Raising two puppies from the same litter together can present unique challenges that can lead to behavioral problems. This phenomenon, sometimes referred to as “littermate syndrome,” involves a range of issues including excessive codependency, heightened anxiety when separated, and increased aggression towards familiar or unfamiliar dogs. Avoiding these pitfalls requires careful planning and execution of individualized training and socialization strategies for each puppy.
Successfully preventing these issues is crucial for the well-being of both animals. It allows each puppy to develop a strong, independent personality and reduces the likelihood of problematic behaviors that can strain the relationship between the dogs and their human family.Historically, awareness of this potential problem has grown as dog trainers and behaviorists observed patterns in sibling puppies raised together, leading to the development of preventative methods.