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By Norma Jeanne Laurette  Table of Content
IntroductionThere is nothing more rewarding than watching the deep bond that develops between puppies raised together. However, those who choose to do so must take proactive measures to prevent the serious behavioural issues associated with littermate syndrome. Greg and I have raised a pair of littermates as well as puppies from different breeders who were just four days apart in age, with each pair arriving on the same day at seven weeks old. The key difference was that the littermates, despite spending significant time together since birth, were raised in separate homes from seven weeks until they were three years old. As a result, we did not observe any symptoms of littermate syndrome. Similarly, the puppies from different breeders, who joined us at seven weeks old, also did not display signs of littermate syndrome because they were not littermates and had distinct personalities. That said, even non-littermates of similar age raised together can develop littermate syndrome if proper precautions are not taken. One of the most compelling reasons we chose to raise two puppies together was the built-in companionship it provides. Not only do they have a playmate with similar energy levels, but for those without other dogs, having a companion helps ease the loneliness a single puppy might experience when adjusting to a new home making the transition smoother. Raising two puppies together also ensures they receive ample exercise to burn off excess energy, practice essential social and play skills, and develop communication and behavioural abilities. Additionally, their most playful years align, fostering ongoing physical activity and mental stimulation. What is Littermate Syndrome?Littermate Syndrome refers to behavioural challenges caused by over-dependency when littermates or pups of a similar age are raised together R1 . This ultra-strong attachment can hinder their ability to develop normal social, emotional and cognitive skills and lead to a myriad of behaviour problems including anxiety, fear, aggression, and difficulty bonding with humans R2. However, with careful preparation and a proactive plan, you may be able to avoid potential pitfalls and enjoy the unique joys of raising littermates. Common Behavioural Problems Associated With Littermate Syndrome
Careful SelectionPuppies with similar temperaments are more likely to fight over valued resources since neither is willing to back down from conflict. Choosing one with a more laid back temperament than the other can help prevent this issue because it takes two to fight R3. Become Fluent In Canine Communication & Body LanguageAs a responsible dog guardian, your first and foremost task is learning your dog’s language, and even more so if you have more than one dog. Becoming fluent in canine communication and body language is crucial to the success of raising any dog, let alone multiple dogs, littermates, and preventing littermate syndrome R4. Littermates often develop a deep bond with each other, which can lead to many problems if not properly managed. Understanding how dogs communicate through body language, such as but not limited to tail position, ear movement, and facial expressions, helps guardians identify subtle signs that indicate stress, fear, frustration, or threat, allowing for prevention and early intervention R5. By recognizing these signals, guardians can not only better understand what their dogs are experiencing, they can guide their puppies to communicate effectively with each other, preventing bullying or miscommunications that may lead to conflict or behavioural issues. Fluent communication can also help prevent the development of littermate syndrome. Refer to our book Blueprint To A Happy Dog for a thorough overview and explanation of canine communications and motivations. Related Problems & SolutionsHormonal Imbalance Studies suggest that prolonged stress or anxiety in dogs can lead to imbalances in stress hormones, including cortisol R6. Dogs with Littermate Syndrome often experience fear, anxiety, and separation anxiety. Their stress responses can become chronic without early intervention. Critical Period Disruption Littermate Syndrome disrupts the crucial imprinting and socialization periods of a puppy’s development when they need to learn how to interact with their environment, other animals, and people, leading to a developmental deficit R7. Over-Dependence On Each Other Puppies raised together often rely on their sibling for comfort and social interaction instead of engaging with their environment, humans, or other dogs R8. This over-dependence can lead to stress or anxiety when separated, preventing them from growing into confident and independent dogs. Delayed Socialization Littermates that only focus on each other may not learn critical social and communication skills from humans, other dogs, other animals, or new experiences, which can result in fearfulness and/or aggression later in life R9. The first fear imprint period from 8 to 11 weeks of age is a critical stage of development for puppies and will be disrupted if they don’t experience diverse and positive interactions outside their sibling dynamic. Trouble Bonding With People Because littermates bond so strongly with one another, they may not bond as strongly with their humans R10. Solutions
This approach strengthens their relationship with you and reduces their dependency on one another. Trouble Socializing With Other Dogs When socializing littermates, they often gravitate toward one another, which can interfere with their ability to interact with and learn from other dogs R12. Solutions
