Hey all,

As some of you know, we will be getting our new puppy in 3 weeks (Wheaten, bitch)
But lately we have been thinking of also having one of her litter brother. It's a long story why, but I was just wondering if you think that would work or not. At the moment we have a 7yr old wheaten bitch that until last year, has lived with two other dogs. What sort of problem do you think that we would have? Apart from the two puppies bonding closer with each other than us. And that should be a problem as my mom doesn't work and I am educated at home, so we will have all day to train them individually. Any comments are welcome, as we want to consider everything before we make a decision.

Sarah xxxx

Hi Sarah

There are lots of threads on getting two pups at once and most of them agree it is a bad idea - get one and train it and when it is 18-24 months think about getting another one.

I don't know what the character/temperaments of Wheatens are like so I would recommend you contact a few of the reputable breeders in the breed and ask if they would sell littermates to the same person and whether there are likely to be any problems. If they would not sell littermates, ask why.

It's not a good idea. When they're older, they will stick together and maybe not do as they're told. If you really want to get two puppies, get them from two different breeders. From fee fee

It's not a good idea to get two puppies at the same time, full stop, fee fee. Whether or not they're from the same litter is relatively immaterial.
:)

when i got max my friend got his sister and they are both doing really well individually but we look after each others pups if one of us are out for a long time and we both find that when they are together even though they see each other most days they totally go into their own world and pay no attention to us hardly at all. I can imagine that however sweet it must be a nightmare to try and train 2 pups together

I just got it from a dog book!

I write from experience! :-)

I had two pups that were 10 days apart - NEVER AGAIN!!!!!!!

I kept 2 pups from a litter last year....not something I will be doing again in a hurry! ;-)

It has been very very hard work...it's not just double trouble, it is trouble quadrupled...

My hard work has paid off and I am exceptionally proud of my 2 boys (still have their mum too) but I would never recommend 2 pups at the sametime to anyone...and I'm an experienced dog-owner with years of training and showing behind me.  I thought I would cope happily - however it was seriously stressful and immensely time-consuming to train 2 pups individually as well as work still with the mum.

we had 2 pups together that were litter siblings. we had them from 6 weeks to 13 weeks.one of them was my dog and the other was my mums but we looked after her because their previous dog contracted what the vets thought was parvo,so we made sure the house was clear before she went round and she had all her jabs.i didn't find to really hard it was everything i was doing with my own but twice for her as well.they were very good and only got into trouble now and again but i expected it to some degree.they bonded with us ok and took notice as well as playing together they had a really strong bond but i don't know if it is because they was siblings or just 2 pups of the same age.but im can imagine 2 pups can be hard work at the same time i guess we was just lucky.the breed was boxers if it makes any difference.

As well as what everyone else has said, also remember you would have 2 wheaten coats changing at the same time - it is daunting enough coping with one.

i dont see the problem with it as long as you no what you are doing we have done it so why cant others and we have sold puppys like it and they have been fine and thart was 2 standard poodles and american cockers i had and still have litter brother sister who are no bother at all
fiona

Erm, from someone who although HASNT had two litter mates, HAS experienced groups of young pups together..... if you want to ENJOY your pup as a pup, rather than pull your hair out, threaten to turn them both into rugs, and curse your way through their puppyhood, NO.

Just stick to one. You will have a much better time getting both the new pup and the adult dog to get along and behave well, with just one pup. Two and you are asking for trouble!

Em

Hi Sarah,

I know it's probably disappointing to hear people advising against this but it isn't a good idea - for the puppies, your older dog or you and your mum.  :-(

There will be some people who have found it manageable - possibly more so if not siblings or exactly the same age - but even many very experienced people with every training skill honed to perfection and totally dedicated 24/7 to giving separate training, socialisation etc to the pups have found it extremely difficult.

It's not just over coming their natural bond with one another - which, with the best skill and will in the world IS hard to overcome.  You've probably read several threads recently from different owners concerned about the behaviour of a single 8-12 week pup being too boysterous and potentially *aggressive* with the resident adult and worrying how this may affect their puppies behaviour towards strange dogs in future.  Young puppies even when carefully supervised can be very wild when playing with one another and they are potentially learning fighting skills with their naturally rough games :-(

Another depressing point about getting two puppies (same breed therefore same life expectancy) together is that a few years down the line you have two elderly dogs at the same time too with all the worry and heartache which that can bring.

Why not let your head rule your heart on this one ;-) you seem to be leaning that way anyway by the sound of your post.  Get your preferred single puppy, enjoy (and control LOL) it's mad cap antics. Importantly too, allow your existing dog lots of time to get used to having a youngster around (as well as lots of time out and extra cuddles, walks etc from you) and they will hopefully be great friends.  Then if you want to add to your fur family number a couple of years down the road you should have two happy, well adjusted and well trained adults to which your next hopeful can aspire :-)

I don't know how long it is since you last had a puppy but if you're anything like me you've probably forgotten just how much work they are - I usually have mine at around 5 year intervals and I'm darned if it doesn't still shock our household to the core when it comes flooding back how much havoc even the sweetest puppy causes!

Whatever route you decide - good luck and enjoy (plus grab as much shut eye as possible over the next 3 weeks) :D :D :D

Best wishes, you've chosen a favourite breed of mine too!

Teri