10 Littermate Myths That Need To Be Put Down
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They say no good deed goes unpunished -- and apparently, that includes rescuing twin puppies. After successfully adopting and training my bonded sibling dogs from a local GA rescue (with special thanks to the best Yorkie big sis), I made the fatal mistake of saying out loud that littermate syndrome is not inevitable. Cue a certain Clubhouse (le sigh remember Clubhouse?) "dog behavior expert" -- let's call her Karen -- who promptly reprimanded and blocked me. And no, before you ask, she had never actually raised dog siblings herself. She was just vibes and Google.
So if you've been guilted for adopting littermates, shoved into silence for raising canine siblings or side-eyed at the local dog park, I see you. So today's blog post is I'm going to say it louder for the people in the back. Dog Sibling Syndrome is not a foregone conclusion. Raising dog siblings can be hard. But so is owning a white couch and three dogs. It can be done; you just need a game plan (and in the case of a sofa one heck of a handheld upholstery cleaner -- linked here).
We are busting littermate syndrome myths today. From rehoming rumors to the idea that sibling dogs will automatically turn into Cujo Clones, we're unpacking the most widely circulated misconceptions about dog sibling syndrome. Because you deserve real advice, not Reddit rants. (Clubhouse Karen!)
Myth #1: All sibling puppies develop littermate syndrome.
This one is the Queen B "Mutha" of myths. It shows up everywhere, gets quoted as fact constantly and is never questioned. But is it true? Absolutely not. . Not all dog siblings develop littermate syndrome. It is not baked into their DNA. And in many cases it's not a "syndrome" at all but instead a behavioral issue. More often than not the temperament, behavioral issues and destructive behavior people often associate with littermate syndrome is what happens if you raise two puppies without structure and boundaries.
And let's be real here. Littermate syndrome is not a diagnosis. It's a behavioral risk. Any puppies (blood-related or not) raised without individual attention can become overly bonded, anxious when separated and reactive. But guess what? With intentional training, consistent alone time and training, and separation anxiety enrichment activities, you can absolutely raise two (or more) confident, well-adjusted dogs. (Shocking, I know. Someone alert Clubhouse Karen.)
Often mentioned in association with this myth is its close cousin which says dog sibling syndrome shows up immediately. The truth is, most signs of littermate syndrome --codependence, difficulty with recall or hyper attachment -- don't show up until around 6 to 12 months. It's a puppy version of plot twist. Just when you think you are out of the danger zone, it drags you back in. But knowing the timeline, gives you time to plan.
Raising one well-adjusted dog is challenging. Raising two puppy piranhas can be downright overwhelming. So don't let your "training strategy" be letting them free-range like toddler raccoons. Two puppies mean double the walks. Double the puppy accidents. Double the professional dog trainer sessions. Each dog sibling is a whole individual. So crate them separately, walk them one-on-one, and resist the urge to treat them like an inseparable package deal. If you do that, you'll be ahead of the curve.
Myth #2: You should never adopt siblings.
Ah yes, the unfounded terror of a herd-mentality "never." Oh how the internet loves an annual update on the Gremelins level "never feed them after midnight" rule. Add a sprinkle of pet parent guilt and you've got banger of a myth to bust. But bust it I must. According to this one, adopting littermates is a begging to be feature on the next Puppies Gone Wild. But spoiler alert: this "never" is a lazy blanket statement. So as a dog mom who's been there, I'm pulling you out of your doomscrolling.
The reality? Adopting puppy siblings isn't for everyone...but it's absolutely doable. Is it harder than raising one puppy? Absolutely. It is impossible? Absolutely not. The bottom line? It requires structure, proper training, and a sprinkle of some good ole Type A organizational tendencies. But bright side: it also comes with double the love, double the snuggles and the typeof bond only littermate puppies can have.
So if anyone tries to shame you for providing forever homes for a pair of littermates, just smile politely and remind them you didn't ask for advice, you asked for double pup cups.
Myth #3: Sibling dogs will never bond with humans.
There goes that "Gremelins Never" again. If I had a dollar for every time someone said, "They'll only bond with each other, not" -- I'd be writing you from my dog-firnedly villa in Positano while sipping an Aperol spritzer right now. This myth assumes sibling dogs are incapable of human connection. Like they are running some sort of super secret twin society you can never join.
