Can littermate syndrome be fixed?

With hardwork, littermate syndrome can be prevented or remedied, but it is important to start early. Also, remember that avoidance of this issue is the best plan. Having two dogs of a similar age is great, just get them roughly six months apart and make life easier on you and them!

Is littermate real?

While not an exacting scientific or medical diagnosis, the concept of littermate syndrome is very real. However, that doesn’t mean it’s necessarily a given situation for all sibling pups that you raise together. As with many things, multiple factors can influence the probability and severity of littermate syndrome.

Is adopting littermates a bad idea?

They may not know that adopting littermates to the same family is a bad idea. Experts will tell you it is NEVER in the best interests of the puppies to be adopted together. From a dog behavior perspective, adopting them both can be harmful to both pups and not end well in the future.

Does littermate syndrome always happen?

The phenomenon is known as “littermate syndrome,” and it doesn’t occur in every single pair of littermates who are raised in the same home. However, it happens often enough that experts in canine behavior and the human-canine bond advise against bringing home siblings.

Should littermates sleep together?

To ensure that each puppy reaches his potential, everything needs to be done separately: walking, training, eating, and sleeping. If the pups are very young, sleeping together may be fine for a while, as long as they are getting enough one-on-one time with you, but before long they should sleep in their own crates.

How do you fix littermate syndrome?

Here’s what you need to know:

1. Give the puppies periodic time apart every single day.
2. Do not allow the pups to share a crate.
3. Feed meals separately, and out of two separate bowls.
4. Remember that both dogs are individuals.

At what age does littermate syndrome start?

Littermate Syndrome is the name given to the common behavioral problems that arise when two puppies are raised together beyond the typical 10-12 weeks (about 3 months of age) that professional breeders recommend.