Bringing a new puppy into your life can be an exciting and joyful experience. When considering getting a dog, some people might be tempted to choose two puppies from the same litter, thinking it will be beneficial for the puppies to grow up together. Human nature tells us that it would be nice for your new puppy to grow up with a sibling, rather than splitting them up. However, while it may seem appealing at first, there are several reasons why it’s generally not recommended to select two puppies from the same litter. In this blog, we will explore the potential challenges and drawbacks associated with this decision.
Lack of Individual Bonding
When two puppies from the same litter are raised together, they may form an incredibly strong bond with each other. Their connection remember is genetic, so it is much more deeply formed in the brain than any other relationship they could have. While this might sound ideal, it can hinder their ability to bond with their human family members. Puppies need to develop a strong connection with their owners to ensure they grow into well-adjusted and independent dogs. When their primary bond is with each other, it can be more difficult for them to develop individual relationships with their humans. They often lose the ability to focus on you enough to be trainable, and see you as someone who may be in charge.
Increased Dependency
Choosing two puppies from the same litter often leads to heightened dependency on each other. They may become overly reliant on one another for comfort and security, which can result in separation anxiety when they are apart. Separating them for training, socialisation, or any other necessary reason can be challenging, as they may exhibit distress when separated. This dependency can make it harder to train them individually and can lead to behavioural issues down the line. Remember dogs are pack animals, and pack animals never split up from the pack. As dog owners it is our job to teach puppies that we leave, but we come back, and it’s ok. This is much harder to do when that bond is genetic.
Lack of Socialisation
Proper socialisation is essential for puppies to grow into well-rounded and confident adult dogs. When two puppies are constantly focused on each other, they may miss out on important socialisation experiences with other dogs, animals, and humans. This limited exposure can lead to difficulties in adapting to new situations, meeting unfamiliar dogs, and interacting with people. By choosing one puppy at a time, you can dedicate more attention to their socialisation needs, ensuring they develop necessary social skills. You want to encourage your puppy to hang out with new, unknown dogs as much as possible so they learn to relax around new dogs. This is much harder if we constantly focus on our sibling.
Competition and Rivalry
Puppies from the same litter may naturally compete for resources such as food, toys, attention, and territory. This competition can sometimes escalate into aggression or dominance issues. While litter-mate puppies can certainly live harmoniously, there is an increased risk of developing sibling rivalry or conflicts as they grow older. By choosing one puppy at a time, you can focus on their individual needs and reduce the chances of potential conflicts arising. 2 puppies from different litters have much less chance of exhibiting these behaviours.
Conclusion
While the idea of bringing home two adorable puppies from the same litter might be tempting, it’s important to consider the long-term implications. Opting for just one puppy from a litter allows for stronger individual bonding, more focused training, and enhanced socialisation opportunities. By avoiding the challenges associated with raising littermate puppies, you can provide each puppy with the attention, love, and guidance they need to become well-adjusted and happy members of your family. Remember, a single puppy has the potential to bring immense joy and companionship