But the truth is puppies bond with the person who consistently feeds them, trains them and sets boundaries. That can absolutely be you -- even if it's a pair of puppies. Dogs don't become emotionally unavailable just because they shared a womb.
Yes, you'll need to invest time in individual training to help them build individual confidence and strengthen your bond with each dog. But the idea that your litter mates while leave you emotionally ghosted just because they are raised together? That's not science -- that's fan
Myth #4: One littermate has to be rehomed to prevent issues.
I'm going to file this one under "boy band drama-lovers." According to this myth, sooner or later your two puppies are going to get too close, too violent and you've got to break up their little puppy band -- permanently. Some folks insist that rehoming is the only way to avoid or deal with littermate syndrome. But unless things have truly gone completely off the rails (we're talking aggression or true incompatibility) rehoming should be a last resort.
Most of the behavioral issues people blame on dog sibling syndrome -- clinginess, lack of focus, sibling rivalry -- can be prevented or correcting with structure. Routine training sessions. Solo crate time. Individual feeding routines and locations. One-on-one attention.
Speaking of one-on-one attention. A huge help was our individual daily walks.
Walking the twins together on day one was an absolute no. There were many weeks of pulling dog walking 3-a-days -- taking Paris, Dylan and Delilah on their own solo walks. Exclusively walking new puppies together is actually one of the fastest ways to reinforce littermate dependency, behavior problems and delay the development of individual identities and confidence. The goal is to raise two well-adjusted adult dogs -- not a set of neurotic Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum Twins.
Solo walks help to teach each dog how to focus and proper leashing walking etiquette. It also helps to build independence and teaches your dog that you have that main character energy in their life -- not their sibling. As Dylan and Delilah progressed in their individual training sessions, we progressed to occasional "twin walks" as well as individual twin walks with their big sister Paris. Now, we've graduated to super cool, full pack walks. But I still make sure to take each twin (each dog actually) on their own solo adventures regularly.
Insider Tip: do yourself a favor and burn those retractable leashes. Fewer tangled retractables. You're welcome.
Myth #5: One littermate will become the "alpha" and bully the other.
Okay we are not raising a couple of Regina George and Gretchen Mean Girl canine miniatures. No one is demanding Pink Wednesdays. . No one is hiding under any tables. The whole "alpha dog" thing is so 2000 and late. It's outdated, oversimplified, and a little insulting to your dog's emotional intelligence.
Yes, some dogs are naturally more confident or food-motivated than others. (There's not a snack that Paris won't miss.) And just like human children, disagreements between dog siblings will happen. But labeling one the "dominant" and the other the "submissive" is more 50 Shades than based in reality. It's not helpful and oversimplifies how healthy social hierarchies work --even in the canine world.
What is helpful is knowing your dogs' personality and helping them to develop their own identities. You can address aggressive behavior like resource guarding or sibling rivalry early on with proper training before it becomes a huge problem. Your job isn't to play referee. You're there to be the calm, confident leader who sets the house rules and raises well-behaved dogs.
Myth #6: Separate crates is cruel for littermates.
This one really had the Clubhouse Karens of the internet clutching their proverbial pearls --as if giving each puppy their own crate is the canine equivalent of solitary confinement. No one, and I mean on one, wants to have some up in their personal space 24/7. Not even one of your litter mates. Separate crating is not cruel. An essential part of dog training includes giving your dog a safe, predictable space of their own where they can decompress and rest. What is cruel? Letting two overly bonded, insecure littermates spiral with full-blown separation anxiety because they were never taught how to be alone or independent.
Think of individual dog crates as the puppy version of having your own room -- sometimes kids want to chill out solo in their own space with some Legos. So does your dog. Yes, they may cry a little at first. But, that's normal. For the record, having separate crates never seemed to bother Dylan and Delilah. As I didn't intend to adopt two puppies at once (major self-aimed eye roll), I didn't have two crates on night one. But deliverance was only a Next-Day Amazon Delivery away. And from night two onward, Dylan and Delilah never some much as whimpered about their solo digs. Now that could be because they were only crate-wall away from each other. But I think the cozy crate beds and peanut butter Kongs probably helped a bit -- because who doesn't love snacks in bed? Remember: structure doesn't mean cold-hearted. It means you love your dogs enough to raise them right.
