Category: Top Dog

Before I start to explain the situation, I’m aware of Littermate Syndrome and read countless threads and videos surrounding it and it is something I do absolutely want to avoid. We’ve raised plenty of great pups in the past just never 2 simultaneously.

My brother (34M) and I (26M) are both living at home with our mother and are interested in both getting different breed puppies in the same home at the same time. (Breeds not exactly decided yet but both probably small to medium house dogs). I’m aware that many people advise against this due to littermate syndrome, but we personally feel we have an environment in which these puppies can be raised separately under the same roof. We currently have 5 adults living in the home (myself, brother, mother, sister and her boyfriend), who are all dog lovers and happy to commit plenty of time to both pups. (Also my girlfriend who doesn’t live here but is here most evenings) We have a large house that has 2 completely separate living areas in which we would crate train each dog separately, and also have plenty of space for separate playtime and training. My brother is WFH so can spend a lot of time bonding and working with his on its own while my mother is retired and has committed to taking care of my pup’s needs separately while I work 9-5, and I can take care of everything outside of that. My niece and nephew also stay with us part time in joint custody (9 and 12 years old) who both love dogs and would be happy to take a dog each for some playtime apart. We live on 2 acres in the countryside so plenty of outdoor space to train in and there’s tonnes of trails nearby for their walks. We’re also in a position where financially we can afford to pay for separate one on one training for each pup. I have plenty of friends who have dogs themselves who we can visit so each pup can socialise with many different dogs, not just each other. There would just be some crossover between the pups in the evening time if the whole family is in one living area but it would be 1 – 2 hours max and pretty much always supervised.

I know it’s just easier to get a single pup, but my brother and I both intend to move away in the next couple of years where we won’t have the same support system we have here in our family to help us raise them, and also may not be in a position financially to pay the lump that initially comes with getting everything we need for a pup. There’d also be the heartbreak of who takes the dog with them if there’s only one. I desperately want to avoid littermate syndrome and understand why for many homes it’s a terrible idea, I just wanted to know people’s thoughts on if this particular situation seems feasible. I’m open to discussion and if people still think it’s a bad idea I will definitely reconsider just the one.

My girl turned 6 months yesterday and she’s great. Potty trained, crate trained, chills at night, sleeps as long as we’ll let her, still has puppy energy but great. The only thing is she still mouths for attention, when she’s excited, etc. She doesn’t bite hard and it’s 100% playful, but is that normal? Obviously not ideal and I’m trying to break the habit, but will she more than likely grow out of that? Thanks!

Thing is there’s never any straightforward answer.

I ditched the crate for mine and let him sleep with me in my bed and then today, he got very worked up.

Play wouldn’t help, settling him down wouldn’t work, food?? Water?? Nope not the issue.

He used to bark in the crate but he was barking anyway at me so I put him in there and he settled immediately.

Now I’m not sure about the psychology of it, why he’d seek out a place that was so stressful before.

Sometimes he just needs that space.

(I’d like to specify this is a positive post and in no way am I complaining. This is to highlight that there isn’t any “fix all” solution for dogs. One thing may work then not and that’s okay.)

Hi All, my beautiful boy is a 2yld Black German Shepard that was trained from a pup to 6 months old to be a drug dog. Unfortunately (for them!) he was too playful to continue training. I love him to bits and he’s been a perfect companion to go on runs, play at the park, and general exercise but my (admittedly very small) issue is that he totally lacks any response to affection.

When I first adopted him he’d actively pull away from any pats, cuddles or tummy rubs, and looked rather sad if you asked him to sit for a pat. Now that he’s a bit older he tolerates a head or tummy scratch but clearly would much rather be running after a stick or playing in some way. He won’t come up to me, or anyone else, for a pat but will happily grab a toy and beg you to throw it at first opportunity.

I grew up with a super cuddly golden retriever who, if given the choice, would’ve spent his whole life in your arms! I understand Shepards can be very different but my assumption is that he got no affection/was disciplined for seeking affection as a pup and that’s why he doesn’t like a pat?

Interested to hear other’s opinions on the subject. Thanks 🙂

My dog is 3 and has started to periodically howl in her sleep. It’s not a normal howl and she does not howl ever when she’s awake. It’s super creepy & loud enough that it wakes me up. Does anyone else’s dog do this?

I’m so frustrated! My girl is 11 weeks now and I’ve tried everything you all have recommended, everything our trainer recommended, and this girl just goes insane in her crate. I’m at a loss. I feel like a failure with this. She has a playpen she can sleep in but what about when we have to eventually leave the house?! She can totally knock that thing down if she wanted to. I’m so stressed yall. I’m about to freaking break down.

I have a 4 month old labradoodle.

Looking at insurance, I searched Reddit for advice, got a good list of places to get quotes. Also checked reviews on Reddit, Forbes, Consumer Reports.

I got quotes for the same level of coverage: unlimited max payout; 90% reimbursement; $500 deductible.

1 important factor for us is 24/7 ask-a-vet options. Only 3 have this as far as I can see: Prudent Pet, Spot and Pets Best.

The head scratcher is the monthly fee:

Prudent Pet:$33.03/month

Spot: $86.03/month

Pets Best:$84.33/month

That is a huge difference between Prudent Pet and the other 2.

Anyone have a plausible explanation??

Many thanks.