getting siblings..

Quote:
This site is one of many resources we consulted in before making this choice.


I would be interested in the site(s) that suggested good things about puppy siblings. I am considering doing this too!
Respond to this topic here on forum.oes.org  
I don't know of any sites that discuss the pros/cons of getting siblings.

I will say that we got littermates over a year ago, to raise from puppies. It was not the best idea I've ever had. Things are going well enough now, although there are still typical sibling type rivalries going on, much different than any other dog interactions we've ever had. Reminds me of when my two youngest human children were 2 and 4: either best of friends or exact opposites. Except puppies get over it faster.

I was so in love with the idea of raising two puppies together so that they would be companions for life and we'd never have to go through that difficult stage of having one dog alone who was used to being with another dog. What I did not anticipate is that training --from potty to basic commands to more advanced obedience would be much more difficult. Older dogs actually help train younger ones by example; littermates distract one another and their primary focus seems to be on each other rather than on their human. It is not 2 times the work, but at least 10 times the work. Keep in mind that this is my view after raising 2 other OES puppies, from puppyhood, one puppy at a time (second puppy was raised with a 7 year old OES). My intentions were good and we certainly had the time and commitment and money to put into the project, but I would never, ever do this again. Two puppies playing together is adorable--better than any tv show or movie you could see. Two puppies can bring total havoc to your home as they fuel each other on in chewing, peeing, pooping, etc. In the end, for me the negatives outweighed the positives.

On the other hand, as a child, we had two beagles who were littermates. What was different is that they were outside dogs and just as much hunting dogs as pets. It's an entirely different kind of relationship between canine and human, so breed aside, I don't think it's comparable. It's also been over 30 years, so I don't know that I would remember any of the down side.
Also, not to be morbid, you'll also have 2 dogs that will likely pass away at around the same time. It's a sad truth.
Didn't find exactly what you're looking for? Search again here:
Custom Search
Counter

[Home] [Get A Sheepdog] [Community] [Memories]
[OES Links] [OES Photos] [Grooming] [Merchandise] [Search]

Identifying Ticks info Greenies Info Interceptor info Glucosamine Info
Rimadyl info Heartgard info ProHeart Info Frontline info
Revolution Info Dog Allergies info Heartworm info Dog Wormer info
Pet Insurance info Dog Supplements info Vitamins Info Bach's Rescue Remedy
Dog Bite info Dog Aggression info Boarding Kennel info Pet Sitting Info
Dog Smells Pet Smells Get Rid of Fleas Hip Displasia info
Diarrhea Info Diarrhea Rice Water AIHA Info
Sheepdog Grooming Grooming-Supplies Oster A5 info Slicker Brush info
Dog Listener Dog's Mind Dog Whisperer

Please contact our Webmaster with questions or comments.
  Please read our PRIVACY statement and Terms of Use

 

Copyright 2000 - 2012 by OES.org. All rights reserved.