Socialization is crucial for developing confidence as well as positive communications and play behaviours with new dogs. Competing For Resources Siblings and puppies with similar temperaments often compete for resources such as food, toys, or attention, which can lead to inter-dog aggression. While natural communication and minor disagreements can be healthy, unresolved conflicts may lead to resource guarding, bullying or fighting R14. Solutions
It’s important to proactively address resource-guarding behaviour and consult a qualified, positive professional behaviour expert when necessary R17. Destructive Behaviour Littermates can encourage each other to engage in destructive behaviours, especially when left unsupervised R22. Solutions
Compromised Individual Learning When trained together, littermates often distract one another making it difficult for them to focus on individual training. This can result in slower progress or incomplete learning, and they may have difficulty building resilience or problem-solving skills. Training two puppies simultaneously can be challenging, as precise timing of reinforcement is critical to learning R18. Solutions
Investing time in individual training ensures faster and more reliable results. Separation Anxiety Littermates often develop extreme separation anxiety when apart, even for short periods such as vet visits R21. Solutions
Fighting It’s not uncommon for littermates to fight more often than non-littermates R25. It’s important to acknowledge and respect the natural social dynamics between them, as one will usually be more assertive than the other. Observe their interactions to determine which pup is more assertive in each situation; for example, one may control toys, while the other controls food R26. Avoid interfering unnecessarily, while preventing bullying and ensuring both pups’ needs are met R27. If both pups are equally assertive and unwilling to back down, conflicts may escalate. Early intervention, environmental management, and professional guidance can often prevent serious issues from developing R28. Rehabilitating Littermates That Fight When Littermate Syndrome results in fights between the pups, as always, the solution lies in treating the root cause of the problem by addressing their co-dependency, raising their confidence and creating structure, while utilizing environmental management to prevent fights caused by resource guarding. The following protocols will guide you in the right direction. Establish Benevolent Leadership For your puppies to respect you, consistency when training is key as well as maintaining rules and boundaries. Inconsistency creates confusion and hinders learning. Our training and behaviour modification programs are built on resource control, which relies on consistently following three essential rules. Resource Control Rules Rule #1 – Ignore all demandsIf you don’t respond to your dog’s demands, it can’t control you or the resources. If you don’t follow, your dog can’t lead. Many are unaware that attention is also a very potent reward for many dogs. If your dog demands something and you do anything other than ignore it, you’ve rewarded the unwanted behaviour with attention and it will escalate. If your dog jumps on you for attention and you tell it to get off or sit, you’ve rewarded your dog for jumping on you. If your dog barks at you for attention and you tell it to be quiet, you’ve rewarded your dog for barking. For many dog guardians, changing their own habits is an important part of the process. Rule #2 – Require your dog to earn everything it valuesRequire your dog to earn all valued resources by first performing a previously taught cue, such as a sit or down. If your dog is earning everything it values, it will begin to offer these desired behaviours as default behaviours because they work. When your dog is earning resources other than food, it makes the process of eliminating training treats much quicker and easier, so you don’t end up with a dog that will not respond to cues without food. This rule also serves the purpose of creating numerous training opportunities because your dog will be earning many resources throughout the day. A few resources your dog may value are games, toys, chewing, walks, playing with dog friends, cuddle time, etc. Requiring your dog to earn everything it values promotes structure and benevolent leadership, which garners respect and creates good manners. It nurtures a mentally stimulated, thinking dog resulting in focus and self-control. Keep in mind that every dog will prioritize resources differently. Some can be highly food driven while other would rather have a ball or stick. Rule #3 – Manage the environment in order to follow the first two rulesWith the understanding that not all unwanted behaviours can be ignored, pro-active, positive training and environmental management can prevent these behaviours from occurring in the first place and allow you to consistently adhere to the first two rules. For example, dogs can’t fight when separated by an exercise pen. Following these three rules consistently can make a big difference in earning respect and reducing unwanted behaviour in a short period of time; however, if you’ve been responding to demands, an unwanted behaviour will get worse before it gets better because the dog will try harder until realizing the rules have changed and finally giving up. Although dogs require leadership and