Am I mad to be even considering 2 pups?

[HeffalumpsnWoozles]

We have a 9yr old JRT who was bought up with another dog who passed away 5 yrs ago so has been only pet for a long time. We are getting another JRT pup in November and my DP has expressed a wish to take two from the same litter not just the one. His reasoning is they will play together thus stopping them bothering older dog when she's had enough play. We have the money, time & patience for 3 together and have both had dogs all our lives but ant thoughts for or against are welcome.

[basildonbond]

Short answer - Yes you are mad .... Google littermate syndrome ... No reputable breeder would encourage two siblings to be homed together

[HeffalumpsnWoozles]

Thanks, pups aren't from a breeder they are from a good friend. Will google as suggested thanks.

[Bubble2bubble]

We had littermates. It was very difficult and I would honestly never do it again. Yes, they play together, but training two the same age is really ,really hard :(
Eight years on they are great dogs...

[dotdotdotmustdash]

I believe it's not double the work of one pup, more like quadruple!

[chocolatelime]

Agreed, it's a really bad idea. It can cause so many issues. Much better to get one puppy and train him/her before considering a second.

There are so many problems that can happen. The dogs might bond with each other to the detriment of their relationship with the owners. If you think 1 puppy can cause chaos, imagine what 2 can do together if they gang up!

One of the dogs can be dominant over the other - fighting could be the result.

I would be the last person to argue against having more dogs, but the best way to do it is one at a time. There have been many instances this year in our local dog rescue of litter mates who have grown up together being rehomed and in the 100% of these cases, they have been split up for the benefit of the individual dogs.

[HeffalumpsnWoozles]

Thanks for the advice, just had a quick look at other sites & the majority of information is negative around a third were from people that had done it & were positive. I think its too high a risk for things to go wrong. My friends brother has litter mates now 4yrs and no issues but I guess they got lucky.

[NCIS]

i had two from the same litter and everything was more difficult, they bond with each other not you. House training is soooo difficult as they both need to go out at the same time but don't understand you praising one for 'performing'. Recall is a nightmare as they have each other, why should they want you? Would never, ever do it again.

[beagleofdoom]

It's possible to do it but only if you have twice the time to spend on them. You need to walk and train them separately. When you think how much time you need to spend each day on one puppy, imagine doing it all twice! Never advisable, not ever. There's a huge risk and no benefit.

Why not consider rehoming bonded adults via a rescue, if you want 3?

[KatharineClifton]

Yes, you're mad. My mum has done it. Twice. I wouldn't.

[stupidlittlegirl]

Yes i agree with everyone else! Mad! Also i think instead of play with each other and give your oldie a break i think you'll find they will actually gang up on her!

[froootbat]

No no no never ever get litter mates!! Getting two puppies from a different littler is hard enough but litter mates is just a bad idea! Any responsible breeder would steer you away from the idea as well.

[sisterno2]

Don't do it!!!!