs may be aggressive towards each other to the point they cannot be within sight of each other without kicking off.
Dodging littermate syndrome is a bit like crossing the road blindfold though - you may get lucky and not get hit by a car, but you're more likely to get hit.
Generally speaking, the more aware you are about littermate syndrome and the more active you are in implementing a strategy to avoid it, the more chance you will have of raising well-adjusted dogs.
What are the first signs of littermate syndrome?

The first signs of littermate syndrome is often that one or both dogs will panic if they can't see the other and constantly seek out their sibling. This can be a mild form of separation anxiety or it can be much more severe.

Other early signs include one or both dogs being difficult to potty train and generalize commands. This is because each dog is more focused on the other dog than on their owner.

If a dog finds interacting with their sibling more rewarding than anything their owner has to offer them, they will be difficult to motivate. The other dog is more valuable to them than their owner.

As the syndrome progresses, the symptoms may become more severe. One or both dogs may exhibit aggression towards people or other animals, and they may become difficult to handle.

In extreme cases, one dog may need to be rehomed. This then creates its own issues because the dog left behind cannot cope without their sibling.

Littermate syndrome symptoms.

Some of the most common behaviors associated with littermate syndrome include:

- One or both puppies developing separation anxiety.

- One or both puppies becoming excessively shy or fearful.

- One or both puppies exhibiting aggression towards people or other dogs.

- One or both puppies being difficult to potty train and train in general.
While there is no guarantee that littermate syndrome will occur if you raise two puppies from the same litter, it is important to be aware of the potential risks.
If you are considering raising two puppies together, it is best to consult with a professional trainer or behaviorist beforehand to ensure that you are prepared for the challenges that may arise.

Is littermate syndrome a myth?

Puppies raised together can very easily become overly reliant on one another so it is important to be aware of the potential risks involved if you are considering raising two together, whether they are related or not.

Consult with a professional trainer or behaviorist beforehand to ensure that you are prepared for the challenges that may arise.

More posts on littermate syndrome and having two dogs:

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Is Littermate Syndrome A Myth? (Find Out The TRUTH!)

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Did you know that there is a phenomenon called littermate syndrome? It's when two or more puppies are raised together and they end up developing behavioral problems. But is this really a thing? Or is it just something people say to explain away bad dog behavior?

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Is Having 2 Dogs Difficult? - Get The TRUTH!

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There’s no doubt that it can be a lot of work. But is having 2 dogs difficult or is it actually easier than having just one?

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There's no denying that dogs are a man's best friend. But is it better to have one dog, or two?

Some people believe that two dogs are better than one because they provide companionship and can help keep each other occupied. Others think that having one dog is best, as it allows the owner to give the dog more attention and get more exercise.

So which is truly better for you and your furry friend? Is it better to have two dogs rather than one? Let's take a closer look at both sides of this debate.

Contents of this article:

1. Is it better to have two dogs rather than one?

2. Are dogs happier in pairs?

3. Will my dog be jealous if I get another dog?

4. Why you shouldn't get another dog.

1. If your dog has behavioral problems.

2. Dogs are expensive creatures.

3. Dogs require time and attention.

4. Two dogs with different needs.

5. If your dog is under a year old.

5. Is it a good idea to get a second dog?

Is it better to have two dogs rather than one?

The benefits of having two dogs rather than one are numerous. First, having two dogs gives you twice the amount of love and companionship. Dogs are known for their loyalty, and having two dogs means that you'll always have a loyal friend by your side.

Additionally, having two dogs means that you'll never have to worry about being left alone. Whether you're staying home or taking a walk around the block, having two dogs means that you'll always have someone to keep you company.

Finally, having two dogs can provide an extra measure of protection. Whether it's protecting your home from burglars or simply providing emotional support during tough times, having two dogs can give you an extra sense of security.

In short, the benefits of having two dogs rather than one are numerous and should not be ignored.

Are dogs happier in pairs?

Much has been said about the benefits of owning a dog, from reducing stress levels to improving overall health. But what about when dogs are in pairs?

Some people believe that dogs are actually happier when living with another canine companion. So, is it better for your dog to have a furry friend? Let's take a look.

For many dog owners, the question of whether or not to get a second dog is a difficult one.

On the one hand, dogs are social animals and may enjoy the company of another canine friend. On the other hand, two dogs can be twice as much work, and it may be difficult to find a compatible playmate for your furry friend.

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to get a second dog is a personal one, and there is no right or wrong answer.

