Can You Fix Littermate Syndrome? Exercises That Work

Do you want to know how to fix littermate syndrome in your dogs? Avoiding littermate syndrome is best of course, but you are not always in a position to fully prevent littermate syndrome. If you have two dogs with littermate syndrome it is too late to prevent it, now you need to focus on how to actually fix littermate syndrome. People often ask us if you can cure littermate syndrome. We explain that the answer is yes, but it is a lot of work! Luckily, by using the information provided in this video you will be well on your way to fixing your dog’s littermate syndrome.

Littermates syndrome is generally thought to only affect dogs from the same litter, but this isn’t always the case. Littermate syndrome can also occur in younger puppies from different litters who were brought home at the same time (or close in time).

Littermate syndrome issues generally arise from the fact that littermates spend every waking minute together. The easiest way to prevent littermate syndrome is by not getting littermates, but if you're watching this video, our guess you already have them! Have no fear, we are here to help! We have another awesome Littermate Video as well that will give you some more background information:    • Littermate Syndrome in Dogs: How to P...  

There are a few common issues that arise between littermates who live in the same home. The most common one we see is separation anxiety. This is the most common issue because the littermates have never been separated from each other since birth, so they develop a major attachment to each other.

Another issue that is common when you raise littermates is major socialization issues. As discussed in this video, both of the littermates’ entire world revolves around each other. Because of this, even if owners do a great job socializing at a young age, unless it is done separately, littermates may still struggle to make connections with other dogs, people, and even their owners.

The last major issue we see between littermates is rivalry/fighting issues. This can be fights over space, fighting for position, other jealousy related issues, or even just excitement that gets too over the top.

Now that you are aware of every issue that can arise with littermate syndrome, let’s talk about how to fix these issues. The first question the majority of littermate owners ask us is when do we need to start training? The answer is day one! Keep in mind that when working with littermates, we typically say it is three times as much work. Each dog needs to be trained, socialized, walked, fed, and played with individually then together as well.

Let's dive a little deeper on how to prevent separation anxiety with two littermates. Littermates need to be separated as soon as possible. For most dogs, we start the separation process on a walk. Go for a heel walk and after a few minutes each handler will walk in different directions.

Once this is mastered you need to also practice crating them in different rooms. Ideally, each littermate needs to be crated in different rooms where they can't see or hear each other. In cases where there is not enough room for them to be separated, room dividers work wonders. If you're interested, please follow this link to buy them today! https://amzn.to/3YTrpH9

Socializing littermates follows the same plan as we discussed. You need to make sure each littermate gets socialized with dogs, people, and in different environment together and separately. Head to the local Home Depot with each littermate. Practice heeling and doing intros together, then have each handler split away from each other and go through the same process.

Lastly, do not forget about the critical socialization window which exists between 6-16 weeks. This is a critical socialization period where each dog needs to see a certain amount of dogs and people! For more information on this, please check out our socialization video!    • Avoid This Mistake When You Socialize...  

In terms of rivalry based issues with littermates, the easiest way to prevent these issues is to know what to look for. All play, eating, and interactions should have a give and take. If one littermate is clearly picking on the other we as dog owners need to step in to stop it. We do not want the two dogs to take it upon themselves to stop unwanted behaviors as this will lead to fighting. As we said before, make sure there is give and take between your dogs!

Chapters
00:00 Introduction
00:38 What Is Littermate Syndrome?
00:51 How Soon Should We Start Training Littermates?
01:32 What’s Appropriate Play?
04:15 Fights Caused By Jealousy Issues
05:00 Separation Anxiety
06:12 Practice Separation Exercises
08:12 Socialization Separately
10:34 Critical Socialization Period
11:36 Each Littermate Is Different
13:07 Closing Thoughts

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