Now that we have 2 GD's...

[Wendy]

I want to make sure I bond with both of them. I dont want them to only bond with eachother.

What's the best way? to separate them and do things with only 1 at a time? Or can I bond with both when we are all together?

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

That is going to be your biggest challenge with having purchased littermates, and the main reason that many experts do not recommend it. Littermates tend to bond more strongly to one another than they do to any person.
There are some DK members who have been very sucessful with owning littermates, however. Lucy and Sophie come to mind, and I'm sure there are others. Hopefully, they will have some tips for you. Good luck!

[HANNAH 8/2/07 & HONEY 7/2/08]

If you are interested in obedience training you can take one..one day and one the next, this will give you a start with bonding with them, also work with them and practice at different times with each one individually, and then together. Also give them some time in their crates while you are in another room or outside with one, take one for a walk and let someone else in the family play with the other one and then switch. This will give you lots of bonding times with them both.

[Adina P]

separate them and do things with only 1 at a time?

YES!!! If you spend time with each individually you will bond with them enough so that in a year or two you don't have to do as much 1:1 time.

Training is a HUGELY bonding activity -- I credit the time I spent with Rosco in training as the reason he is so bonded to me and I to him. No other reason!

But your pups will NOT have the same personality and abilities...so each will need individual attention. Of course once they each have had quite a bit of training you can USE your commands while they are together for each or both...but until then...they need 1:1 time. Spend time walking one at a time. Spend time grooming one while the other is crated. You will find it is VERY helpful and will keep you in charge as leader and master and best friend to each!

You can still do things with both...but don't neglect 1:1 time with each daily.

[Gerri Wetherhold]

These are some very good ideas. I too have two females who were littermates. They are very much attached to me, but do look for each other. I am going to start taking them for separate walks in the evening. Perhaps that would be a good start. Keep the good ideas coming as I will need them.