Myth #7: Training two puppies at once is impossible.
Now I'm not going to lie -- there were days when I questioned whether this myth was true. When the twins first came home, Dylan and Delilah didn't even know their individual names. But I soothed my nerves summoned the Keep Calm And Carry On vibes. Is it chaos on a learning curve? Yes. But it's not impossible. You just need to get creative...and patient. Very, very patient.
Training littermates just means you have to be more intentional -- not perfect. Positive reinforcement training for your separate sessions goes a long way. Especially since puppies have short attention spans.
The key is consistency, patience and knowing when to call in the professional trainers for some help. Don't let keyboard warriors convince you that parenting is impossible with puppy siblings. Two puppies does not void your ability to lead. You've got this.
Myth #8: You'll never be able to leave littermates alone.
Now this myth had me in a chokehold. Considering I adopted the twins when the world closed up for Covid, I was terrified to leave the twins home alone with Paris when I returned to the office. But I started small. Long before my return-to-office deadline arrived, I had started those solo dog walks I told mentioned earlier. When walking one of the twins with my older dog, I kept those walks to 15 minutes or less. When I took Paris on her solo walks, I kept her walks even shorter -- for fear that the twins were home alone. But gradually the dogs and I felt more comfortable with their alone time.
Also, investing in a Pet Cam went a long way to ease my nerves. And to my great relief, no one turned into a velociraptor and tried to eat their sibling.
Independence is a muscle. You build it with baby steps, not with guilt or fear. So break up exposing your dogs to the independent life into short sessions. Quick solo Starbucks car ride runs. Independent nap times in their separate crates. Big girl and boy solo walks with mom. All of these activities and much more will gradually get your dogs comfortable with being alone.
And trust me, the first time you see one pup peacefully snoozing while their sibling is confidently exploring the other end of the house? That's your sign that the "never leave them alone" crowd can kindly exit stage left.
Myth #9: It's selfish to adopt two dogs at once.
Now let me get this one straight. It's better to leave one dog homeless than to adopt two if you have the time, space, resources and know-how to adopt two? Make it make sense.
This lovely myth is the classic guilt trip disguised as concern. Adopting two dogs at once does not make you a reckless thrilling chaos chaser. Adopting two dogs isn't selfish. What is selfish? Pretending your situation, lifestyle and capacity for proper pet training doesn't matter just for social media clicks. Let that sink in. How about I like to get my advice from professional dog behaviorists and knowledgeable resources like my veterinarian or local dog trainer? Not you Clubhouse Karen.
Raising littermates is a big commitment -- no arguments there. And it's expensive. Increased costs of vet care. Increased pet insurance premiums. More dog food to buy. But with planning, patience and planned follow-thorough (none of this winging it and hoping for the best mess), it can provide a wonderfully loving home for your dogs' entire lives and be deeply rewarding. After all, you saved two little angels not just one.
So some serious soul-searching questions need to be asked. But if you have the bandwidth, schedule and self-awareness to train and socialize two dogs properly -- go right ahead. Our insanely peaceful three dog home is living proof that rescuing two puppies for the shelter and giving them structure was absolutely the right thing to do.
Myth #10: Raising littermates is just not worth it.
This absurdly dramatic myth usually delivered by some Reddit writer who spokes on dog sibling syndrome like it's gospel. As if raising two puppies will immediately unravel your life and send your dog into early puppy-pause. But spoiler alert: not only would Dylan and Delilah say it was worth it, so would Paris and I. Adopting the twins has truly been one of the best decisions I ever made. One of the most challenging too -- but definitely Top 3.
Yes, it was full of chaos and I sacrificed a few rugs, bedding duvets and some of my favorite pillows -- but raising littermates has built a bond so tight that my home is filled with more love, peace and sense of fulfillment. And let's be honest --it's way cuter too.
And my final insider tip as a littermate dog mom of three is this. What they don't tell you is that when the training finally clicks. When your pups are paw-to-paw napping in their matching pajamas. When your house is filled with two seriously happy rescuers and a proud canine big sis. That's when you know it was absolutely worth it. And you? You did that.
