What happens when you get 2 puppies at the same time?

The dialogue below is an exchange I recently had with a very good friend of mine. They lost their dog of many years not too long ago. They are looking for a replacement and, like many families, felt that 2 puppies would keep each other company during the day while they are at work.

The name has been changed to protect the Christmas secret.  ;-)

Hi Kathy.  I'm so excited for you to get a new pup into your household.

Unfortunately, as a trainer I have seen nearly every 2 puppy household have serious issues when getting 2 at the same time. I'm surprised that the breeder would even let you do it. If they are a 'reputable' breeder they would absolutely not let that happen. Only the money hungry ones will do that.

Purchasing 2 pups has good intentions, but they go bad very quickly. The pups will bond to each other rather than to the family - remember, they are pack animals. Obedience will be very tough since they will be together all the time and you will have no control over either when you try to take them away from each other. This becomes very frustrating and at some point people just give up and don't do anything with them, or get rid of one of them.

I have a client who did just that. They got 2 German Shepherd pups nearly 2 years ago. They lived in an apartment which wasn't the most ideal situation. At some point they sent them to a family member that had a couple of fenced acres for them to run on. The owners finally bought a home, a small home, with a small back yard. The dogs were not welcome in the home because they were too rambunctious. Oh and now they have a 4 month old baby that was 2 months premature - so she's very tiny.

Long story short when I did the demo they relinquished the female to me and I was able to find a loving home for her. Both dogs had a huge change in behavior when they separated - for the good. The male, which they kept, is now welcomed inside and sleeps inside every night. Both used to sleep outside and bark and play all night long which let to complaints from the neighbors.

It's very hard to give the attention that they deserve when you have 2. I know you have good intentions, but stick with one for the sake of sanity and having a good, well bonded family dog. :-)

Kathy's reply to me:
S*&@!

We thought it would be a good idea so that the puppies could have a friend while we were at work. And worse yet, we have put down a few 100 dollars to hold the dogs (and this money non-refundable). shit. I am sick to my stomach. I am going to contact the breeder. thanks for your words of advise.

My reply:
Don't let the money thing get in the way. See if they will apply it to the pup you plan to purchase. If they are a 'good' breeder they will respect your decision. And if they are a reputable breeder they shouldn't have any trouble selling the other one.

Kathy's reply:
I agree with you 100%. If we have to forfeit the money for one pup..that's what we will have to do. I am not willing to destroy a dogs life or my family's life with a dog. Dogs are amazing and become a true part of your family. and that is what I miss the most. thank you for your help. I so appreciate you.

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Puppy Training - Teaching "OFF"

After many years of not having a puppy in our household we decided it was time to take the plunge once again.

Prada is a very cute, smart German Shepherd whose Daddy, Phoenix, lives with us as well. Prada is now 4 months old and is an absolute pleasure to be around. She has been the easiest puppy to live with and I'd like to share a little of our experience as she continues on her journey.

Puppies, as we all know, can be wild and out of control, but with a little structure, consistency and patience they can learn quickly and be a well mannered part of your family from the get go.

It seems that we are always telling the puppy what we 'don't' want them to do, stop biting, stop jumping, don't do this, don't do that. It's important to redirect all those 'don'ts' into something that we 'do' want them to do that is going to be constructive and a learning opportunity for them.

Let's start with correcting the biting and jumping behaviors since I use the same command for both of them. I like to use the 'OFF' command for telling the puppy that they can't put their mouth and/or their feet on something. If the puppy is biting your hands or something else they shouldn't be give a stern 'OFF' command. If they continue repeat the command. When they take their mouth off the object be sure to have a treat available to reward the behavior and use a key word such as 'GOOD' when giving the treat to let them know that is the correct thing to do.

I utilize the same technique if the puppy is jumping up on something/someone they shouldn't be. If they are jumping up on you simply back away and let the pup fall to the ground while giving the "OFF" command. When they are on the ground give them a treat with the "GOOD" word. They will soon start to associate that the word "GOOD" means a treat will be coming. As time goes on you will begin to wean out the treats and continue to use the word "GOOD" as the reward.