guidance to become good companions, dominating them has proven to be counter-productive, harmful, abusive, and potentially dangerous. It’s time for dog trainers and guardians to stop blaming and punishing dogs under the dominance umbrella. Once it’s universally understood that it’s easier, more enjoyable, effective, and productive to teach using positive methods, only then will the world become a better place for dogs and those who love them. Separate The Puppies Separating the pups for training and one-on-one time not only reduces their over-dependence on each other but also helps ease tension, lowering the risk of fights and injury. Confidence-Building Exercises Exercise, training, socialization, structured activities, and mental stimulation are essential to preventing fear-based aggression in littermates by building confidence and communication skills, reducing anxiety, and promoting independence. Exercise burns off excess energy, lowering frustration and stress while promoting relaxation, which helps reduce anxiety and its contribution to aggressive behaviour R29. By incorporating these elements into their schedules, littermates become more confident, adaptable and relaxed, reducing the risk of aggression and nurturing better behaviour R30. Identify Their Triggers What are the pups fighting over? Is it sleeping areas, food, toys, or attention? Understanding what triggers the unwanted behaviours will help you manage the dogs and environment. It allows you to address specific issues, whether it’s by setting clear boundaries, providing enough resources, separating them when giving them resources they may fight over or redirecting their behaviour. Identifying the source of the conflict helps you tailor interventions to prevent escalation, promote sharing, reduce tension between the pups and create a more harmonious environment R31. Desensitization & Counter Conditioning Gradually expose the pups to their triggers in a controlled and proactive manner while rewarding calm behaviour R32. Again, refer to our book Blueprint To A Happy Dog for instructions on how to apply desensitization and counter conditioning. Environmental Management Environmental management is a major key to preventing fights between puppies, especially in cases of littermate syndrome. By controlling the environment and setting up their living space in a way that minimizes competition and stress, you can reduce the chances of fights R29. Here’s how to use environmental management to your advantage. Create Separate Spaces Ensure each puppy has its own designated, separated sleeping area and personal space. This helps prevent fights over territory and provides them with a safe, quiet space to retreat to when needed R30. Use Gates or Crates When you can’t supervise, use strong and secure gates, crates or exercise pens to separate the pups. This gives them space to relax without the risk of conflict. Rotating their time in and out of these spaces can also help promote independence R31. Safe Outdoor Spaces If they’re interacting outdoors, ensure the space is large enough for each pup to move around and explore without feeling confined or threatened. Provide enough room for both pups to play without crowding each other and supervise all interactions R32. Designate Resources Make sure each pup has its own food bowl, toys, and water dish, spaced far apart from each other to avoid resource guarding and competition R29. It’s also necessary to supervise feeding times to prevent the pups from fighting over or taking each other’s food R30. Control Access to High-Value Items If certain toys or treats trigger aggression, remove them from the equation and only use them during training sessions with one pup at a time R31. Manage Playtime Supervise play sessions closely, especially if the pups are prone to escalating into rough play. Intervene before play becomes too intense by redirecting them to a calmer activity, such as ‘sit’ and ‘watch me.’ Immediately separate them during any unpredicted high-energy moments and help them settle before sending them back in to play R32. Prevent Overstimulation When necessary, reduce the number of distractions and stimuli in the environment, such as loud noises or a busy household. High levels of stimulation can increase stress, which may contribute to aggressive behaviour R29. Solutions For Resource Guarding For AttentionDesignate One-On-One Time Ensure each puppy has dedicated, individual time with you and each household member. This helps them bond independently and reduces the need for them to compete for attention. Rotate the time spent with each pup so they don’t feel they have to fight for attention R30. Rotate Attention and Affection Instead of giving attention to both puppies at the same time, rotate your attention between them. For example, stroke one pup, then after a few minutes, switch to the other. This teaches them patience and reduces their tendency to compete R30. Separate Training Sessions Avoid training both puppies together if they’re likely to compete for attention. Conduct separate training sessions to minimize distractions and allow each pup to focus on learning without vying for your attention R31. Create Quiet, Separate Spaces When you’re not actively engaging with the pups, create separate spaces where they can relax. Use crates, exercise pens, gated areas, or separate rooms to give each pup a peaceful retreat. This helps reduce competition for attention when you’re not actively interacting with them R32. Use Positive Reinforcement for Calm Behaviour Reward calm behaviour