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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.

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 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.

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.

Hi, I have an 11 month old female standard poodle puppy. I am a first time dog owner.

My dog is very sweet and attentive, but absolutely loses her mind when seeing other dogs. Whether it be walking, sitting, she is lunging and barking to interact with them (she wants to play, no aggression).

When on walks, we have tried walking in the opposite direction, standing at a far away distance and rewarding when she ignores them, but she continuously will pull in the opposite direction (she will literally stand on her hind legs and bark as I’m pulling her). When sitting, she will bark even after the dog is out of sight for several minutes.

The real issue probably lies with me. I have extreme anxiety, and feel intense embarrassment and humiliation in public when she is losing her mind. I have had people move away from us due to her barking, which worsens my anxiety, and after a few tears I end up leaving with her still pulling and acting up.

I’m not sure what to do to overcome this, or how to even respond or correct her when she’s barking non stop. She won’t pay attention to me if there is another dog, and is disinterested in treats as well if another dog is present. We have been to parks, outside my student union, and outside at cafes. I don’t know where else to go, or how else to grab her attention, since she doesn’t seem to be learning that quiet is a good thing.

How do I correct her? What can I do to stop feeling so embarrassed at her barking? Where else do I go? This is the biggest hurdle I have had since getting her, and I want to be able to go to public places without her acting up. Does she just need more exposure? Will she stop eventually? I have been taking anxiety medication when I go out with her, but it’s difficult as I have to drive to many places and cannot drive on my meds. Please help!

I have a 8th month old German Shepard puppy who’s gotten into the habit this month of jumping to bite at hands if we’re carrying anything. She seems to be progressing backwards

She thinks whatever we’re holding is a toy for her to play with but I’m not sure how to stop this behavior. I say no and leave the room when she does it but I’ve had no luck so far.

Would really appreciate tips on what to try // do better 🙏

We took our 1 year old lab on a woods walk today. We avoid the woods as much as possible because the ticks are just horrible but my son was at soccer and I walked the quarter mile loop behind the school.

We came out and not even 1 minute later I saw multiple ticks crawling on her. Eventually- I discovered 9 on her and 2 on me.

Now she has one embedded in a very tricky spot.

These were all SUPER tiny. Did we happen to walk through a nest?

I’m finding myself so hesitant to do more enjoyable walks with her or go to any of the conservation areas that people love to walk because of this issue.

I don’t know how to feel happy or comfortable going to these places knowing we are getting covered

Hi everybody,

I know this have been shared again and again but I feel like everyone gets better and I won’t.

I lost my 12 years old dog a little more than a month ago and adopted my 11 months old mini goldendoodle right after. Was it a good or a bad idea, I don’t know.

He is a rescue and was abandoned because of his separation anxiety.

I immediately began the training with a personal trainer.

He learned to walk calmly, to stay, and we are currently trying to teach him how to sit and lay down (sorry if my English is not perfect, that’s not my first language). The trainer says he is intelligent but stubborn.

We managed to make him learn how to not sleep with us in only two nights. We intend on letting him sleep with us for a few nights a week but only in a few months, when he has learned how to stay alone. We also managed to leave him alone for half a day and he didn’t break anything nor barked for a long time.

BUT. He began to pee and poo inside… so our trained recommended us to get a pen. And he absolutely hates it. However, it helps with the potty and he now does outside. But it’s only been two days and we can’t even go in another room without him crying.

Today, I am the one who cried. It’s only been a month and it feels like 6 months of hell.

On a daily basis, I train him + potty outings 30 minutes 3 times a day, I play with him twice a day, I try to enforce naps.

I need hope. Is there hope?

TLDR: got a 11 months old rescue anxious mini golden doodle and he is draining me.