Start out by placing the crates side by side. Gradually move the crates apart so that eventually your puppies are comfortable sleeping in different rooms or on either side of the bed. (This also prevents the development of separation anxiety problems should they suddenly have to be apart due to an accident or illness.)

Should I crate my two puppies together?

Crate them separately.

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.

How to handle two puppies at once?

You'll need to ensure that twin dogs still bond with you (and other family members) and not just with each other. You can accomplish this by taking the pups to separate dog training classes, taking them on separate walks (and then also walking them together), and by doing separate training sessions in your home.

How to crate train a second puppy?

Start by introducing each puppy to their crate gradually and using positive reinforcement techniques. Rotate crate time among the puppies to prevent jealousy and ensure they associate the crate with positive experiences.

How to successfully raise littermate puppies?

They should never share leashes, bowls, or toys. You should even feed them separately, in separate parts of the home, or one at a time with the other waiting in the crate. Try to give each puppy one-on-one time everyday so that they form a strong bond with you and will listen to your commands.

Littermate Syndrome? What to do if You Have Two Puppies from the Same Litter

How far apart should puppies be to avoid littermate syndrome?

Also, remember that avoidance of this issue is the best plan. Having two dogs of a similar age is great, just get them roughly six months apart and make life easier on you and them! To Learn more about preventing and working with Littermate Syndrome check out Suburban K9's full Littermate Article.

Is it bad to raise 2 puppies from the same litter?

Even non-sibling puppies can exhibit Littermate Syndrome when placed together. Professional trainers recommend against getting two puppies within six months of one another, because the risks are just too high.

Where to put a puppy crate at night?

Initially, it may be a good idea to put the crate in your bedroom or nearby in a hallway, especially if you have a puppy. Puppies often need to go outside to eliminate during the night and you'll want to be able to hear your puppy when they whine to be let outside.

Should I lock my puppy in his crate at night?

Crates are always positive places for your puppy, they should never be used as a punishment. Your puppy should not be locked in his crate for more than two hours at a time during the day and three hours at a time during the night initially. These periods will lengthen as your puppy grows.

When to stop crating a dog at night?

Many dogs cannot be trusted completely until they are closer to two years of age. We recommend crating your dog at night until they reach this milestone. If you can leave your dog alone at home without crating them for a few hours, then you may be able to leave them out of their crate at night.

What is the 3 second rule for puppies?

I encourage people to practice the 3-Second Rule when they meet a new dog. Engage for no more than 3 seconds, then withdraw your attention. By doing this, you are asking the dog if he is comfortable. If he wants more, he'll stay.

What is the second puppy syndrome?

Individuals are often disappointed with the intelligence of a new dog in comparison with their first dog. This phenomenon is called "Second Dog Syndrome" or "Survivor Dog Syndrome" [SDS]. Persons who get a second guide dog are twice as likely to return it to the training facility as a poor worker.

Is it harder to have 2 puppies?

Getting two puppies at once might sound reasonable. But many dog trainers, breeders, and shelters say that it's much better for everyone involved if you add just one puppy at a time to your family, helping you avoid a range of behavioral issues, sometimes known as “littermate syndrome.”

Should I put my puppies crate in my room or another room?

So, stay nearby while they get used to their personal space. Put the crate in a commonly used room during the day. If your pup is using the crate at nighttime, have it in your bedroom. Your pup will have the comfort of your sounds and scent, plus you can hear if they need to go out for a potty break.

What are the signs of littermate syndrome?

Also known as littermate dependency, this term refers to behaviors that develop when two puppies from the same litter are raised together. Behaviors include attachment to each other, difficulty bonding with humans and other animals, aggression, separation anxiety, and reduced independence in training.

Should I let my two puppies sleep together?

No, it is not recommended to put two puppies in the same crate at night time. Puppies should be housed individually in their own crate to prevent potential issues: Safety - Two puppies in the same crate could accidentally hurt each other, such as by stepping on or biting the other puppy during sleep or play.

Should I put a pee pad in my puppy's crate?

Extra space invites your puppy to sleep on one side, and go potty on the other. Instinctually, your puppy won't go potty where they sleep so just make sure to size your puppy's crate to where they can stand, sit, lay down, and turn comfortably without extra room. And don't add potty pads INSIDE your pup's crate!

Should I ignore a puppy crying at night?

Ignoring them at night won't help them build confidence and may make them worse which isn't what anyone wants. They need to be taught how to be independent slowly. We would never recommend ignoring your puppy when they cry at night, especially in their first few nights.

Will a puppy pee in a crate at night?

If your dog is still very young, your puppy might just pee in their crate because they can't hold their bladder for as long as you expect. Pee accidents are more common at night when you and your puppy might be sleeping for longer stretches of time, but your puppy may still wake up to urinate if they can't hold it.

Should I put a blanket over my dog's crate?

And because a properly trained dog considers her crate a safe and happy space, you should never place a blanket or cover over it to punish her. Instead, offer a covered crate as an opportunity to wind down.

Should I cover my puppies' crate at night?

You can cover her crate, but take your cues from her. Most dogs like the feeling of sleeping in a den, so if your puppy's crate is wire—which can feel wide open to her—she may appreciate the feeling of extra security she gets inside a cover.

How to stop a puppy pooping in a crate overnight?

I would try removing all bedding from the crate to avoid encouraging him to think the crate is his toilet. You can add a comfortable bed after he's trained. Make Sure He's Empty and Tired: This may sound obvious but an “empty” puppy won't pee or poop.

What is crate syndrome?

Many crated dogs become severely depressed and withdrawn and can suffer from separation anxiety or even Stockholm syndrome. Hyperactivity and behavioral issues are other common consequences of crating. And if an emergency occurs while no one else is at home, crated dogs have no way of escaping.

How to effectively crate train a puppy?

After your dog enters the crate, praise him, give him the treat and close the door. Sit quietly near the crate for five to 10 minutes and then go into another room for a few minutes. Return, sit quietly again for a short time, then let him out of the crate. Repeat this process several times a day.

How to raise two puppies together?

Puppies have to learn to be alone to avoid developing separation anxiety, but this is difficult with the constant presence of another puppy. They will need to have their own crate for nighttime and for when you're away, be trained separately, and have separate play times and walks.

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