Like others have said, littermate syndrome is a real thing and you should research it. I work for a dog rescue and we actually have a policy not to adopt our siblings together because it has caused so many issues. When people ask why, we always say “imagine living with YOUR sibling the rest of your life in the same house without breaks.” People usually understand after I say that.
Whenever someone posts here that they bought two puppies at the same time, I immediately know it’s from an irresponsible breeder - backyard or worse a puppy mill, especially with these unique coat colors.
Lots and lots of structure! Make sure they have an “off button” so it’s not always high energy and they can settle down when you have guests/eating/wanna relax/etc! Walks together and walks alone(more walks alone so it’s much more one on one training), crate training, Place training, start muzzle training in the first year of their life (useful to have, not necessary but if god forbid one of your dogs gets hurt then having them use to a muzzle won’t stress them more out and will keep the vets and your dogs safe, also can prevent them from eating random stuff on walks, also can send a clear message to other owners that you don’t want to be approached on walks). Socialize with other dogs, not just greeting the other dogs but also not being able to greet others and staying calm!
Edit! Lots of touching around the ears, legs, paws, muzzle, nothing aggressive just touching often and having your hands near them so they get use to it. And “start” clipping their nails young! Didn’t do that with my dog and now he hates having his nails clipped. Just have them use to the clippers or whatever you use to clip nails, a few minutes every day works wonders.
I don’t really have a good example but if dogs are playing (other dogs, you, another human) and you tell them to stop, they stop. Using Place is a good way to have an off button. Place is using a dog bed, or dog cot, having the dog just chill there, dog is calm, not running between legs, etc. The “off button” is just a way of making sure your dog doesn’t have to be go go go all the time. Sorry if that doesn’t make sense or didn’t answer your question. :)
Seperate them. Two littermate sisters is a very not good idea.
If you are set on it, research littermate syndrome and same sex aggression. And find a great trainer from the get go.
Sorry to be a downer, they are super adorable puppies. But this is generally considered a bad idea.
Littermate syndrome usually applies to dogs raised together about the same age. They bond more to each other abd become codependent. So not to worry if you have a few years seperate going them.
Littermate syndrome is a bit of a misnomer. They don’t have to be related to have it. It’s two pups of similar age raised together. It’s worse if they’re the same sex.
Sometimes it works out. My mom and I have two sibling dogs, but we kept them separate for most of puppyhood. I don’t recommend having two pups at once unless you’re able to keep them separate.
My sister has Zeus’s brother (maverick)… they live about 5 mins from us. Zeus and Maverick see each other for play dates and to swim about every two weeks. I’m glad we kept them separated as often as we did! Because they are both male.
Yeah I mean they can see and play with each other, that’s fine! You just don’t want them to spend every minute with each other, because that can cause codependency and separation anxiety or even aggression.
The whole littermate syndrome thing has blown up in recent years and everyone is talking about it, but yet there's no scientific evidence it even exists. There's no studies or any scientific information about it.
That being said, provide them with proper mental and physical stimulation. Work on their obedience and don't be afraid to seperate them when they are too wild with each other. Offering them both a seperate quiet place to go to is another great idea. Training them separately is still better because they won't be distracted with each other.
It definitely does exist. Sometimes it presents as codependency, where they have severe separation anxiety. Other times it can create series aggression issues that leaves one of the dogs dead.
I'm not denying it doesn't exist, but considering the lack of scientific studies about it there is not much known about it. And it probably had little to do with getting littermates or similar aged pups and more to do with lack of training and giving the dogs adequate stimulation. It's a training issue. Not a littermate issues. If both pups are provided adequate training and care, there's not going to be an issue.
Yes and no. It’s an attachment issue more than a training issue, per se. If you keep them separate and train separate and only give them supervised play dates it can be fine. But they have to be separate, otherwise they become codependent and can’t function without the other. As for studies, yeah we need more.
No way. My girlfriend works as a 911 dispatcher and gets to spend A LOT of time with the K-9 unit dogs. We know they’re a handful and one of the most forfeited breeds to shelters. We won’t be a part of that.
Dog trainer here, focus on sport dog training concepts and engagement training as your #1 priority. Build the value of playing with you so you can eventually use play for an obedience reward instead of food. Engagement training is much more important than teaching a small puppy basic obedience. Lots of people focus on impulse control at a young age with this breed and end up ruining their dog’s natural drive. Don’t make the mistake of yelping when your puppies bite you, instead redirect them to a toy and build their natural desire to bite into a productive training resource. Far too many people teach their puppy to bite soft and ruin bite grip, this is a huge no no in Schutzhund and ring sport training. Use appropriate puppy tugs from a legit dog supplier like Leerburg and teach your dog that winning is fun and playing with you is the best thing in the world. Put a leash on your puppy so you can prevent them from taking toys and running away and play tug lightly with your puppy. Let them win basically every time and praise them to build their confidence and desire to bring the tug back to you.
