I have two ten week old black lab puppies, both males, brothers. My problem is that they get so busy playing and wrestling with each other that they won't listen, no matter what. I have to pull them apart. I would like to be able to take them both outside at the same time and not have them wrestle each other the whole time. Anyone have any similar experience?
Hi and welcome to the forum. I have siblings, too, that are now a year old. You have to be really, really careful that they don't spend too much time together, especially in the early stages, because they will, as you're finding out, bond too closely to one another and end up not listening to you at all. They can also end up with real aggression issues toward one another if you're not very careful. I ensure that my two get plenty of one-on-one time with me, which means that every day, one of our walks is done individually and I do 90% of our training on a one-on-one basis, too. When possible, my husband takes one of them to work with him, even if only for an hour or so, leaving me with the other one. And when Willow was spayed (not an issue in your case, obviously), Shadow went to stay with a friend for about two weeks so they didn't play too rough and split her stitches. This was a good test to see if they could be apart from one another. As it turned out, the answer was yes and they didn't get stressed about each other's absence at all, but it's very easy to see that that could be a problem if you don't actively work to avoid it. There will be times in the future where they need to be separated (maybe one needs to go have an operation or something) and you need to know that they'll be able to cope with that. Obviously, end-of-life is also an issue, although not one that we ever want to think about, especially at such early stages, but if your dogs can't cope without each other, it will be truly awful for the one left behind when the first one dies. Have a look online at the issues with Litter Mate Syndrome that you have to try to avoid, otherwise you could find yourself in a situation where they end up needing to be permanently separated (ie you have to give one up). My two do still play very rough with one another; far more so than they do with any other dog, but I have taught them an "enough" cue which means they need to calm it down immediately when it gets too boisterous or is in an inappropriate place. Having two puppies is far more challenging and time consuming than just one, and you need a lot of patience, so I'll wish you good luck!
Hello and welcome from me too! I am first time owner of just the one dog. So can't really help with your question. I remember not long after I started on the forum there was quite a discussion about this and the answer was a *don't do it!* . I think there have now been a few forum users who have, and seemingly successfully, although apart from snowbunny (Fiona) I don't think theyare active on the site. The conclusion was just as Fiona has said above. Needs a lot of work with the pups individually to be successful in a nutshell. Good luck! Do stick around. I am sure if you try searching you will come up with some previous discussons. jac
Hi and welcome to the forum, I'm no expert I've only got one puppy. My friend had two girls from the same litter they are now 3 years old. She trained one and her husband the other. It took over two years to feel they were remotely well trained, when I was thinking of having 2 they gave me the same advice as Snowbunny has posted. Good luck.
Hi and welcome there is also the genetic side too. I would not have 2 pups from the same litter in case there were any health issues. Litter mates often develop the same health issues because they are from the same parents. I would hate to have 2 dogs with ED or an auto immune disorder. Also if one gets something you would be worrying about the other developing it. It does happen and its horrible.
I have two black lab brothers who are now 4. I know exactly what you are experiencing but don't worry it does get better. My two still play rough even now and it has always sounded scary but they don't do it anywhere near as often although it is more dangerous if you happen to get in the way of a full on butt tuck chase. I have an 'Enough' cue as well which works instantly now but at ten weeks it was more a case of distraction before they got carried away. I didn't find the forum until my two were two. Actually when my two were the age of yours I dont think this forum existed. I didn't know anything about litter mate syndrome and my dogs haven't bonded with each other and not as much with me so don't worry too much. It is important to spend time with them separately and get them used to being apart but I've done most of my training with my dogs together. Having said that I do think it depends on the personality/temperament of the dogs. My dogs have always happily taken turns and don't tend to distract each other. Other things like an interesting blade of grass are more distracting than a brother ! The main thing at ten weeks is that you have to be more interesting than the brother. You might find all the interesting things they find outside will keep their attention off each other for awhile. Just be armed with treats, squeaky toys etc be fun and have fun enjoy your pups.
