Should You Get Two Puppies at Once? Double Trouble or Twice the Fun?

Two puppies, or one? It’s a big question, right? I know it’s something most of my clients talk about, debate and discuss with me.

I know what you’re saying, well, honestly, how much more work can a second dog or puppy be, if I’m already getting one?

The allure of bringing not just one, but two puppies into your home is undeniably strong – it’s something my husband got suckered into too (before me!). The image of twin bundles of joy, with their soft pink puppy pads and that irresistible puppy breath, playing and growing together, can capture the heart of any person looking at puppies!

However, I want to tell you that this romanticized idea often overshadows the reality and multitude of considerations that come with the decision. After all, who wouldn’t want double the cuddles, double the love, and those inseparable best friend moments between sibling dogs? 

The popularity of adopting two puppies from the same litter or young pups of similar ages from different litters at the same time has sparked lively discussions among new and seasoned pet owners alike, as well as amongst trainers.

It’s a topic brimming with anecdotal evidence and expert advice, each swaying the scales in opposite directions. While the thought of raising two puppies conjures images of doubled joy, it’s crucial to delve deeper into what this commitment truly entails. 

It’s not merely a question of whether it’s a good idea but understanding the full spectrum of what having two new family members at the same time means for both the human and canine members of the household.

So, let me guide you, as an award-winning dog trainer with personal experience raising littermate Coonhounds, I possess deep, practical insights into simultaneously training two puppies. My recognized expertise and success in fostering good manners and strong bonds make me uniquely qualified to offer valuable advice on managing and training sibling puppies efficiently.

Understanding the Commitment

Raising a single puppy is a significant time commitment that involves consistent training sessions, veterinary care, and socialization experiences to ensure a well-adjusted adult dog. A new puppy owner must dedicate much time to positive reinforcement training, ensuring the young pup develops good behaviours while navigating the world. The cost of food, vet care, and essentials like dog treats and training classes also must be factored into the equation.

When you decide to add a second puppy to the mix, this dedication and responsibility don’t just add up—they multiply.

Each puppy has its own puppy personality, individual identity, and specific learning pace – i.e. just because they’re siblings does not mean they will respond the same. And this is the biggest error I see. “Well Mabel learnt this way, Why isn’t Murphy?”, because we need to adapt and apply they across both puppies which is way harder than it sounds!

They may require separate crates and even separate rooms for effective training and to prevent potential behavioral problems, such as separation anxiety and sibling rivalry. Training two dogs bond with their human family while maintaining a healthy happy home is double the hard work that should not be underestimated.

With two puppies, new puppy owners face the reality of twice the training time, double the cost of food and vet care, and managing different levels of energy. This great idea, romanticized by the image of inseparable best friends, quickly reveals itself as a lot of work, calling for a massive time commitment—the best intentions need to be backed by readiness to manage such a demanding endeavor effectively.

The Pros of Raising Two Puppies Together

Raising two puppies together offers several compelling advantages that can enhance both the pets’ and owners’ lives:

• Companionship: Puppies provide each other with constant friendship, which is crucial for their emotional and social development. This built-in buddy system ensures they always have a companion for play and comfort.
• Mutual Socialization: Each puppy serves as a social learning tool for the other, teaching vital communication skills like understanding body language and bite inhibition during play. This interaction is key to raising sociable and well-adjusted dogs.
• Ease in Training: Some training aspects, such as crate training and housebreaking, might be smoother with two puppies. They often emulate each other’s behavior, which can lead to faster and more effective learning outcomes.
• Management of Biting: Puppies naturally learn to manage bite pressure during their playtime, which can be easier than human intervention alone. This presence of a sibling helps develop this critical skill organically.
• Cost Efficiency: Initially, costs for two puppies might seem higher, but shared expenses like toys, bulk food purchases, and certain training classes can lead to overall savings.
• Time Efficiency: While two puppies require attention, they also entertain each other. This companionship can free up owner time, reducing the need for constant engagement and providing more flexibility in daily routines.

