New to the forum but not to dogs or labs. I'm a beagle lover and my wife and I (in our late 60's) are raising 2 teenage grandsons. I rescued a male beagle 5 years ago and had 2 senior labs a black and yellow males. The labs passed on and the grandsons never warmed up to the beagle when they moved in. We rescued a female beagle last August and she has a lot of issues and avoids the boys so they haven't been able to experience the joy of having a pet. Last weekend we went to look at a 3 month old unregistered black lab and came home with 2 females. I have to say the progress they have made in a week is amazing. They were outside dogs and not leash or house broke but are very good on a leash and nearly house broke in less than a week. They still overwhelm the beagles and the beagles avoid and growl at them but I see some progress in that too. I'm sure being retired and available to take them out on a 2 hour schedule helps but they are quick learners and the boys take care of them when they're home , it's great to watch them interact. They stayed overnight in their individual crates last night until I got up without as much as a whimper. At first I questioned my sanity, bringing home 2 pups at our age but it's working out better than expected.
Hi Bill and welcome to the forum. It sounds as though you have your hands full . Separate crates is a good idea, and separate training sessions, outings etc is important when you raise two puppies at once in order to bond with them individually and prevent them becoming too dependent on one another. They will be good company for one another when they are older though, if you can get this early stage right there will be lots of fun ahead.
Update, the girls are 7 months old now and doing great. Although sisters and litter mates they have almost opposite personalities, one is bold and loves strangers the other somewhat timid and shy. Both are lovable and enjoy attention from family members and mind fairly well although they still get excited when they get out of their crates in the morning or when one of us returns home after being away for a short time. My wife was injured about a month ago when one of them jumped in her lap and accidentally clawed her hand, she required 5 stitches. Our vet has recommended them being spayed at 8 months so that will be happening soon . They are big girls, about 55# at 6 months so we're going thru a lot of food, about 30#'s every 10 days. The girls, Tara and Mazy, have added joy to our family and although I questioned my sanity when we got them it has been great and we wouldn't have it any other way.
If one of them is shy and timid, you will need to make a point of socialising her without her sister. Spaying at 8 months is very young and not recommended at all. There are loads of studies about the negative impacts of young spay/neutering. That sounds like quite a lot of food, but quantities will vary depending on the quality of food. What are their body scores? So lovely to hear what joy they are bringing to you all
