What Is Littermate Syndrome? Pet Adoption Guide

Adopting a new pet generates excitement, fun and even more love in your home. Nothing beats puppy kisses and kitten purrs. And if one furry wonder can create all that happiness, why not double your joy by adopting multiple pets? After all, puppies and kittens don't come with an "off" switch, and having an extra furry playmate can help absorb some of that energy.

While this may be true, it's important to understand littermate syndrome before adopting a pair of pets. Here's what you should know about this syndrome, the behaviors it entails and how to support the smoothest, most successful adoption process possible.

Behavior professionals don't recognize littermate codependency in cats. In fact, many cat specialists recommend pet parents adopt pairs of similar-age kittens together. Even when cats develop behavioral issues that look similar to littermate syndrome in dogs, they're largely attributed to inappropriate or untimely socialization.

Undersocialized kittens may also share behavior challenges. They may cling to their littermate like a security blanket. They may also feel more confident when able to "copy cat" a confident cat friend. Some of the most common challenges include:

• Fear around new people, pets and experiences

• Timidity and hiding

• Difficulty separating the pair

• Aggression when unable to hide or escape a perceived scary experience

• Aggressive play, such as biting or clawing one another

So, what if you've already adopted a pair of littermate pups? Having well-socialized adult dogs in your household can help lead by example and show the new puppy pair the rules.

Ultimately, the goal is to establish independence in each dog so they don't rely on each other so much — and bond more strongly with you instead. That increases your chances of successful puppy raising. While you may get lucky and have few problems, you can take steps to build each pup's confidence and boost socialization and emotional health.

Crate and Basic Training

Crate training puppies or fosters for independence is key. Get your dogs used to sleeping apart in crates in different rooms (or far apart in the same room). Train the puppies separately in general, too. Scheduling one-on-one sessions helps them focus on you and the work at hand.

Feeding

Try serving your dogs' meals in their individual crates. This will help them associate their crate with positive experiences and prevent squabbles or resource guarding over food.

Playtime

Sibling pups play intensely with each other, and they typically won't have much interest in interacting with you when they're together. So, schedule time for one-on-one games. Make yourself the most fun, engaging playmate in each pup's life. Sure, let them play together, but give them plenty of opportunities to explore their world and play dynamics separately too.

Walks

Work on all the basics individually — including leashed walks. In a codependency syndrome dynamic, the less confident pup may only feel comfortable around the more assertive pup. So, walk them separately to help both dogs excel at basic obedience.

Socialization

Prioritize socializing your pups individually, as well. Invest in a puppy training class, but enroll your pups in different sessions. This will give them the chance to thrive and socialize with new dogs and people.