Some think it’s a great idea: let’s get two puppies from the same litter!  “Why?” you might ask.  “So they can grow up together.  So they can play together. So they can keep each other company.  So both dogs can be trained together. I eventually want two dogs anyway.  This would make it easier and save me time and money…”  Sounds awesome right?  WRONG!  Here are just a few reasons why.

When you bring a puppy home you should (in a perfect world) be doing everything you can to make sure that your new puppy develops into a stable and confident puppy.  One that is well socialized with people and other animals.  One that can be left alone without it causing major stress and anxiety.  One that learns to listen to you so you can keep him safe.  One that learns, over time, to adjust to your schedule and be able to settle when you need him to.  These are challenges when you are trying to raise one puppy. Having two makes things much more complicated in almost every way.

Distractions.   It is very difficult to work with one while the other is around.

Over or unhealthy bonding. Sometime there are separation issues (anxieties). Also, they often become so bonded to each other that when they are interacting they won’t listen to you.

Sibling rivalry.  I once had a great conversation with a very respectable and involved breeder.  She commented “puppy siblings weren’t meant to stay together forever”.  I found this comment very interesting and it has stuck with me.

Time.  People often don’t take the time to do things with each puppy separately because it is time consuming.  This causes TONS of potential issues: housebreaking delays, over-bonding, weak training, lack of leadership, lack of appropriate exercise (how many times have I heard “yes they get lots of exercise – they play and wrestle all day…”), attention barking.   

Cost.  Very few veterinarians give multi-pet discounts. Neutering, basic checkups and preventive care really adds up.  The list goes on.

Breeders of pure bred dogs often get a really bad wrap. Sometimes it’s deserved, but sometimes not.   Most responsible breeders will not sell two litter mates to the same home.  You may think this sounds a bit harsh, silly, or whatever, but they know the difficulties involved in raising a puppy properly.  A good breeder wants only the best for each and every puppy.  They care so much for these beautiful creatures that they have brought into this world. They feel responsible for giving them the best chance for a long, happy and healthy life with their new guardians, and they know the best chance is if the new family can focus on properly raising one puppy at a time.

Some breeders will sell you more than one puppy. Some will sell you as many as you want.  Some breeders are simply looking to increase the number of puppies they sell to make more money.  Will those same breeders make you sign a contract agreeing that if you cannot keep the pup(s) for any reason you must return them?  If they did less dogs would wind up in shelters.

Which brings us to… shelters.  I have been hearing way more often than in the past that some encourage the adoption of siblings to the same home.  What happens to those dogs if there should become a problem, the dogs are too much to handle and you can’t keep them?  I don’t even want to think about it.

I know someone who went to a pet store looking for a dog. The store had kept these two adorable small dogs caged together (not siblings) from the time they arrived.  It had been a few months.  The pet store employee told my that the dogs were so bonded that they shouldn’t be separated and should be sold together.  It was also suggested that the two pups should be  crated or penned together since they’ve been together for so long.  How in the world are puppies/dogs ever to become stable individuals if they are never separated??? The owner, my client and friend, was talked into buying (not cheap!) them both. I LOVE these two little dogs (really, I DO! and so does Ronan).  They’ve come a long way but they still have some serious issues that, I think, could’ve been prevented.

So, what’s my advice?  

1) DON’T take litter mates.  Get a puppy or dog, preferably from a shelter or reputable breeder, that best suits your family.  Spend some time training and do your best to help that puppy develop and mature into the best dog possible.  At that time your dog will help you train a new puppy, making the job easier on you!  

2) If you already have litter mate puppies please get some training guidance ASAP! You must give them the best chance possible to develop into the wonderful dogs that you want.  

3) Remember – I’m here to help!

All my best to the dogs!

Stacie