Bringing home two puppies from the same litter seems like a great idea—after all, they already have a bond, they can entertain each other, and it feels like a double dose of fun. But what many owners don’t realise is that raising sibling puppies together can sometimes lead to serious behavioural challenges known as littermate syndrome.
At Paws Academy, we’re here to help you navigate this issue with practical solutions so that both puppies grow into confident, well-balanced dogs. If you're already struggling with littermate syndrome or want to prevent it before problems arise, this guide will give you the knowledge and tools to do just that.
What Is Littermate Syndrome?
Littermate syndrome is a term used to describe a set of behavioural problems that can occur when two puppies of the same age, typically from the same litter, are raised together. The issue arises when the puppies become overly reliant on each other, making it difficult for them to develop independence, form strong relationships with humans, and learn essential skills.
Common Signs of Littermate Syndrome
Not every pair of puppies will experience littermate syndrome, but when it does occur, it can be challenging to manage. Here are some of the most common signs to look out for:
Extreme Separation Anxiety – The puppies become distressed when apart, even for short periods.
Poor Social Skills – They struggle to interact with other dogs and humans, often displaying nervousness or fear.
Training Difficulties – They become so focused on each other that they ignore cues from their owner.
Aggression – Sibling rivalry can lead to fights, especially during play or mealtime.
Uneven Development – One puppy may become more dominant, while the other remains overly submissive and insecure.
Recognising these signs early is key to preventing long-term behavioural issues. If you’ve noticed any of these in your puppies, now is the time to take action.
Why Does Littermate Syndrome Happen?
During early development, puppies go through a critical period of learning. If two siblings are constantly together, they rely on each other for comfort rather than exploring their surroundings and engaging with their human family. This prevents them from learning how to cope with stress, interact with new experiences, and gain confidence on their own.
Without intervention, this can lead to anxiety, aggression, and fearfulness that persists into adulthood.
Can Littermate Syndrome Be Prevented?
Yes! The good news is that littermate syndrome is not inevitable. By implementing structured training and socialisation, you can raise two well-adjusted dogs while avoiding the behavioural pitfalls that come with littermate syndrome.
Here’s what you need to do:
1. Train Each Puppy Separately
When raising sibling puppies, individual training is non-negotiable. If they always train together, they’ll be more focused on each other than on you.
Work with them one-on-one when teaching new cues.
Rotate their training times so that they both get equal attention.
Start with short training sessions (5-10 minutes) and gradually increase as they gain confidence.
Once they’ve mastered basic skills separately, you can bring them together for joint training sessions.
2. Crate Each Puppy Separately
While it may seem comforting for them to share a crate, this can reinforce their dependence on each other. Instead, each puppy should have their own crate in different areas of the house.
If they struggle with separation at first, start by keeping the crates in the same room but gradually move them apart over time.
Use positive reinforcement to make their crates a safe and comfortable space.
Crating separately teaches them to self-soothe rather than always seeking comfort from their sibling.
3. Socialise Them Separately
Socialisation is essential for all puppies, but for littermates, individual experiences are especially important.
Take each puppy on solo outings to different environments—parks, pet-friendly stores, and neighbourhood walks.
Expose them to different people, sounds, and situations so that they develop confidence independently.
Arrange one-on-one playdates with other dogs to help them learn social skills.
By ensuring they each have their own experiences, you prevent them from becoming overly reliant on each other.
4. Feed Them Separately
Food can be a major trigger for aggression between littermates. To prevent food-related fights:
Feed each puppy in a separate space to avoid competition.
Monitor mealtime closely to ensure they’re eating at their own pace.
If either puppy shows signs of food guarding, work on positive reinforcement training to correct the behaviour.
5. Allow for Individual Bonding Time
Building a strong relationship with your puppies means spending quality time with each one individually.
Go on solo walks with each puppy.
Set aside one-on-one playtime with different toys and activities.
Let them explore different parts of the house separately to encourage independent confidence.
The goal is to teach them that they don’t always need each other to feel safe and secure.
Real-Life Example: Bella & Max
One of our clients, Emma, adopted Bella and Max, a pair of Labrador siblings. Initially, they were inseparable—so much so that they wouldn’t eat unless they were side by side. Emma also struggled with training, as neither puppy would listen when they were together.
After reaching out to Paws Academy, we introduced a plan that included separate crate training, solo socialisation outings, and one-on-one training sessions. Over time, Bella and Max developed confidence and independence, and Emma saw a huge improvement in their behaviour.
If you’re in a similar situation, know that you’re not alone—and with the right approach, you can help your puppies grow into well-balanced dogs.
What If You’re Already Experiencing Littermate Syndrome?
If your puppies are already showing signs of littermate syndrome, don’t panic. It’s not too late to make changes.
Start implementing separate activities immediately.
Be patient—it can take time for puppies to adjust to new routines
Reach out to us if needed.
Every dog is different, and sometimes, professional support is the best way forward.
When to Get Professional Help
If your puppies are struggling despite your best efforts, it may be time to work with a trainer or behaviourist. A professional can:
Identify the root cause of specific behaviours.
Design a custom training plan suited to your puppies' needs.
Help you build a better bond with each puppy individually.
At Paws Academy, we specialise in tackling littermate syndrome and can provide support to help your puppies thrive.
Final Thoughts
Raising two puppies together can be rewarding, but it also comes with its own set of challenges. By training separately, encouraging independence, and socialising them as individuals, you’ll set them up for success.
If you’re struggling with littermate syndrome or need guidance, reach out to us at Paws Academy. We’re here to help you and your puppies build a strong, positive relationship—one that truly clicks.