What exactly is “littermate syndrome” and is it real? Littermate syndrome can occur when two puppies adopted from the same litter grow up together in the same home. In some cases, these sibling puppies form such a deep bond with each other that they fail to properly socialize with people and other dogs.

What breeds get littermate syndrome?

Littermate syndrome affects dogs over 8-10 weeks of age, which is typically when young puppies join their forever homes. Dachshunds, Terriers, Border Collies, and Shepherds are often cited as having a high propensity for littermate syndrome.

At what age does littermate syndrome start?

Littermate Syndrome (also knows as Sibling Aggression or Littermate Aggression) is a non-scientific anecdotal term that refers to a whole host of behavioral issues that tend to present when canine siblings (Littermates) are raised in the same household beyond the normal 8 to 10 weeks of age, when puppies are usually ...

Does littermate syndrome go away?

Dogs can grow out of littermate syndrome and go on to form healthy, strong bonds with other pups and humans. However, they can't do it on their own. Getting your dogs to grow out of littermate syndrome will be a process that requires a great deal of patience, effort and love.

What are signs of littermate syndrome?

Signs of littermate syndrome in dogs can include excessive crying, whining, and destructive behavior when siblings are separated from one another, as well as a lack of interest in playing or interacting with other people or pets in your household, says Collier.

How We Prepare Dogs for High Distraction Environments

How far apart to avoid littermate syndrome?

Avoiding Littermate Syndrome is best!

If you want a second dog, I would suggest waiting 6 months and then getting another puppy. This way the first dog will have already been socialized properly.

Is it OK to get 2 puppies from different litters?

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.

How do you break littermate syndrome?

It is theoretically possible to prevent littermate syndrome by doing things like taking the dogs for separate walks, enrolling them in separate training classes, and setting up separate playtime for each with their pet parents. You can already see that's a lot of extra work for the new owner.

Is it bad to raise sibling dogs together?

This is because raising sibling puppies together can lead to a cluster of behavioural issues known as littermate syndrome. Littermate syndrome is an anecdotal term that refers to a host of issues that tend to present when siblings are raised in the same household beyond the normal 8-10 weeks.

What causes littermate aggression?

The siblings will become overcome with anxiety if separated from each other. Then, as they mature, one or both of them can become extremely aggressive towards the other one. If the siblings are separated, even for a short time, their level of anxiety rises to a high state.

Do dogs recognize their litter siblings?

This is not the same as a conscious awareness of their shared lineage, but functionally it does mean that dogs could be able to remember their siblings. 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.

Should littermates sleep together?

But you should have them sleeping separately within two weeks of bringing them home. If they are sleeping in crates, as we recommend, you can start with the crates next to each other and then slowly move them further apart. Don't do everything with your puppies together.

How do you fix littermate aggression?

Is it bad to get two dogs from the same litter?

"Littermate Syndrome" is going to affect your entire life if you still decide to get two dogs from the same litter. You will have problems with separation anxiety, excessive barking, chewing and mouthing, food aggression and more.

Do puppies miss their siblings?

They quickly adapt to their new environment once they go to new homes and start bonding with their human families. They might miss their littermates briefly, but they're also quick at making new friends and clicking with their human family. Puppies get attached to their siblings because they're their first buddies.

What are the long term effects of littermate syndrome?

Littermate Syndrome can make it more difficult to train dogs, as they may be more focused on each other than on their owner. This can lead to disobedience, as well as a lack of responsiveness to commands. It is important to note that not all dogs with Littermate Syndrome will experience these long-term effects.

Do puppies remember their siblings?

Depending on when the pup is rehomed, dogs can recognise their relatives later in life. If puppy littermates remain together for the first 16 weeks of the puppy's life before being rehomed, chances are they'll be able to recognise their family later on, at least for a few years.

Is it OK to get 2 puppies at the same time?

Canine experts warn against adopting/purchasing two puppies at the same time, so if you want two puppies, consider acquiring one puppy and then waiting a year for the other one.

Can puppies from the same litter be friends?

"Owners often feel like homing two puppies from the same litter is a safe way to ensure that the dogs will get along and not be lonely, however it can actually be detrimental to both dogs' development at a young age." Puppies learn a lot from each other in the first few weeks of their lives.

Why can't you adopt a littermate?

Littermate syndrome is a term that describes unwanted behaviors among sibling dogs, including aggression and intense attachment. It is often used to describe behavioral issues that occur when two or more dogs from the same litter are raised together and adopted into the same home.

When should littermates be separated?

The recommended age for separating puppies from their litter is 6 to 8 weeks, according to Dr. David W. Reinhard, a consulting veterinarian for Nationwide pet insurance.

How do you prevent second dog syndrome?

Owners do not realise just how dependent the new pup is until they need to leave the younger dog alone or take it out without the “backup” of the older dog. Once the new dog has settled in, to avoid 'second dog syndrome' take the second dog out alone for a walk and leave it at home by itself at every opportunity.

Are dogs happier in pairs?

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.

What I wish I knew before getting a second dog?

Is it better to have two dogs of the same gender?

For the happiest dogs and the safest household, opposite sex dogs almost always do best together. Many same-sex combinations of dogs will fight, sometimes to the death. Those who work out a dominance order may not fare much better.

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