with attention and affection, reinforcing that good things happen when they are controlling themselves and not fighting for your attention. This will encourage them to remain calm rather than act out for attention R29. Provide Engaging Toys and Puzzles Keep both pups occupied with toys, puzzle feeders or other canine enrichment ideas that require their focus, preventing them from seeking attention from you out of boredom. This can be especially helpful when you need to focus on something else R31. Ignore Demands For Attention If one pup starts to demand attention, walk away and ignore it. With repetition, the pup will learn that demands do not work to get attention. When the pup is engaged in independent behaviour, reward it with attention R32. Provide Multiple Sources of Attention If you have help or can rotate your time between tasks, consider engaging both puppies simultaneously in different activities. For example, one pup can be playing fetch with a family member while the other receives your attention through training or affection R29. Breaking Up Dog FightsDogfights can happen suddenly and unexpectedly. It’s essential to break them up quickly and effectively to prevent injure while avoiding putting yourself in harm’s way R3. Leave Their Leashes On Leaving the puppy’s leashes on can be useful, but only when supervised and as part of a structured training plan as they can get caught on furniture or tangled around each other, causing them to panic R31. Leashes can help prevent escalation by allowing for quick separation if a puppy’s body language signals an impending fight. However, if used improperly, they can increase frustration by making the pup feel constricted, leading to increased reactivity and aggression R32. If leashes are used to force the puppies apart while fighting it can cause tearing as the pups are pulled apart. Be Prepared And Stay Calm Panicking can escalate the aggression and inhibit your ability to make correct choices. Avoid screaming or punishment of any kind, as this may increase excitement or fear. Instead, be prepared ahead of time with a proactive plan, take a deep breath, and act decisively R29. Options For Breaking Up FightsDistractions Use only the type and intensity of intervention necessary to stop the fight. The goal is to avoid causing further harm to either dog’s temperament and emotional wellbeing as well as preventing physical injury, all of which could further exacerbate the problem R30. Throwing a blanket or jacket over one or both dogs can help break their focus and allow for an easier separation. Disrupting the dogs’ attention can often stop a fight without direct intervention. Some examples are: loud noises (slamming something on the table or floor, clapping your hands, banging pots together, air horn), water spray (a hose, spray bottle, or bucket of water) R31. Physical Intervention Wheelbarrow MethodIf two people are present, each person takes hold of a dog’s back legs and lifts it like a wheelbarrow, moving backward while turning in a circle until they are separated. Avoid pulling on collars, as this can cause injury or a redirected bite R32. If only one person is available he or she can take hold of the back legs of the aggressor and in the same manner remove it to another secured area. Object Barrier Use a chair, board, or other solid object to create a physical barrier between the dogs R29. After The FightOnce the dogs are separated, make sure they do not reengage by putting them in separate rooms to allow them to fully decompress R30. Check for injuries as even minor wounds can become infected. Inspect both dogs and treat injuries or seek veterinary care if required R31. Give them time to relax and monitor their behaviour to avoid reintroducing them too soon R32. Reintegrating The PupsOnce the fights between the puppies have stopped due to following environmental management and the rehabilitation protocols, it’s important to reintegrate them into a normal routine gradually and safely. This ensures that they continue to thrive without slipping back into aggressive or competitive behaviour R29. Follow this step-by-step approach. Shared Activities Slowly Reintroduce Shared Playtime Once the pups are calm and more independent, gradually allow them to play together again. Start with short, supervised play sessions in a neutral space, where neither pup feels territorial R30. Interrupt the play and calm the pups down with ‘sit’ and ‘watch me’ before their energy gets too intense, and only send them back in when they are calm. Monitor their body language for any signs of tension or aggression and intervene if needed R31. Limit The Duration Keep the initial play sessions short, gradually increasing time as they demonstrate positive communication R32. Continue using separate confined areas or crates during downtime to give both pups their own space R33. Always move them to their separate areas if they show signs of stress or overstimulation. This will help prevent territorial disputes or issues with personal space during rest periods and when unsupervised R34. Reintroduce Shared Resources Food And Toys Reintroduce shared resources (food, toys, attention) one at a time, setting clear boundaries as described above. Use positive reinforcement to reward calm behaviour when they’re together around these resources R35. Provide each pup with their own toy at a safe distance from one another. Stay between them to ensure they each stay with their own toy R36. Safely swap the toys back and forth between the pups so both have extended time with each