
So, I had a gentlemen reach out to me today interested in going on one of our waitlists. Nothing unusual, right? No. Until I got to this part: “My wife thinks we are getting one, but I might want to surprise her with two.”
Let's dive into this! It's an important topic that many new puppy parents might not be aware of: Puppy Sibling Syndrome. If you’ve recently brought home a pair of adorable furballs, or are considering adopting puppy siblings or any two pups of the same age for that matter, this blog is for you!
Here at Beechwood Goldendoodles, we’re not new to this. We've had another couple who successfully adopted two sibling puppies from us. It was a rewarding experience for them. So after learning of sibling syndrome, please don’t fear that bringing two puppies home is a recipe for disaster. Just add to normal new puppy care a sprinkle of extra knowledge, a dash of determination and consistence, and then for good measure, toss in a bit of advice from a trainer, and you’ll turn out years of doubly beautiful and fun experiences with your pups!
What is Puppy Sibling Syndrome?
Before I knew any better, when that first couple reached out to me wanting to put their names on a waitlist for two pups, I thought, Wow, that’s smart. If you know you’re going to want two dogs, why not get all the house training and puppy antics over with at once, right? Then, I realized there was a little more to it... Puppy Sibling Syndrome refers to a set of behavioral issues that can arise when two or more puppies are raised together in the same household. While having two puppies can be a joyful experience filled with twice the love and endless playtime, it can also lead to some unique challenges that you should be prepared for.
Common Signs of Puppy Sibling Syndrome:
1. Over-Dependence on Each Other: Sibling puppies may become overly reliant on each other for comfort and companionship, making it challenging for them to be alone. This can lead to anxiety and stress when separated.
2. Lack of Individual Attention: When puppies are raised together, they can develop a strong bond that overshadows the individual relationships they might form with their human. This can result in behavioral issues as they may not seek attention from their owners.
3. Interference in Training: Sibling puppies may distract each other during training sessions, making it difficult for them to learn commands and obedience. Instead of focusing on their human, they might instead focus on each other, leading to a lack of attentiveness.
4. Resource Guarding: Puppies raised together can sometimes develop issues with sharing toys, food, or space. This can lead to aggressive behavior if one puppy feels threatened by the other.
5. Competition: While healthy competition can be beneficial, sibling puppies may one-up each other in a way that turns playful behavior into aggression. This is particularly common with high-energy breeds. Goldendoodles have mid-range energy, but still…
Are you Still on Board? How to Manage Puppy Sibling Syndrome
Do you still want to move forward? You can do this! Or maybe you landed on us in desperation, having already welcomed two puppies and suspect they are showing signs of Sibling Syndrome. Don’t worry! There are several strategies you can use to cultivate a healthy relationship between your pups while ensuring they also bond with you.
1. Separate Training Sessions:
Arrange for separate training times for each puppy. This will help them focus on you and reduce distractions. Use different rooms if you can to minimize their urge to play with each other rather than listening to you.
2. Encourage Individual Play:
Make time for solo playdates, where each puppy gets one-on-one time with you. Engage in activities that require their individual attention, like fetch or tug-of-war, to strengthen your bond with each of them.
3. Socialization:
Expose each puppy to other dogs and people independently. This can help reduce their reliance on each other and improve their comfort level when interacting with others.
4. Gradual Separation:
Wean them off from being together all the time. Start with short periods of separation and gradually increase the time they spend apart. This can help reduce their anxiety and build their confidence as individuals.
5. Consistent Rules:
Set clear and consistent rules for both puppies. This will help them understand what behaviors are acceptable and reinforce good manners.
6. Monitor Resource Sharing:
Keep an eye on their interactions over shared resources. Ensure there is enough food, water, and toys to go around, and intervene if you notice any signs of guarding or aggression.
When to Seek Professional Help
I mentioned a little dash of help from a trainer. This does not have to be extensive or expensive. It can be as simple and economical as signing up for Baxter and Bella. (I have a 20% discount code of BEECHWOOD, making this under $200). Amongst a myriad of outstanding online training, they also have unlimited, lifetime, at no extra charge, as many 30-minute live or virtual sessions as you need with a professional trainer. They can provide personalized guidance tailored to your unique situation.
Conclusion
Having puppy siblings can be an incredibly rewarding experience. With proper care, attention, and training, you can navigate Puppy Sibling Syndrome and help foster a loving, balanced relationship among your furry family members. Remember, each Beechwood puppy, or any puppy for that matter, deserves to shine in their own right, so make sure to celebrate their unique personalities while guiding them on their journey together. Happy puppy parenting! 🐾❤️
Have you experienced Puppy Sibling Syndrome with your pups? Share your stories and tips in the comments below!
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