Littermate Syndrome

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Getting 2 kittens is one thing (a good thing!) but getting 2 puppies at the same time should come with a huge warning: DO NOT DO IT. Multi-dog households are great and foster healthy social interactions with other dogs. However, raising two puppies from the same litter (or 2 young puppies together) can result in a myriad of issues that are well-known by many dog behaviorists, trainers, breeders and shelters.

Common signs include, “fearfulness of unfamiliar people, dogs and other novel stimuli (neophobia); intense anxiety when separated even briefly; and difficulty learning basic obedience skills. In some cases the two dogs fight incessantly.”

Of course, positive early puppy socialization with other dogs and people is paramount to creating a socially savvy pup and should be safely prioritized from time they are separated from their littermates.

For more information on littermate syndrome:
Littermate Syndrome: The risky downside to raising sibling puppies

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DC SIR is a non-profit, volunteer-run network of foster homes in the Washington, DC area.

DC SIR does not have a shelter facility. To meet our adoptable dogs, interested adopters can attend one of our monthly adoption events.