Understanding Littermate Syndrome: What Every Dog Owner Should Know

Alice Brown
Oct 17, 2024
2 min read

Bringing home two puppies at the same time might seem like a wonderful idea. After all, they’ll have built-in companionship, playmates, and a lifelong bond, right? While this can sound appealing, raising two puppies together often comes with unique challenges. These challenges are commonly referred to as littermate syndrome. Though not a formally recognised medical condition, littermate syndrome describes a set of behavioural and developmental issues that can arise when two puppies of the same age are raised together in the same household. Importantly, this doesn’t just apply to siblings from the same litter—it can happen with any two puppies close in age.

What is Littermate Syndrome?

Littermate syndrome occurs when puppies form an intense attachment to each other, which can hinder their social, emotional, and training development. Instead of bonding primarily with their humans, the puppies rely heavily on one another for comfort and guidance. This over-dependence can lead to a variety of problems, such as:

Separation anxiety when the puppies are apart.
Difficulty focusing during training, as they’re more interested in each other than their owner.
Fearfulness of new people or dogs, since they haven’t developed independent confidence.
Aggression or fighting as they mature and establish boundaries.

Signs of Littermate Syndrome

Not every pair of puppies will experience littermate syndrome, but common signs include:

Extreme distress when separated, even briefly.
Reluctance to interact with other dogs or humans outside the pair.
Unequal development, with one puppy becoming bolder while the other remains shy or dependent.
Struggles with recall, basic obedience, or learning commands without the other puppy present.

How to Prevent or Manage Littermate Syndrome

If you’re considering adopting two puppies, or already have pups close in age at home, don’t worry—with the right approach, you can manage and even prevent littermate syndrome. Here are some key strategies:

Individual Training: Work with each puppy separately to build focus, confidence, and responsiveness to you. This prevents them from relying solely on each other.
Separate Socialisation: Expose each puppy to new people, dogs, environments, and experiences on their own. Independent socialisation helps them build resilience and confidence.
Time Apart: While it may be tempting to keep them together constantly, it’s important to schedule individual time for play, training, and even rest.
One-on-One Bonding: Create strong bonds with each puppy individually. This ensures that they look to you for guidance and reassurance, not just their companion.
Professional Guidance: If you’re struggling, don’t hesitate to seek help. Reach out today: hello@bondfurever,com.

Should You Adopt Two Puppies at Once?

Adopting two puppies at the same time can be rewarding, but it also requires a great deal of commitment and work. Families need to be prepared for twice the training, socialisation, and attention. For many households, adopting one puppy at a time is the more manageable and beneficial choice.

Final Thoughts

Littermate syndrome can be a serious challenge, but with patience, consistency, and proactive training, it doesn’t have to define your dogs’ future. By focusing on each puppy as an individual and providing the right support, you can help them grow into confident, happy, and well-adjusted companions.

If you’re ever in doubt, reach out to Alice for advice—your puppies (and your sanity!) will thank you.