By recognizing these benefits, potential pet owners can appreciate not only the increased responsibilities but also the enhanced joys and practical advantages of raising two puppies together. This decision leads to a richer environment where both companionship and learning thrive, amplifying the rewards of pet ownership.

The Problems With Raising Two Puppies Together

Raising two puppies at the same time may appear to provide twice the joy and fun, but it’s not without significant challenges that prospective owners must consider:

1. Littermate Syndrome: This is perhaps the most daunting challenge when raising two puppies, particularly from the same litter. Littermate syndrome can lead to behavioral issues as the puppies become overly dependent on each other, potentially leading to severe separation anxiety when apart. This dependency can hinder individual development and make it difficult for each puppy to bond properly with humans.
2. Divided Attention: Each puppy has its own unique personality and needs, requiring individualized attention and training. Balancing these needs can be challenging, as one puppy might monopolise the owner’s attention, leaving the other less interacted with and potentially lagging in social and behavioral development.
3. Increased Costs: While there might be some shared expenses, the reality is that costs are generally higher for two puppies. Double the food, double the veterinary bills, double the accessories such as crates and beds, and often, higher costs for boarding or daycare. Each puppy may also require individual training classes, further increasing expenses.
4. Complex Training Needs: Training two puppies simultaneously does not necessarily mean the training efforts overlap efficiently. Each puppy may learn at a different pace, require different training techniques, or even develop different responses to the same training methods. Managing two separate training schedules can become complex and time-consuming.
5. Behavioral Differences: Even the best plans for synchronicity can falter due to inherent behavioral differences between the puppies. What works in training one puppy might completely backfire with the other, complicating the training process and requiring more nuanced approaches that can split an owner’s focus and resources.
6. Potential for Competitive Behavior: As puppies grow, especially if they are of similar age and size, there can be an escalation in competitive behavior over resources such as food, toys, and even human affection. This can lead to aggressive interactions and establish a challenging dynamic to manage as they mature.
7. Time Management Issues: The time commitment for properly raising and training two puppies should not be underestimated. Each puppy deserves as much individual attention, training, and care as they would if raised separately, which can be incredibly time-consuming for any pet owner.

Prospective owners must carefully weigh these challenges against the potential benefits, recognizing that raising two puppies requires a substantial amount of effort, patience, and resources to ensure both pets grow into well-adjusted, happy adult dogs.

Tips for Managing Two Puppies

Successfully raising and training two puppies at the same time is a substantial commitment that can yield immense rewards with the right approach. Here are some essential tips to help you navigate the challenges and ensure both puppies grow up well-adjusted and thoroughly trained:

1. Separate Yet Together: Allocate individual time for each puppy for training, walks, and bonding. This helps to reduce over-dependence on each other, minimizing the risk of littermate syndrome, and fosters a stronger human-pet bond with each puppy. However, also ensure they have quality time together so they can enjoy their companionship.
2. Simultaneous but Distinct Training: Train the puppies simultaneously but in separate sessions. This ensures that they learn to listen and respond to you without the distraction or influence of their sibling. It can also help cater to their individual learning paces and styles.
3. Socialization: Make a concerted effort to socialize the puppies separately. This encourages them to become confident and well-adjusted individuals. Expose them to various environments, sounds, people, and other dogs to enhance their adaptability and reduce anxiety or fear in new situations.
4. Consistent Rules and Boundaries: Establish and maintain consistent rules, boundaries, and routines for both puppies. This consistency is crucial for their training and overall behavior, providing a sense of security and helping prevent confusion or rivalry.
5. Encourage Independence: To combat potential issues of over-dependence, encourage independence in each puppy by offering separate safe spaces like crates or beds. This promotes solo relaxation and comfort without the other’s presence, which is essential for their emotional growth.
6. Seek Professional Help: Consider hiring a professional dog trainer who has experience with multiple puppies. They can provide tailored guidance and strategies to address the unique challenges of raising two puppies together effectively.
7. Financial and Time Planning: Be realistic and prepared for the financial and time commitments. Double the pets means double the food, training, healthcare, and possibly even professional grooming costs. It also means dedicating enough time for each puppy’s training, exercise, and care needs.
8. Individual Veterinary Care: Ensure each puppy receives individualized healthcare to address their specific needs and monitor any health concerns that may arise.
9. Patience and Consistency: Above all, patience and consistency are key. Raising two puppies is demanding and can test your limits. However, maintaining a calm, consistent approach to training and care can lead to a rewarding outcome for both you and your puppies.

