“The Pitfalls of Littermate Syndrome. Why Getting Two Puppies from the Same Litter is a BAD IDEA” Written By: Victoria Regan

Embarking on the journey of bringing a new dog into your life is an exciting chapter. As a dedicated canine trainer with over 11 years of experience, my passion is to create healthy relationships between dogs and their human companions. However, the decision to bring two puppies from the same litter into your home merits careful consideration. Scientific research on littermate syndrome explains the challenges, from training hurdles to behavioral issues that can affect the human-canine bond.

Bonding with your dog:

The idea of siblings growing up together, forming an inseparable bond, has its appeal. Yet, scientific research, specifically the study published in the *Journal of Veterinary Behavior* by Becker (2012), suggests a cautionary tale. The close bond between littermates can create an unhealthy level of dependency, hindering their individual growth and complicating their ability to connect with human family members. This in turn can cause major issues when trying to bond with your puppies and in turn creating a healthy relationship with your dog.

As I reflect on my years of training experience, I’ve witnessed firsthand how dogs from the same litter often struggle to establish a unique bond with their owners. This challenge becomes particularly evident during training sessions.

Training Challenges:

The intricate art of training poses a significant challenge when contending with littermate syndrome. Duffy and Serpell’s (2012) exploration in the *Applied Animal Behaviour Science* journal underscores the inherent tendency of puppies to mirror each other’s behavior. This mimicry introduces distractions and a pronounced lack of focus during training—a challenge I’ve personally observed in numerous training sessions. To navigate this, I consistently recommend a phased training approach. Initially, I advise training each dog separately until they individually grasp the required skills. Once this foundation is established, integrating joint training sessions becomes more effective. However, it’s crucial to note that this approach not only demands twice the time and financial investment but also triples the workload. Each dog necessitates individual training, followed by joint sessions, acknowledging the nuanced changes in behavior that arise when they transition from solitary to collaborative training environments.

As a trainer, I emphasize the importance of separate training sessions for each puppy, a sentiment echoed in the *Journal of Applied Companion Animal Behavior* (Arhant et al., 2010). Establishing a clear leadership role is paramount, ensuring that each dog recognizes the human as the guiding force in their lives. This approach not only aids in training but also strengthens the individual connection between the owner and each pup.

The Urge to Roam and Fight:

The call to adventure comes strongly within siblings. In the *Journal of Veterinary Behavior* by Beaver et al. (1996) emphasize the elevated risk associated with littermates running away or wandering off together. Fueled by their inherited bond, this sense of exploration not only creates a potential safety risk but also significantly increases the likelihood of littermates choosing to run away or roam compared to a solitary dog. While the breed may influence the urge to roam, research suggests that irrespective of the breed, littermates exhibit a higher likelihood to roam or run away compared to individual dogs.

Moreover, scientific studies in the *Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science* (Lund et al., 2017) shed light on a less discussed aspect – the increased likelihood of aggression and fights between littermates. In my career, I encountered a family struggling with the results of littermates who literally want to kill each other. Resulting in the dogs having to be separated in different rooms, being allowed outside a different times and in the end resulted in them having to chose one dog over the other to rehome.

Another factor to keep in mind, since the littermates seem to always mimic each others behavior, this includes bad behaviour as well. If one of the dogs becomes extremely anxious, develops resource guarding or any other behavioral issue, you can almost guarantee the other puppy will not be far behind to adopt this behavior themselves.

Financial Implications:

Beyond the behavioral challenges, the financial aspect of raising two puppies together should not be underestimated. Veterinary bills, training costs, and the overall expense of caring for two dogs can escalate rapidly. As a trainer, I often counsel clients on the potential financial strain, urging them to consider the long-term commitment required to address behavioral issues that may persist unless the dogs are separated.

A Strong Discouragement:

In light of the scientific insights and my own experiences as a trainer, I must strongly discourage the adoption of two puppies from the same litter. The evidence overwhelmingly suggests that the potential pitfalls associated with littermate syndrome may compromise the well-being, training potential, and overall harmony of each individual dog’s relationship with their human family. Adopting 2 dogs from the same litter also always guarantees an overall lower human-canine bond.

While the allure of raising siblings together is undeniable, the science and my experiences as a trainer compel me to advocate for informed decision-making. Consider the potential challenges associated with littermate syndrome – from training hurdles to increased aggression and the financial implications. A thoughtful and informed approach to canine companionship ensures a harmonious and fulfilling relationship between you and each four-legged family member. As you embark on this journey, remember that each dog deserves the opportunity to thrive as an individual and build a unique bond with their human family.