Second Chance: Littermate Challenges

09 Jul Second Chance: Littermate Challenges

Puppy season continues and with it the temptation to adopt two pups from a litter in order to keep cute bonded siblings together. Well, before you succumb, it is important to know that many dog behaviorists, trainers, breeders and shelters discourage adopting siblings together (or even puppies of a different litter, but roughly the same age). Although there certainly are exceptions, raising sibling puppies can lead to behavioral issues during key development periods because their deep connection impedes their ability to bond to humans and grasp the nuances of human and canine communication.

Blossom, August, Sunny & Peaches

Simply put, dogs must be allowed to develop as individuals. At seven weeks of age, they are ready to look to the outside world for bonding and individuality. They are ready to leave the pack and move on.  Pups at seven weeks bond easily to their humans unless they do not leave their litter. Maintaining siblings from the same litter interferes with this transfer.

The results of the fail can be mild or severe. Mild cases are barely noticeable, while severe cases can lead to constant fighting, separation anxiety from each other, and even in some cases, aggression towards humans. Their bond reduces their dependency on their humans and leads them to simply ignore humans and run amok.

The situation, often referred to as “littermate syndrome,” is a risk, not a foregone conclusion. The issues escalate when the owners treat them as one dog with eight legs rather than doing everything possible to create two individual dogs. Littermates should be required have their own space, to develop their own personalities, and to look to the owner for bonding and love.

They must have lots and lots of “only dog” time, which means feeding, walking and training separately, with individual crates or beds in different parts of the home. Even trips to puppy socials and the vet should be separate so both learn to incorporate these episodes into their psyches without being overly dependent on their littermate.

This separate-but-equal arrangement is time-consuming, potentially exhausting and seems to defeat the original intent of acquiring siblings and, although necessary temporarily until they are adults, is another reason to reconsider bringing siblings into your family.

This should not by any means discourage those who want/have multiple dog households, but simply encourages some consideration on the timing, temperament and age that each dog enters the home.  There are plenty of examples of well-adjusted cohabitating siblings (often with a common thread being that littermates are more likely to thrive when introduced into a household with an older dog, who perhaps acts as an arbiter and stabilizing influence), but the risks are real.

On the other hand, adopting me and one of my kitty siblings won’t be an issue because the feline’s independent nature won’t find this a disruption our normal development. In fact bringing home kitty siblings is often a win-win as we entertain each other and keep each other company in your absence without it impeding our bonding with our humans. Besides…why settle for a yelp when you can have a purr???

Editor’s note: It’s no secret. The Telluride region is dog heaven. Well, pet heaven. Unless you are one of our furry friends who gets caught in the maw of neglect and abuse. Then heaven is on hold until Second Chance Humane Society comes to the rescue. Second Chance is the region’s nonprofit dedicated to saving animals’ lives and promoting responsible pet parenting and human-animal bond. In her weekly blog, executive director Kelly Goodin profiles at least one, generally two of the many animals now living at the no-kill shelter, Angel Ridge Shelter, a dog and a cat, hoping to find them loving permanent homes. The column is sponsored by Ted Hoff of Cottonwood Ranch & Kennel, who from time to time exercises his skills as a dog whisperer, partnering with Kelly and her staff to help train a particularly challenging animal.

Ted Hoff & Mae

By the by, there is no better place to park your pup than Cottonwood whenever you head out of town (for locals) or are heading to town and staying somewhere that does not allow pets. Consider joining Ted’s Very Important Dog (VID) Club for added benies. (Details on Ted’s website.)