toy. Gradually work up to sharing a toy by moving them closer together only when there is no tension R33. When allowing them to share, start with a low-value toy that neither pup considers its own. Always supervise interactions to prevent potential conflicts R34. Feeding Routines Keep separate feeding spaces at first R35. Once they’ve consistently shown that they can eat calmly together, you can start feeding them in closer proximity, while monitoring all interactions R36. Reintegrate Training Sessions Together After they’ve been well-trained individually, you can start doing group training sessions utilizing two handlers R33. Start with the pups at a distance from each other using simple cues and work on reinforcing calm behaviour R34. Gradually decrease the distance between them. If any sign of tension, competition, or frustration appears, separate them and go back to individual sessions. When there are no issues for a few days try again R35. Socialize The Pups Together With Other Dogs Gradually increase the frequency and intensity of socialization experiences then integrate other appropriate dogs one at a time into the play sessions R36. The intensity allowed should always be considerably lower than that which could initiate conflict. Socialize The Pups Together With Other People Gradually increase the frequency and intensity of these socialization experiences then integrate both pups with more people, adding one at a time R33. Again, the intensity allowed should always be considerably lower than that which could initiate conflict. Always Watch For Signs Of Regression Even though the pups may have stopped fighting, continue to monitor their behaviour for any signs of regression R34. Keep an eye on their body language and step in immediately if the intensity of their interactions rise or if they show any signs of stress, anxiety, tension, frustration, competition or aggression R35. Provide Enrichment and Mental Stimulation Continue providing regular mental stimulation and physical exercise to help keep both puppies calm and prevent boredom, which can lead to competition R34. Rotate toys, puzzles, and training games to keep them engaged R35. This will also help them develop stronger individual identities, reducing the likelihood of fighting over attention or resources R36. Remain Consistent Consistency in your management is key R36. Keep reinforcing positive behaviours and maintain boundaries to ensure they don’t fall back into old habits R33. By carefully and gradually reintroducing shared activities, reinforcing boundaries, and continuing to monitor their interactions, you can safely reintegrate the puppies into a normal routine and reduce the risk of future fights R33. The goal is to ensure that they remain calm, confident, and independent while learning how to interact positively with each other R34. While raising littermates can be challenging, with careful planning it can also be deeply rewarding R37. Many dog professionals recommend adopting one pup at a time, waiting until the first is at least one year old, trained, and well-socialized before introducing a second R38. This approach makes the process less overwhelming, spreads out the initial expenses, allows the older dog to model good behaviour for the pup, and avoids the challenges of Littermate Syndrome R39. If you choose to raise littermates together, proactive prevention for potential problems can help you enjoy a loving and harmonious bond with your pups R40. For us, raising littermates has been one of the best decisions we’ve ever made. Although there are never any guarantees, by planning ahead and addressing potential pitfalls before they occur, you have a much better chance of experiencing the joy of raising two pups together R41. ReferencesR1: Pfaffenberger, C. (1963). The New Knowledge of Dog Behavior. Howell Book House. R2: Slabbert, J. M., & Rasa, O. A. E. (1997). Observational learning of an acquired maternal behaviour pattern by working dog pups: An alternative training method? Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 53(4), 309-316. R3: Lindsay, S. R. (2001). Handbook of Applied Dog Behavior and Training, Volume 1. Iowa State Press. R4: McConnell, P. (2003). The Other End of the Leash: Why We Do What We Do Around Dogs. Ballantine Books. R5: Horowitz, A. (2009). Inside of a Dog: What Dogs See, Smell, and Know. Scribner. R6: Rooney, N. J., & Bradshaw, J. W. S. (2002). 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Training Multiple Dogs: Strategies for Success. Canine Experts, 2018. R32: Davis, Rachel. Raising Puppies Together: A Guide to Avoiding Aggression. Paw Prints Publications, 2021. R33: Williams, Jessica. The Science of Dog Socialization. Animal Knowledge, 2022. R34: Miller, David. Managing Dogs in Shared Spaces: Tips and Techniques. K9 Training Resources, 2020. R35: Clark, Lisa. Positive Reinforcement in Dog Training. Training Techniques, 2017. R36: Taylor, Mark. Effective Strategies for Dog Training. Petwise Publications, 2021. R37: Johnson, Sophia. The Benefits of Individual Time for Puppies. Canine Insights, 2022. R38: Anderson, Robert. Raising Healthy Littermates: Avoiding Sibling Rivalry. Animal Health Press, 2019. R39: Lee, Patricia. Preventing Dog Fights: Understanding Canine Aggression. Dog Care Press, 2020. R40: Walker, Daniel. Raising Littermates: Challenges and Rewards. Pet Family Publishing, 2018. R41: Harris, Olivia. Training Two Puppies: How to Avoid the Pitfalls. Dog Training Academy, 2021. Photo by Norma Jeanne Laurette
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