Surviving Week One

[Shelli Welter]

Week One

So 2 puppies are definitely A LOT more work than 1 puppy, but so far we are still very happy we decided to get 2.

PROS:

• They play with each other
• Each have their own personality
• Less fighting between the kids for puppy time
• Hubby and I can each have a puppy
• Cheyenne is becoming "alpha", sort of.  They have learned to give her space

CONS:

• Our trainer became suddenly less available
• Negative trainers
• Sometimes when they play it gets rough
• More expensive

The first night went so well I was surprised.  We kenneled Daytona and Denver together, they cried for under 15 minutes and slept until 6 am.  I took a few days off work so I could be at home with them and start increasing kennel time during the day.  They played for a few hours and then they zonked out and spent an hour or so in the kennel.

The Vet

We made the fun trip to the vet (after calling to let them know there are now 2 puppies) to make sure everything was ok.  Of course everything was good and they got a canine flu shot and heart worm meds.  The car ride went pretty well being it was just me, they slept in the foot area in front of the passenger seat.

The vet's first question was have you ever had litter mates before (no, but yes to 2 puppies at once).  She told me that we should seriously consider separating them as much as possible for feedings, walks, training, play time and especially kennel time.  She said all of this is so each dog will develop their own personality and learn commands.  She said that we will hear many negative things about litter mates, but that she herself has litter mates and it can be done, if done right.

Trainers and Breeders

On Day 2, the trainer didn't show up.  I had scheduled puppy kindergarten at least a week or 2 before because we will also need to board our dogs in July and I wanted to have the trainer meet the dog.  My other thought had been to send the pup to a board and train program so that training continues with all our July travel (about 2 weeks away, but over multiple weekends/a few weekdays), so a 4 week board and train program was planned with this trainer.  I had left him a message on Sunday that we ended up with 2 dogs and never heard back.  When I called on day 2, he had forgotten to add the appointment to his calendar and said he didn't receive my message.

I told him the story and he asked if he could offer some advice, I said sure.  He told me to immediately give a dog back.  He then went on to tell me that we have a bad breeder because she let us buy 2.  He also then told me he would be unable to take 2 dogs to board and train in July (very possible since I added a dog).

We have used this breeder before and recommended her to friends (one of whom is getting a puppy from her next month).  We believe she is a great breeder (he even said when he breeds the biggest complement is a returning client or a recommendation, both of which we have done with our breeder, Wildwood Goldendoodles).

Frankly I was completely unhappy with his attitude towards litter mates and said I would chat with the hubby and get back to him.  I was also not happy he missed our appointment and then said July was no longer available (which didn't sit well with me).  On the bright side all 3 dogs sit in my lap!

Board and Train Part 1

So I began a search for a new board and train program for July.  This became a wake up call as to what we are actually going up against.  Here's the issues I ran into

• Bad attitudes towards litter mates
• I learned there is something called "litter mate syndrome" and research began
• Many trainers want to board and train only 1 dog at a time
• We are 7 weeks away from July and some don't have availablility
• Many are training right from their homes
• Many will not accept a dog under 7 or even 5 months of age
• They are expensive!

The search continues into week 2...

Training has begun

Starting day 1 I had bells attached to doors and planned to bell train, which is a first for us.  When we brought home 2 pups, I realized that there was no way I could follow them around the house all day.  So I sectioned off the living room and kitchen where we spend most of our time with couches for the first few days and ordered baby gates.  Amazon was becoming my friend VERY quickly!  See a full list at the bottom of this post.

We are working on potty training by ringing the bell each time they go out, they seem to go outside, but also inside just as often.  We are very happy a few years ago we bought a Big Green Machine carpet cleaner...

We are having to separate them when they get to rough when playing.  This can be quite the challenge when you are letting both out at the same time in the same area.  Sometimes playtime goes well!

Everyone is putting their fingers around their mouths when they nip (how did I forget puppies did this?  Hubby says "puppy amnesia"), or a quick tap under their chins.  With Dakota we had tapped her nose and that resulted in her bowing her head when you went to pet her and we want to avoid this.

So far they tire out pretty quickly, which is giving us breaks!

Daytona sleeping on the hearth:

Denver with a snuggle puppy:

Stuff I Bought (so far...)

2 25' cable ties

2 ground anchors

2 baby gates (couches needed to be moved back AND they can get under them)

Bells (24 pack of bridal bells worked tied to old ribbon)

Training treats

Toys, lots of toys!

2 Collars

A second kennel

2 packs of 2-packs washable puppy pads, might get a third since I use these in the kennel)

Puppy chow

Pics of the mats and Snuggle Puppy

[Jon Rascon]

Definitely boo to the naysayers. Especially doodles, who have such a fun personality. 

We had litter mates because we couldn't pick one. They were best friends, but it never interfered with their love for the family. 

[Leslie J]

I have human twins... the energy of two is unbelievable- human or puppy- exhausting but so fun to watch! I’m glad I took so many pictures because I was often so busy with the mechanics of caring for them to enjoy the moment. It gets easier, though and is so worth it!

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Good luck to you! I say boo to all the naysayers, too. 

[Maryann,Roo and Tigger]

You go Shelli!!  I am sure you will end up with two wonderful dogs with individual personalities. Boo to all the nay sayers ( and Nancy's trainer too - I could have talked to you for two hours for no charge!) I also think Nancy's idea to board them separately is a great idea.  It is a good time with less stress for you for them to learn to be them.  I know this is hard for you because I have to leave my six month old as well as my 10 year old for a little over two weeks in June.  It IS expensive!!  I am also paying for training everyday for the puppy.  I am so overly anxious about leaving her. But I do have great faith in the trainer and boarding facility.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Litter mates can become great pets, but it really is a lot more work to help them develop separate personalities and love you humans more than their sibling. Since you have learned this, I'm sure you will do everything 'right' and end up with a pair of wonderful dogs - one for each of you to train and bond and love on. Congratulations! What if you board and train at two separate facilities? Finding a good trainer seems to be very difficult, much less a board and train one. We searched for a trainer to help us with our adult rescue's 'issues' and thought we'd found the perfect guy. He took our money and proceeded to sit and talk for two of our sessions and when I complained to him, he said we should part ways - we are waiting for our refund.