- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
Bringing home a pair of adorable puppies may seem like a dream come true, but challenges can arise. Littermate syndrome is an excessive attachment that can occur when puppies from the same litter are raised together in the same household.
Meaghan Thomas, DVM from East Ridge Animal Hospital, says that while littermate syndrome is not an official medical diagnosis, it’s widely discussed during dog training and among behaviorists. She says this makes it hard to quantify it.
Below, we’ll explain littermate syndrome, its symptoms, how to prevent it, and what to do if you’ve already taken on littermates.
Is Littermate Syndrome Common?
While not all puppy siblings raised together will develop littermate syndrome, it is more common than you might think.
Some dog siblings may adjust better than others, but the risk of littermate syndrome is heightened when two puppies from the same litter share the same living space. Dr. Thomas says littermate syndrome can affect any breed and even affect two unrelated dogs. However, certain breeds, such as herding or working breeds, have littermate syndrome more due to their instinctual need to bond closely with a companion.
Can littermate syndrome continue beyond puppyhood?
Some pet parents might wonder if littermate syndrome disappears as their dog becomes an adult. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Littermate syndrome can persist beyond puppyhood and into adulthood if not appropriately managed early on with consistent dog training.
6 Signs Your Dog Has Littermate Syndrome
Identifying littermate syndrome requires recognizing specific symptoms that indicate over-attachment to a sibling. Dr. Thomas says that some of the most common signs of littermate syndrome include the following.
- Fear of humans and other dogs. Littermates may exhibit fear or anxiety when interacting with unfamiliar people or dogs.
- Separation anxiety. Dogs with littermate syndrome often experience extreme distress when separated from their sibling.
- Issues with crate training. Littermates may become anxious or exhibit destructive behavior if they’re in separate dog crates.
- Struggling to face new situations alone. They may rely heavily on their sibling for support when confronted with unfamiliar environments or experiences.
- Leash reactivity. Walking two littermates together can increase leash reactivity as they may feel more confident or protective as a pair.
- More fighting than non-littermates. Over-attachment can sometimes lead to increased conflict and aggression between littermates.
Observe whether the symptoms lessen or worsen when the sibling is present. If the presence of the littermate consistently worsens problematic behaviors, it could be littermate syndrome.
What to Do If You’ve Already Taken On Littermates?
If you’ve already taken on siblings and notice signs of littermate syndrome, seek professional help from a qualified behaviorist or trainer. They can assess the situation, provide guidance tailored to your needs, and develop a training plan to address the problematic behaviors.
A behaviorist might try a variety of exercises and commands to target specific issues such as separation anxiety or fighting. Patience, consistency, and ongoing training are vital to achieving positive outcomes.
Should I Avoid Getting Puppies From The Same Litter?
While littermates can form stronger attachments with each other compared to other dogs, it is not automatically a problem. Dr. Thomas having a sibling can provide your dog with comfort and companionship without anxiety. Early observation and intervention are crucial to assess whether sibling puppies have become overly attached.
Are There Any Serious Risks Of Littermate Syndrome?
Over-attached littermates can face potential risks, including an increased likelihood of aggression and difficulty adapting to new situations or environments. “Recognizing and addressing aggressive behaviors immediately is of the utmost importance for your dogs’ and your safety,” Dr. Thomas says.
Early socialization and training can help. Additionally, age can impact the severity of the behavioral problems, with younger puppies often displaying higher dependency and a stronger attachment to their sibling.
How to Prevent Littermate Syndrome
Dr. Thomas says socialization is key when it comes to preventing littermate syndrome. If you want to adopt sibling puppies, Dr. Thomas says these are some proactive measures to help prevent over-attachment. But, she adds it’s always best to “seek professional help if you are having difficulty or seeing concerning behaviors.”
- Socialize from day one: To promote their independence and confidence, each puppy should be exposed to various people, animals, and environments.
- Physical space: Provide separate areas for each puppy, including crates, beds, and feeding stations. This encourages individuality and prevents codependence.
- Alone time: Individualize tasks like feeding, grooming, and training to promote self-reliance and reduce over-attachment.
- Sleeping arrangements: Initially, separate sleeping areas may be beneficial to prevent reliance on the littermate’s presence for comfort during sleep.
- Crate training: Gradually acclimate each puppy to being alone in their crate, using positive reinforcement and gradual increases in separation time.
Littermate syndrome is a genuine concern for puppy siblings in the same household. While it may not affect all siblings, early intervention, socialization, and positive training techniques can help manage the behavioral challenges associated with this syndrome. By promoting independence, individuality, and gradual separation, pet parents can ensure that their littermates grow into well-adjusted adult dogs capable of thriving individually and as a part of the family.