I currently have a litter of medium pastorals and as one of my buyers has pulled out, I have a pup without a home at the moment. I'm already keeping a bitch and this boy pup is not only pulling at my heartstrings, but he really is a pup with real potential (as much as you can see at 6 weeks anyway) if he was a bitch he would be the one I kept.

Sooo, if no competitive home comes up for him then he will most likely stay so i can campaign him.

I do know what I am getting myself in to, I know its twice as much work but its something I have the time, energy and finances to do this.

Im just after tips and advice really to ensure I do it correctly, things that will make things maybe a little easier etc..

Things are made slightly harder as a third pup is staying until he can travel abroad (4 months)...

Well I have, wait for it, FIVE sets of littermates here. Well in reality really four -because one set had the dog come back when adult, so they didn't grow up together.

The main point is to separate them as much as only possible. The more time they spend together, the more problems you get. You really need two different training classes to go to for instance -yes you can swap and let each go once a fortnight, but it isn't quite enough when you first start off.

The breed makes a big difference. I only have one single problem with my Papillon littermates -they gang up together and are little horrors when at home. Chase cats, chase bigger dogs etc. Other than that, they have been far easier to get independent than the others.

I honestly think though you will never, whatever you do, get littermates AS good as single pups -there will always be some problems all life. My oldest set is 9 ½. And it isn't twice the work, it's more like four times the work -and it really takes away the enjoyment of having a puppy. But it can be done when there is no other choice.

Not being funny Drover but I really think you will find a nice competitive home for your baby as people who breed from good working parents, do all the health tests, home rear etc in our breed are like hen's teeth. Are you okay for suitable working sites to advertise on?

Yes he is advertised, I did have a decent waiting list, but when I let them down (numbers) they went elsewhere. They arent quite 6 weeks yet so there is time for that right home to come up.

Just off to bed (been a long day!) but will pm you tomorrow if that's ok? Hugs to the pupsters

Yeh, thats great. Thanks.

Hi Drover,

another consideration if you plan to campaign both is that you'll need two handlers (one being you!), or failing that, have them in two different classes at shows which can get tricky. Also they will be competing against each other in the ring.

I'm having lots of 'fun' with my multiple litter mates.  There are some pluses - they exercise each other, keep each other warm in bed, they also 'entertain' each other - great if it's a legitimate entertainment - NOT great when it involves furniture, precious objects and the garden!

Good luck with the little pup whatever happens - 6wks is very early days yet.

Thanks but they are actually sports bred dogs so that wouldnt be an issue.

Its all ended up well anyway as a friend of mine is having the boy, so I will get to see him grow up aswell as (hopefully) on the competition circuit.

Oh, that's great news, now you can concentrate solely on your baby when the others leave home lol.