However, if you do decide to add another furry friend to your family, there are a few things you should keep in mind.

First, make sure you choose a breed that is compatible with your existing dog. Second, introduce the dogs slowly and carefully, and make sure you have plenty of time to devote to training and socialization.

With a little bit of effort, you can ensure that your dogs will be happy and well-adjusted members of your family.

Will my dog be jealous if I get another dog?

If you're considering getting a second dog, you may be wondering if your first dog will get jealous. While there is no definitive answer, there are some things to take into consideration when making your decision.

While it's possible that your dog may feel some envy towards a new furry friend, there are a few things you can do to help reduce the chances of jealousy arising.

First, make sure that you give your first dog plenty of attention and affection. Spend quality time playing together, and provide plenty of physical and verbal praise.

You should also try to feed them at the same time and provide them with equal amounts of toys and attention.

If you can stick to a daily routine, that will also help to reduce the chances of jealousy creeping in.

Of course, every dog is different, so it's important to keep an eye on your pooches and look for any signs that one is feeling left out or neglected. If you see any such signs, take action quickly to rectify the situation.

In most cases, dogs will adjust relatively easily to having a new canine sibling, but it's important to make sure they have plenty of time and space to get used to each other before leaving them alone together unsupervised.

By providing plenty of positive reinforcement for good behavior and taking steps to ensure both dogs feel safe and secure in their environment, you can help minimize any potential jealousy issues.

Why you shouldn't get another dog.

There's no doubt that dogs make great companions. They're always happy to see you, they're always up for a game of fetch or a walk in the park, and they provide unquestioning love and support.

But before you go out and get another dog, stop and think about whether doing so is really the best thing for you, your current dog, and the new dog you're considering bringing into your home.

Here are five reasons why getting another dog may not be such a great idea after all.

If your dog has behavioral problems.

If your dog has behavioral problems getting another dog will not solve them. In a worst case scenario, your second dog will copy the behavioral problems of your first dog, and you'll be left with two dogs with issues instead of just one.

If your dog has separation anxiety, for example, getting another dog will not alleviate their fears. In fact, the presence of another dog may actually make the problem worse.

Dogs are expensive creatures.

From food and toys to vet bills and grooming, owning a dog is not a cheap proposition. If you're struggling to keep up with the costs of caring for one dog, adding another to the mix is probably not going to be feasible.

Dogs require time and attention.

If you're already working long hours or if you have other commitments that leave you little free time, adding another dog to the mix is probably not a good idea.

Dogs need plenty of exercise, and they need to be able to spend quality time with their owners on a daily basis.

If you're not able to provide that for your current dog, adding another is likely to just make the situation worse.

Two dogs with different needs.

If you find yourself with dogs that have differing energy levels and exercise requirements this can actually be twice as much work as one dog.

If you're already struggling to keep up with the demands of dog ownership, adding another pooch to the mix is only going to make things more difficult.

If your dog is under a year old.

Getting another puppy could be a huge mistake if you're current dog is still very much a youngster. Puppies are a lot of work. Once your first dog hits adolescence and forgets all their training overnight, you're going to REALLY have your hands full.

If you're not prepared to deal with two dogs in the puppy stage, it's probably best to wait until your first dog is out of the puppyhood stage before considering adding another.

I've seen a few people be lulled into a false sense of security and get another puppy when their first dog is 6-7 months old. Then adolescence strikes and they end up so overwhelmed they end up rehoming one of them.
Littermate syndrome is also a possibility with two young dogs, even if they're unrelated.
As you can see, there are a number of valid reasons why you might not want to get another dog. Before making your decision, be sure to carefully consider all of the potential pros and cons.

Is it a good idea to get a second dog?

There are a few things to consider before getting a second dog.

Can you handle two dogs?

Do you have the time to care for two dogs?

Do you have the space for two dogs?

Can you afford two dogs?

Are you prepared to deal with double the amount of dog hair?

If you can answer yes to all of these questions, then getting a second dog might be the right decision for you. Just remember to take your time in choosing the right dog for your household. Not every dog is a good fit for every family.

Take your time, do your research, and find the perfect dog for your home.
Check out this article if you want to know more about getting a second dog.

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Is It Better To Have Two Dogs Rather Than One? - FIND OUT

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There's no denying that dogs are a man's best friend. But is it better to have one dog, or two? Some people believe that two dogs are better than one because they provide companionship and can help keep each other occupied.

