Though there is some debate about whether littermate syndrome truly exists, in my experience, I’ve seen behaviors that seem to fit the description. Littermate syndrome is a behavioral phenomenon observed when two puppies from the same litter—or even two puppies of similar age—are raised together.
While bringing home two adorable puppies at once might seem like a great way to provide companionship, it can lead to unforeseen challenges. This post will give you important information to consider when deciding if you should get puppies close together. My general recommendation is to wait until a dog is at least one year old before adding another. If you’re adopting an older puppy or dog, waiting about six months gives you time for proper bonding and training with your first dog.
Let’s explore the causes, symptoms, and management of littermate syndrome so you can make the best decision for your furry family!
What is Littermate Syndrome?
Littermate syndrome occurs when two puppies form an excessively close bond, making it difficult for them to socialize with humans and other dogs. This can delay their training and development, leading to behavioral challenges. While it is most common with siblings from the same litter, any two puppies raised together without proper socialization and individual training are at risk.
Common Behaviors in Littermate Syndrome
Here are some behaviors that may indicate littermate syndrome:
1. Separation Anxiety: Puppies may become highly distressed or even panic when separated from each other.
2. Fearfulness: They can develop excessive fear of unfamiliar people, animals, or environments. Puppies naturally experience “fear periods,” but when they are raised in pairs, they tend to feed off each other’s fear, making it harder to overcome.
3. Co-Dependency: The dogs rely on each other for emotional support, which hinders their ability to become independent and confident.
4. Poor Socialization Skills: They may prefer interacting with each other over engaging with other dogs or people, limiting their social skills.
5. Training Issues: One dog may dominate the other, leading to imbalanced development. It can also become difficult to reward or correct behavior at the right moment, as their focus is often on each other rather than you.
These behaviors, if left unchecked, can persist into adulthood and become harder to manage.
Why Does Littermate Syndrome Happen?
Puppies raised together often develop a powerful attachment to each other, which can interfere with their emotional growth. Because they rely heavily on one another for comfort, they may not learn important life skills like handling new environments, building confidence, or bonding with their human family.
Additionally, owners can accidentally encourage co-dependency by:
• Feeding, walking, and playing with both puppies together all the time
• Focusing more on the companionship between the dogs instead of fostering individual growth
• Allowing one puppy to always take the lead, which creates an imbalance in development
How to Manage and Prevent Littermate Syndrome
If you already have two puppies or are set on bringing home a pair, don’t worry—there are ways to prevent and manage littermate syndrome. Here are some strategies to help:
1. Separate Training Sessions
Work with each puppy individually so they can learn to focus on you and respond to commands independently. This prevents one from overshadowing the other and builds confidence in each dog.
2. Separate Socialization Opportunities
Expose each puppy to different environments and experiences on their own. Take them to parks or invite friends over to interact with them individually. This helps them build skills to navigate the world independently.
3. Crate Training
Give each puppy their own crate. Having a personal space allows them to develop independence and can help reduce separation anxiety.
4. Alternate Walks and Playtime
Take the puppies on separate walks occasionally and engage in solo play sessions. This helps each dog build focus, confidence, and independence without relying on the other.
5. Consult a Professional Trainer or Behaviorist
If you’re struggling to manage both puppies, consulting a professional trainer or behaviorist can provide tailored strategies to address specific challenges.
Should You Adopt Two Puppies at the Same Time?
While it can be tempting to adopt two puppies at once, it’s not always the best idea—especially for first-time dog owners. Raising two dogs requires significantly more time, patience, and effort. If you are committed to having two, I recommend adopting them a few months apart. This gives each dog the chance to bond with you, develop healthy social behaviors, and adjust to their new home independently.
Final Thoughts
All puppies require patience, consistency, and time, but raising two puppies simultaneously adds an extra layer of challenge. With early intervention, proper training, and a thoughtful plan, you can help prevent littermate syndrome and guide your puppies toward becoming happy, confident companions.