2 puppies not same litter. Honest thoughts and real experience.

[Bellasmomma]

Hi Everyone! So we have our fur baby Bella who’s 22 weeks old and is a female Dobey. We have an adult Dalmatian female who’s been fantastic with her and they are two peas in a pod. We take turns taking them everywhere with us. They are crate trained and we work them in a field daily. We also take family walks every night as well. We will put our Dalm up to do training with the puppy by herself and vice versa. An opportunity came up to take in a 9 week old Male Dobey. I have read so many articles about “littermate syndrome” my question is has anyone had two pups that are not from the same litter that close in age and was it successful? Obviously I’ve read how to take one at a time and train them separately and give them alone time from each other and stuff but I need opinions. Thanks!!!!

 

[JanS]

Welcome from Minnesota!

Since the new pup is a male from a different litter and you have 2 other females, I don't think you'll have any problems, aside from having 2 young ones being twice the work.
We'd love to see some photos of your dogs.

 

[Ravenbird]

Welcome from New Mexico! I don't think you'll get littermate syndrome, but be honest with yourself: Why do you need a 3rd dog when you have a 6 month old that is heading for adolescence and would benefit (and LOVE) for you to be spending quality time with her? And an older dog that just got a new puppy under the roof to steal personal (with you) time away from her? The more puppies (your 6 month old is still a puppy) spend time with other puppies, the less important you become to them, thus harder to train simple manners, because you become 2nd tier in importance. Think of the dogs point of view and what might be important to them. They only need "dog friends" if you aren't available.

And yes, we'd love to see Dobes & Dals photos!!!

 

[Rits]

Littermate syndrome can happen with any two young puppies or dogs close in age, they don't have to be from the same litter at all...it is just a name. They bond with the other more than you.

I would honestly pass and focus on your current puppy. Doberman puppies are a lot of work and it's challenging having to make time for each puppy since they need to be taken out alone, plus you have a third to care for in addition to the puppies.

This is coming from someone that has 3, with 2 under the age of two. I would not recommend unless you had serious, serious resources and outlets for them. I find it incredibly challenging and exhausting and at times there isn't enough time in the day. I take mine to show, dock diving, fast cat, IGP, Scentwork, tracking, and obedience in addition to practicing at home and out in public. 90% of their training is done separately.

 

[Ddski5]

Some great experience and comments from above…

 

[earlthedoberman]

wow, three dogs sounds like a handful! i'm not an expert, but i think the others might be right about focusing on your current pups. maybe give it some more thought?