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Most people think that getting two dogs from the same litter is a great idea. After all, they'll be siblings and will have each other to play with and lean on. But is this really the best decision for both dogs?

If you're wondering "Should I get 2 dogs from the same litter?", then read on!

Contents of this article:

1. Should I get 2 dogs from the same litter?

2. Pros and cons of having 2 dogs from the same litter.

3. How to prepare your home for 2 puppies.

4. What to do if puppies start fighting.

5. Training tips for 2 puppies.

6. How to make sure each puppy gets enough attention and socialization.

7. Should you get two puppies at once?

Should I get 2 dogs from the same litter?

If you're considering getting two dogs from the same litter, there are a few things to keep in mind. Let's take a closer look at them.

Pros and cons of having 2 dogs from the same litter.

While there are some definite advantages to adopting two dogs from the same litter, there are also some potential downsides to take into consideration.

On the plus side, puppies who are raised together usually form a strong bond and are very attached to one another. This can be a great source of comfort and companionship for both dogs, especially as they get older.
In addition, dogs from the same litter tend to have similar temperaments, which can make training and socialization easier.
On the downside, however, two dogs from the same litter can sometimes become too attached to each other and may have trouble adjusting if they are ever separated.
In addition, two dogs from the same litter can sometimes fight, which can lead to behavioral issues.
Overall, there are pros and cons to taking home two dogs from the same litter. It's important to consider all of the factors before making a decision.

How to prepare your home for 2 puppies.

If you've decided that adopting two puppies is the right decision for you, there are a few things you'll need to do to prepare your home.

First, you'll need to make sure you have enough space. Two puppies will need their own designated areas to sleep, eat, and play. Don't make them share beds or crates, they must each have their own.

You'll also need to be prepared to potty train two puppies at the same time, which can be a challenge. Be sure to have plenty of patience and positive reinforcement on hand to help them through the process.

Finally, you'll need to make sure you have enough time to devote to both puppies. They will need plenty of individual exercise, socialization, and training.

If you feel like you can commit to all of this, then adopting two puppies may be a great option for you.

What to do if puppies start fighting.

If you have two puppies from the same litter, it's important to be prepared and have the means to isolate them from each other in case they start fighting.

Although it doesn't always happen, it's pretty common that siblings can sometimes fight as they start to mature. If this happens, you'll need to intervene and separate them. Never let them "sort it out themselves", as some dogs will literally fight to the death.

Once they've calmed down, you can reintroduce them slowly and supervise their interactions. If they start fighting again, repeat the process.

With time and patience, they should eventually learn to get along.

Always supervise all interactions between your dogs and never leave them alone together. If fighting persists, you will need to seek professional help from a behaviorist or trainer.

Training tips for 2 puppies.

It's impossible to teach new behaviors to two dogs at once, so if you have two puppies, you'll need to spend time every day training each of them separately.

Give one a chewie or stuffed Kong in their crate to keep them occupied whilst you work with the other one. Start with basic commands such as sit, stay, come, and down.
Be sure to use positive reinforcement such as treats and praise to encourage good behavior.
How to make sure each puppy gets enough attention and socialization.

One of the challenges of having two puppies is making sure each one gets enough attention and socialization.

Puppies need a lot of time, patience, and love in order to grow into well-adjusted adult dogs. It's important to spend equal amounts of time with both puppies so that they can bond with you and form a strong attachment.

When it comes to socialization, it's important that the puppies have individual trips out to work on this. Otherwise, they are likely to become dependent on their sibling being present in order to feel confident.
Give each puppy plenty of one-on-one time so they can learn to be confident and independent dogs.
Should you get two puppies at once?

This is a question that you need to answer based on your lifestyle and preferences.

I've done it and I can tell you it's three times the work of having one puppy. We were lucky - my husband was working from home, I worked part time and our children were 15 and 13 so they could pitch in. That said, it was very "full-on" and I wouldn't choose to do it again.

Ultimately though, the decision comes down to what you are looking for and what you are willing to commit to. If you have the time, patience, and energy to care for two puppies, then it can be a rewarding experience.

Just be sure to do your research and prepare your home before making the decision to add two furry friends to your family.

More posts on littermate syndrome:

More posts on having two dogs:

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Should I Get 2 Dogs From The Same Litter? - Pros And Cons

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Most people think that getting two dogs from the same litter is a great idea. After all, they'll be siblings and will have each other to play with and lean on. But is this really the best decision for both dogs? If you're wondering "Should I get 2 dogs from the same litter?", then read on!