I've never had sibling puppies but I'm sure there a few threds here if you do a search especially about taining them seperatly and getting them to bond with you and not just each other.

It seems to vary with people who have single puppies, some have them sleeping in a spererate room from the start and other keep them in the same room as them and gradually move them further away. We had Wicca's sister for a weekend when they were about 14 weeks and they would sometimes curl up together in the one crate but at night I put them in their own crates as if one wanted peace from the other they could rest properly. I'm sure once they are home you will be able to judge better how independant they are. I'm sure if the crates are next to each other there shouldn't be a problem with them being in their own.

 

Have a read through this thread before you commit yourself.....

http://www.doglistener.co.uk/choosing/siblings.shtml

If you go ahead, I would keep them in seperate crates from the beginning and do as much as possible with them on an individual basis. :wink:

 

Sleeping Two In A Crate

Thank you very much for both your relpies. I have read the thread about buying two puppies at the same time and it has given me serious food for thought. Obviously I want what is best for them both so am going to have to reconsider my decision. Very glad I joined the forum before picking them both up on Sunday.

Many thanks,
Lucy

 

Lucy......It IS possible to have litter siblings....but it isn't an easy option and it isn't just twice the work, more like quadruple.

If you have the time and space, then go for it...others have and have loved the challenge. It's just that so many others have been caught out and have regretted it, which is why we are more cautious in our approach. :wink:

 

I am going to speak with my vet and with the breeder this afternoon before making a final decision. At the moment I live with my sister and she is buying one and I the other. My sister will be moving into a new place in December when the pups will be 7/8 months and I am now a little concerned that I won’t have enough space to keep them separate enough for the coming 6 months. Thanks again for your advice am glad I will now be able to make an informed decision.

All the best,
Lucy

 

Hi Lucy

I would hate to add doom and gloom to what should be a happy time for you but I feel it's appropriate to say that any breeder worth their salt would be unlikely to sell two puppies together to the same home for the multitude of reasons Jules has pointed out. Some DO but very many DON'T as it just spells trouble most of the time!

Now I'm not questioning their expertise or knowledge as most breeders put their heart and soul into raising a litter and ensuring they go to great homes - of which I am sure you are one - so it seems a little odd that a decent breeder will allow it to happen. Which leads me on to the question - are the parents health tested? Are BOTH parents hip scored, both have a paper eye certificate dated within the last 12 months, plus are the puppies Kennel Club registered? The parents may also possibly be elbow scored and Optigen tested? If they are, have you actually seen the paperwork and happy that all is kosher?

I'm sure everything is in order and you have nothing to worry about but we all know there are unscrupulous breeders out there who are out to sell puppies no matter what and don't have a care in the world as to what happens to them once they step outside their gates. I would hate for you to be in the same position as I was 2 years ago when I bought my Pheebs.

From one Lucy to another :wink:

 

Can I just add an experience here Lucy.

A very good friend of mine found two springer spaniels on the road that had been abandoned. One was bigger than the other so they thought they were mother and son. But vet said no, almost certainly siblings, and about 3 or 4 months old. My friend is very experienced with dogs and doesnt work so she homed them. Now, a year later they are nice dogs but (you just knew that was coming!) it has been a very fraught year for them, and they still have issues. I dont think she would do it again!

I realize that these had been abandoned so may have had more problems than yours would have. But reading the article that Jules pointed out I can see that they have deffo had littermate syndrome.

So do think very carefully about this as the others say. Would it be possible to wait until your sister has moved and then buy a puppy each, perhaps from the same litter??

Good luck anyway, whatever you decide

 

wow i always thought it would be better because they wouldnt be so scared when they first come - obviously that sthe least of your worries by the looks of that article :?

 

well heres a mad woman with three pups under a year. I have always had dogs and close in age so knew what I was letting myself in for. There is only 6 weeks age gap between Jemima and Izzy and at first Izzy liked to snuggle up to Jemima. I always crated them seperately though at night and if I was going out. You MUST make sure they do not bond together more than they bond with you or else you will be at risk of being ignored and not seen as boss :lol:
Honestly- it is hard work and I do not recommend it to you if you are not experienced and confident. I wouldn't have done it any differently and have loved every minute with my girls. Just do your homework and be sure of the decision that you make- good luck.

 

As for sleeping in the same crate, Jet Dora an Zeke will often lay together. Willow and Jet were almost inseperable until Dora came home and would often be seencurled up together in a 42inch crate with the door open. I personally would never close the door on 2 dogs together though - just in case they ticked each other off.

I took Willow to Stans 'Puppy socials'- he is a bit of a character.
The closest any of our dogs have been, Jet came home in August followed by Sparkey in November.
Dora came in March- Zeke came in November.

 

Winchie

I am also picking up two pups from the same litter (8th June) a boy and a girl, so would love to here about your experience in the first few weeks.

There is soooooo much information out there and it is difficult to know which to give credit and not.

I may pm you later if my Boss doesn't stop bibbing his horn out side my house

Tim

 

just to say - a family friend of ours has now had to sets of brothers and sisters, dauchounds - cant spell it. and they have been wonderful, dont even know if she crate trained but they have all been fine with no fuss so i think i can happen