Don't get used to putting them in the same crate. Let them sleep separately in their own area. You can start by putting their crate or bed close to each other, but gradually move them apart so they get more comfortable being apart. Play with each puppy alone instead of as a group.
Dunbar agrees that it's often best to separate littermates, especially if symptoms appear early, so that each has a chance to develop normally as an individual. This is obviously a tough decision for the overwhelmed pet parent to make, a sort of canine Sophie's Choice.
The puppies will need to be socialized separately so that they can learn to cope with unfamiliar situations. If they are constantly together, they will only learn how to function as a team: the result is often two dogs who cannot handle unfamiliar situations without the other present.
You can certainly leave them together in their puppy-proofed space when you're gone all day, but they should be crated separately at night. You can crate them near each other, but this is the perfect time to start habituating them to not always being in close contact with their sibling.
When first leaving your pups alone together, make sure the area they'll be hanging out in is safe and encourages good behavior. Provide lots of beds or rest areas. Make sure there is a variety of places your dogs can choose to lay down and rest if they need a break from the other dog.
Littermate syndrome is a term sometimes used to describe sibling rivalry or extreme attachment between dogs. There's a longstanding theory that when sibling dogs are raised together, problems can develop.
Second Dog Syndrome
As humans, we are bound to forget all of the time and effort it takes to raise a puppy right. All too often, a second dog joins the household and the expectation is that they will behave as the existing dog in the home does, so they are often given the same freedom right off the bat.
By nature, dogs are social and thrive in group environments. Therefore, there are many advantages to adopting a second dog, such as: They can keep each other company. Both dogs will be able to entertain each other and get exercise together.
If the pups are very young, sleeping together may be fine for a while, as long as they are getting enough one-on-one time with you, but before long they should sleep in their own crates. It's certainly good for them to play together sometimes, but each one needs time playing with you, every day.
Raising two sibling puppies of the same age together (whether from the same or different litters) is a risk for developing littermate syndrome. Most experts agree that dog parents can avoid littermate syndrome by getting one puppy at a time then waiting a year or two to introduce second puppy to the family.
The 3-3-3 rule represents the phases of a rescue dog or common milestones your new dog or puppy will go through. The 3-3-3 rule is the first 3 days, 3 weeks, and 3 months after bringing your dog home from the shelter.
When dogs don't feel able to move away – which they may not when in physical contact with us – they may resort to telling us to back off in less desirable ways. Give dogs a way of “opting in” to social contact by using the “3-second rule” of petting. Pet for no more than three seconds, then stop.
Keep introductions short by following the “three second rule”; count to three as the dogs sniff each other, say thanks or nice to meet you to the owner, and then excitedly call your dog away and continue your walk.
One of the most important rules of dog training is the two second rule. This is because dogs always live in the moment so TIMING IS EVERYTHING! Feedback must be given to your dog within two seconds of the behavior in order for him to understand what you are correcting or rewarding.
The (sort of) good news is that all these feelings are common. Type “second-dog guilt” into Google, and you'll see how many people feel conflicted about adding another dog to the pack. So though it doesn't necessarily feel good to feel this way, at least there's safety in numbers.
Bringing home a new puppy or another adult dog can trigger jealousy in your dog, and they may show signs of aggression toward the new addition. Your dog might growl at the new dog, guard your lap, or try to get in between you and your new furry family member.
Research suggests that dogs are able to recognize their siblings and their parents later in life as long as they spent the first 16 weeks together. Intuitively, the less time dogs spend with their families as puppies, the less likely it is they'll be able to recognize a family member later on.
Here's what you need to know:
Give the puppies periodic time apart every single day. That means they should be regularly walked separately, played with separately, and trained separately. Do not allow the pups to share a crate. Feed meals separately, and out of two separate bowls.
No one knows for sure, but puppies probably experience a bit of stress when they're initially separated from their siblings. However, most will adjust to their new sibling-free life very quickly and likely experience no lasting distress.
Most experts agree you shouldn't leave your adult dog alone for more than eight to 10 hours, but some dogs (especially ones with small bladders) can't last that long. DO prepare your dog before you go.
But the truth is, owning two dogs doesn't have to be more work – in fact, it can often be easier. And as for the cost, it will cost more money than one but not twice the amount. This is because dogs will often share toys, beds, etc.