07/08/2026
A client recently came to me and had no idea littermate syndrome even existed and It reminded me that this isn’t common knowledge.
Like many owners, they had been raising them together in every aspect of life, including sharing a crate.
Many people dream of bringing home two puppies together. They can keep each other company, play together, and grow up side by side. But what many owners don’t realize is that raising two puppies of the same age can come with significant challenges.
This is often referred to as littermate syndrome.
Some common signs include:
• Extreme dependence on one another.
• Separation anxiety when apart.
• Difficulty bonding with their humans.
• Poor focus during training.
• Fear or insecurity when alone.
• One puppy becoming overly confident while the other becomes increasingly timid.
• Increased reactivity or even aggression toward each other as they mature.
The problem isn’t that the puppies love each other, it’s that they often become so dependent on one another that they miss important opportunities to build confidence, independence, and a strong relationship with their owners.
Can it be prevented?
Yes, but it takes commitment and double the work.
Each puppy should have:
✔️ Individual training sessions.
✔️ Separate walks and outings.
✔️ One-on-one play and bonding time with their humans.
✔️ Time apart to learn confidence and independence.
✔️ Individual crate time and rest periods.
This doesn’t mean they can never be together, it simply means they also need opportunities to grow as individuals.
