Two‑puppy households flagged
Dog trainer Susan Garrett warns that adopting two puppies at once can stunt independence and confidence — she offers behavioral tips and an infographic for owners juggling pair dynamics. If you’re planning a second pup, her guidance is a practical primer on staged introductions and solo‑time training (x.com).
Susan Garrett published a long-form post titled “Two Puppies, One Big Challenge: The Truth About Littermate Syndrome” on March 27, 2026 and wrote that, “for most families, bringing home two puppies together is something I strongly advise against.” (susangarrettdogagility.com) Her post names specific problems she sees in pairs: intense separation distress, reduced confidence, leash reactivity and what she calls a “sibling bubble” that makes the dogs less responsive to human-led training. (susangarrettdogagility.com) Garrett tells owners to seek professional help if they observe aggression or ongoing distress, and she explicitly recommends consulting a certified Veterinary Behaviorist for cases that feel beyond routine training. (susangarrettdogagility.com) Garrett is the founder of DogsThat, has educated dog owners and trainers for more than 20 years, and hosts a long-running podcast with hundreds of episodes where she covers multi-dog management and staged introductions. (dogsthat.com) Her warning arrives amid mixed expert views: Penn State Extension notes that “the scientific literature on littermate syndrome is nonexistent,” while Texas A&M veterinary experts say littermate issues are “more common than not” when two puppies are raised together. (extension.psu.edu)
