Recently, there’s been a lot of buzz about a puzzling issue in the world of dog behavior known as Littermate Syndrome. Many people think getting two dogs from the same litter sounds like a fantastic idea, but they might not be aware of the unique challenges that come with raising sibling puppies together.
Understanding Littermate Syndrome
Littermate Syndrome, also known as Littermate Aggression or Siblings Aggression, is a term used to describe a range of behavioral problems that often arise when canine siblings are raised in the same household. According to the K9 Behavioral Services website, these issues can also occur in other animals, not just dogs.
The main problem arises when two puppies from the same litter, or even puppies of the same age, are raised together. They can develop such a strong bond that it leads to many behavioral issues. While it’s generally good for puppies to bond, some dog trainers and behavior specialists, as well as dog owners, believe that an excessively strong bond can interfere with each puppy’s individual development and socialization.
Garret Wing, a professional dog trainer with over 20 years of experience from American Standard Dog Training, explains that dogs with Littermate Syndrome will form a stronger bond with each other than with their human owners. This can lead to various problems, such as learning disabilities, separation anxiety, and training difficulties. When dogs communicate mainly with each other, their human owners are often left out of the pack, meaning the dogs won’t look to them for direction or guidance.
Separation anxiety is another big issue, but not in the usual sense. Dogs with Littermate Syndrome develop separation anxiety between each other, not their humans. This means they don’t know how to function or live without each other.
Furthermore, dogs that have developed Littermate Syndrome can become more feral, harder to control and train, and sometimes even aggressive. Although this doesn’t happen in every case, it’s recommended for new dog owners to be aware of this syndrome to be prepared. As the saying goes, it’s always better to prevent than to cure.
Effective Strategies for Managing Littermate Syndrome
Many professional trainers advise against bringing home two dogs from the same litter or that are of the same age due to the high chance of developing Littermate Syndrome. However, if you’ve already adopted two such pups, there are steps you can take to prevent or manage this syndrome.
First and foremost, it’s crucial to be aware of the potential risks and do thorough research on the topic. Professional dog trainers and behaviorists can help you understand the causes, effects, and management strategies for Littermate Syndrome. If possible, consulting with one is highly recommended.
If your dogs have already developed Littermate Syndrome, a dog trainer can help manage and develop a tailored plan for treating your puppies. But how can you prevent Littermate Syndrome from developing in the first place?
It might be challenging and require a lot of work, but it’s essential to separate the puppies as much as possible. Each puppy should have its own crate, receive individual attention, and have separate training sessions. Try to spend as much one-on-one time with each puppy as possible. This includes separate walking sessions, feeding times, playtimes, and socialization sessions.
By doing this, each puppy can develop its own social skills, independence, and personality. They will be less dependent on each other and hopefully much more manageable in the long run. As with any training, preventing and treating Littermate Syndrome requires patience and consistency, so don’t give up.
Final Thoughts
While there is limited scientific research specifically focused on Littermate Syndrome, it shouldn’t be ignored. Often, scientific research takes time to catch up with new experiences and real-life observations, but many professional opinions and experiences shed light on this relatively unknown phenomenon.
Future scientific studies will be necessary to fully understand the potential dangers of raising sibling puppies together. Have you ever encountered something like this before, or do you own two littermates? We’d love to hear your experiences.
By being aware of Littermate Syndrome and taking the right steps, you can ensure a happier and healthier life for your puppies and yourself. Remember, it’s always better to be informed and prepared when it comes to raising dogs.
