Adopting Sibling Puppies

Adopting two sibling dogs is pretty sweet since you can raise them together. As a dog lover, you don’t want to separate them from each other. Thus, the clear thought that comes to your mind is adopting both the puppies to keep one another company. Even rescue shelters and sellers insist you adopt the puppies together.

Before doing that, please go through the discussion. However, specialist recommendations suggest it is not a good idea. Maybe shelters and rescuers have good intentional motivation. Your purpose is good so that both the dogs grow together and take care of each other like playing, eating, and daily routine with one another closely.

However, if you understand the dog’s nature, it is not good to espouse them both. The coming days are not good for them and you too. There are some pros and cons in this situation. One of the significant issues is litter syndrome. They may range from mild to severe. In mild cases, you can keep it in control. Severe situations end up getting worse.

Even a fierce fight may take place, thus leading to heavy physical damage. Even in a worst-case scenario, you need to visit the vet to cure a bite wound. Sometimes, the owner gets bitten by their dog. Such a situation arises when separating the two dogs from fighting.

This result occurs due to the presence of both dogs in the same home. However, in such a fierce situation, if you force the dogs to stay separate, their stress can increase more. Stress leads initially to grousing, worrying, and house staining. But, it turns into self-harm and damage to the house.

The damage consists of going through the windows, destroying any crates by his teeth or damaging his teeth by doing so, doing scratch and bite marks on walls and doors, etc. In some situations where one sibling is in the hospital or goes out for a daily exercise or walk, the other becomes violent, loud and the owner is unable to keep it quiet.

They have a significant behavioral difference between them. While one is aggressive and loud, the other is quiet and shy. Before going for the adoption, please go through the pros and cons mentioned below.

Cons

Due to some reasonable causes, a good dog breeder never allows you to adopt two siblings, although the customer is interested. The first problem with adopting two dogs, at the same time, is that it becomes too difficult for the owner to devote proper time to both. You have to struggle a lot to train a single dog.

And, training two of them makes the situation worse. For example, when you are cleaning a mess created by one, in the meantime another is developing a situation of soiling in a different place. Generally, puppies do their toilet within half an hour and play very intensely. Similar to a human infant, pups are also deviltry. Keep a keen eye on them.

Constant observation of the puppies is next to impossible for an owner who works the major time of the day. You may find a situation where one dog is busy destroying your pillows and couches, whereas the other dog engages in squashing your sleepers. Pups need continuous observation. It is another issue.

It arises when the pups develop more bonding between them. The puppies enjoy each other’s company more than other members in your house. Even they ignore the owner and family members. The duo amuses between them and inspects the surroundings as a team. It may arise a problem in times of socialization and training.

You may not be able to develop them into a complete dog but two ½ grown dogs. As the puppies indulge among themselves, they won’t mix with other animals and humans. They may feel insecure in presence of other humans and dogs. Often it is observed that one of them depends on another one, which makes that pup more aggressive and protective as time passes by.

Often fight arises between pups. If you take care of one, the other may try moving that sibling due to sibling rivalry. It may not be so troubling at a young age, but it worsens with their age. So, it is advisable to separate the puppies. Provide separate facilities to habituation in their daily-to-daily work like walking, sleeping, eating, etc.

It may help you to make a bond with them instead of making a bond between them. Regular chores for the pup get doubled. Hence, it is troublesome for the owner and causes mental and physical stress.

Pros

Siblings always entertain their owners by playing in themselves. You can only sit and observe without participation. In the case of a single dog, you have to join. Due to playing in between them, they learn to control their bite. Also, since they play in between them, it helps them exercise. It is beneficial for their health.

Conclusion

Most dog behaviorists, trainers, and even breeders would advise not to adopt siblings together. There are factors (already discussed in the article) that influence behavior. Moreover, littermate syndrome is a common problem. They may not show obedience and can turn aggressive. So, it can be a risk to adopt siblings together.

However, if you have already adopted two puppies, you must get them crated separately at night time. You have to train them to sleep separately. You are the leader. Spend time with the puppies. Each dog is an individual.

So, you must develop a bond with each of the dogs. Habituate them to stay separate and not in close contact with siblings. Use separate bowls for feeding. Never allow them to share their crates.