Following these tips can offer a roadmap to raising two happy, healthy, and well-behaved dogs. While the journey might be challenging, the bond and joy that two dogs can bring into a home are immeasurable.

Financial Preparedness

1. Can you afford the initial costs? Consider adoption fees, initial veterinary care, vaccinations, spaying/neutering, and basic supplies.
2. Are you prepared for ongoing expenses for two? This includes food, pet insurance, routine vet visits, grooming, and unexpected health issues.
3. Can you budget for separate training classes? Professional training can be crucial and might be needed individually.

Time and Energy Availability

4. Do you have the time to devote to training two puppies separately? They’ll need individual attention to ensure they bond with you and not just each other.
5. Can you manage separate socialization schedules? This is vital for their independent growth and confidence.
6. Are you ready for the increased energy levels of two puppies? Consider if you can meet their exercise needs without burning out.

Living Situation

7. Is your living environment suitable for two dogs? Space is a factor, as two dogs need enough room to play and have separate resting areas if need be.
8. Does your current lifestyle accommodate two dogs? Travel, work hours, and your social life can all impact your ability to care for two puppies.
9. Are there breed or size considerations based on your living situation? Some breeds may not be well-suited to smaller spaces or close living quarters with neighbors.

Long-Term Commitment

10. Are you prepared for the long-term commitment of caring for two dogs? Dogs can live for many years, and your responsibilities will evolve as they age.
11. How will your future plans affect your ability to care for two dogs? Consider moves, potential family changes, and other life events.

Emotional and Behavioral Management

12. Are you prepared to handle potential behavioral issues, including littermate syndrome? Research and understand the risks and signs.
13. Do you have a plan for if one puppy develops behavioral issues? Consider how you’ll address this without neglecting the other puppy.

Support System

14. Do you have a support system in place? Look into pet sitters, dog walkers, and family or friends who can help out.
15. Can you afford professional help if needed? This might include trainers, behaviorists, or pet care professionals to assist in their upbringing.

Health and Emergency Preparedness

16. Are you prepared for a health emergency? Having a plan and the financial means to address sudden health issues is vital.
17. Do you know how to choose a vet that’s right for two puppies? Consider a vet’s experience with multiple pets and their policies.

Is Two Really Better Than One?

Raising two puppies simultaneously is a considerable commitment that requires careful planning and thought. Before making this big decision, prospective pet owners should thoroughly assess their financial capacity, time availability, living situation, long-term commitment readiness, behavioral management strategies, and support systems. It’s essential to also think about space requirements, the breed and size of the puppies, and future life changes that could affect the ability to care for two dogs.

Each aspect of this decision, from financial implications to daily logistics, plays a crucial role in ensuring that you can provide a healthy, happy, and nurturing environment for two growing puppies. Remember, the goal is not just to double the joy and companionship but also to manage double the responsibility effectively.

If you’re considering this option but are still unsure or overwhelmed by the details, I’m here to help. Book a consultation with me to discuss your specific situation, explore your options, and decide confidently whether adopting two puppies is right for you. Together, we can ensure that you’re fully prepared for the joys and challenges of raising two puppies. Don’t hesitate to reach out for guidance on this rewarding journey.

Author, Ali Smith

Ali Smith is a professional, qualified, and multi-award winning trainer is the founder of rebarkable. She has always believed animals deserve kindness and champions force free methods. Believing that dog guardians will all choose the kindest options if proper information is provided, she aims to help all dog guardians who need it and make dog training as accessible as possible

Ali lives win Maryland, US with her husband and her three dogs.