We get it; puppies are cute, like really cute. So, it makes sense why you might consider adopting two at once. To double the fluff, double the cuddles, or maybe double the love?
But before you fall head over heels for the idea of a dynamic duo, let’s pause for a second. Raising two puppies together might seem like a dream come true, but it can come with a hidden nightmare, “Littermate Syndrome”.
Picture this: two puppies are so tightly bonded that they create their own world. Sounds adorable, right? Well, it’s not always as heartwarming as it sounds. These pups can become so reliant on each other that they forget about you! They start to feed off each other’s anxiety, fear, and bad habits, leaving you as the third wheel in your own home.
No need to fret. We’re here to break it all down for you. What is Littermate Syndrome? How do you recognise it? Most importantly, what can you do about it to keep your pups happy, healthy, and well-adjusted? So let’s get started!
What is Littermate Syndrome?
Littermate Syndrome refers to behavioural issues arising when two puppies from the same litter are raised together. These issues typically emerge due to the puppies forming an overly dependent relationship with each other, which can prevent them from bonding properly with their human owners. The condition is most commonly seen in puppies raised together immediately after weaning, during the critical socialisation period between 3 to 12 weeks of age.
Imagine adopting two puppies, thinking you’re giving them the best: constant companionship, endless playtime and boom, Littermate syndrome slips in. The problem is that, when raised together right after weaning, those puppies are prone to developing litter mate syndrome. And no, it’s not a fun, quirky condition with a cute name; it’s actually a set of behavioural challenges that can pop up when puppies form strong bonds with each other instead of their human owner.
How Littermate Syndrome Affects Dogs
1. Severe Co-dependence
Co-dependence refers to the bond between two puppies raised together, where they rely on each other for comfort and security rather than bonding with their human owner. This bond can be so strong that the puppies don’t develop the necessary social skills with people or other animals.
This extreme reliance can cause a host of problems. For one, the puppies may experience separation anxiety when they’re apart, even for short periods. They feel more secure with each other than with you, so they struggle when faced with situations that require independence.
2. Behavioral Issues
Now, you might be thinking, “Okay, so they’re attached to each other. What’s the big deal?” Well, here’s the catch: This bond can trigger many undesirable behaviours. Puppies that have formed this extreme co-dependence often develop fear-based reactions to new experiences, which can lead them to hate socialising.
Whether they’re meeting a new person, encountering a new dog, or even hearing a loud noise, these pups turn to each other for comfort instead of looking at you. This fear response can lead to aggression or reactivity, meaning your pup might bark, growl, or even lunge at things they don’t understand.
The worst part is that they won’t know how to handle these situations without the other puppy, which limits their ability to grow socially and emotionally. As they get older, these fear-based behaviours can stick around, making it harder for them to interact confidently with the world outside their sibling bubble.
3. Training Challenges
When you raise two puppies together, training becomes twice the challenge. Instead of focusing on you as the trainer, the puppies are too busy focusing on each other. They become more interested in their sibling’s behaviour than in responding to commands or learning new tricks from you.
This can make basic training tasks, like housebreaking, learning commands, or leash walking, much harder. When you try to train both puppies at the same time, they’ll often feed off each other’s energy, which can make them ignore you completely.
Not only does this slow down their learning, but it can also create confusion, especially if one puppy is more dominant than the other. The more time they spend together, the less time they spend developing the individual bond they need with you, which is key to practical training.
Recognising the Signs of Littermate Syndrome
So, how do you know if your puppies are caught up in Littermate syndrome? While some behaviours can be hard to spot, there are key signs that show up as the puppies get older. Here’s what to keep an eye out for:
- Separation Anxiety: If your puppies can’t handle being apart even for short periods and show signs of distress (like whining, barking, or pacing), they may be overly reliant on each other. In this study, researchers found that puppies removed from their litter at 30-40 days were more likely to exhibit problematic behaviours like destructiveness and fearfulness.
- Fear of New People, Places, and Experiences: Puppies with Littermate Syndrome often have a limited view of the world. They may fear or hesitate when introduced to new people, dogs, or objects. Instead of looking to you for comfort or guidance, they look to their sibling, reinforcing the fear.
- Aggression or Timidity Between Puppies: If one puppy becomes overly dominant and aggressive while the other withdraws or becomes overly timid, it’s a sign that their bond is creating unhealthy dynamics. This imbalance in behaviour can lead to further issues as they grow and mature.
- Difficulty Being Trained Independently: If you find that no matter how hard you try, the puppies won’t respond to training when they’re together because they’re too focused on each other. Whether it’s ignoring commands or getting distracted, Littermate Syndrome can make training sessions much less effective.
How to Prevent or Manage Littermate Syndrome
Preventing or managing Littermate Syndrome takes intentional effort, but the good news is it’s doable. One of the most important things you can do is give each puppy individual attention. And no, we don’t just mean petting them separately on the couch. We’re talking about a dedicated one-on-one time where you train, play, and bond with each puppy without the other around.
This helps each dog develop a healthy connection with you and learn to function confidently on their own. Crate training is another great way to encourage independence. Instead of letting them sleep snuggled up in the same crate (as cute as that may seem), give them their own personal space. This teaches them to self-soothe and feel secure even when their sibling isn’t around.
You’ll also want to take them on separate walks and outings. Yes, it might feel like a logistical nightmare at first, but this small step makes a big difference. Going out individually allows each pup to engage with the world on their own terms, with new people, smells, sounds, and environments, without relying on their sibling for cues or comfort. And when it comes to playtime and training, solo sessions are the way to go.
Even a few minutes of individual focus daily can help them build confidence and reduce that co-dependent behaviour. Over time, these separate experiences help your puppies grow into balanced, well-socialized dogs that are happy together and apart.
Conclusion
Here is the truth: If your dog already has littermate Syndrome, it will not just fix itself overnight, but with time, consistency, and intentional care, it can definitely be managed. The key is to give each puppy space to grow as an individual.
It won’t always be easy, but it’s worth it. If you’re already raising two puppies, don’t stress; start where you are and take it one day at a time. And if you’re still in the decision phase, consider adopting one puppy at a time or from different litters. In the end, it’s all about helping your pups thrive.
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