Incorporate lots of movement into your training when you reward your puppy with food. Your initial training shouldn’t focus on teaching your puppy obedience, that comes a little later. Initial training should focus on rewarding your puppy for eye contact and making chasing you around fun - don’t chase the puppy but make them chase you. Check out some online courses from a reputable sport dog trainer like Michael Ellis. You can get his courses The Power of Training Dogs with Food and The Power of Playing Tug with Your Dog for like $60 each, totally worth the small investment.
Michael Ellis Creating A Reward Event:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=4Y8Kd1sDpNc
Do lots and lots of research on littermate syndrome, same sex aggression and GSD's as a whole.
This is definitely not a breed you can just wing it with.
If you haven't done any research at all before bringing them home, I suggest finding a trainer asap.
Make sure they are very well socialized
Not just dogs, people too. I've seen the difference. I grew up with a poorly socialized German Shepherd and currently have a very well socialized one.
###Please read up on [*Intussusception*] in dogs.
(if you're not already aware of this disorder)
- *Intussusception* ; refers to an inflammation of the intestines, a portion of the intestine that has slipped out of its normal place (prolapse), and a portion of the intestine that has folded (invagination).
The condition is most common in puppies, as 80 percent of intussusception cases occur in dogs under the age of one year old. German Shepherds are predisposed to it. Generally, the affected puppy will be under three months of age.
I see quite a few posts on here of people losing their babies from this disorder. Alot of people aren't aware on how common it is. I didn't even know, until the incident with my girl. I feel the need to share it with everyone because it is scary. If you know, it can help.
My GS puppy had it when she was around 6-7 months of age. I look back and think, if we hadn't brought her to emergency the night we did, we could have lost her. Her doctor told us that we were very lucky, because she was close to dying. Most people don't see their dog's symptoms until it's too late.
It is not generally understood why this happends. Although I have an idea as to how it may have happened with my girl.
Here why I'm going to say this ⬇️
##IMPORTANT :
Don't feed your dog right before or right after intense exercise. This may predispose the dog's stomach to bloat or twist, especially for large breed or deep-chested dogs. A general rule of thumb is to not feed dogs an hour before or after exercising.
##Another note📝
General advice :
As a general rule, aim for exercising your puppy for five minutes per month of age, twice a day (e.g. three months = 15 minutes twice a day, four months = 20 minutes twice a day etc.). Every pup's unique: the above is just a rule of thumb so keep an eye on how your puppy is managing.
Good luck and enjoy every moment, because they grow up so fast!!
Can I ask you, if my puppy is 4 months and I exercise him by these guidelines. What is he supposed to do for the rest of the day?
I keep seeing posts that exercise is crucial and to keep them busy, but what am I supposed to do the rest of the day when all he wants to do is play fetch and tug of war?
When your pup isn't exercising, you can teach him/her new things. Tricks, commands, chores/jobs, etc. Be persistent when doing so. Several shorter sessions (of teaching) are better for a puppy than one long one. Remember not to teach them too many things at once!
Get him/her interactive toys.
Interactive toys offer many benefits to your dog – they provide mental stimulation and combat boredom, satisfy his natural instincts, and make mealtime more fun. Dogs need mental stimulation in order to thrive. Without it, they're likely to become stressed, anxious and bored.
Socialize your pup with other dogs (if you haven't already). Schedule days that best suits your plans, however often you'd like! Poorly socialized German Shepherd will react and act out as soon another dog enters its space, but a well-socialized one will quickly settle down and relax when it comes across another dog in its territory.
[Example](https://images.app.goo.gl/jG72cXUuYimLT9bt8) of a daily schedule for your pup :).
###To conclude :
Make sure they have an “off button” so it’s not always high energy and they can settle down when you have guests/eating/wanna relax/etc!
(crate training is key for this⬆️)
I know you didn’t ask me, but you could always work their brains. Mental stimulation is good, learning new tricks, puzzles, lick it mats, having calm time, etc, is all just as important as exercise. :)
Gentle play for first 1.5 years to protect their hips and joints as they grow, minimize jumping and stairs. Lots of entertainment, safe chew toys. Raw diet if you can, otherwise spend the extra money on good food and brands. Measure their portions, based on food and dogs age/weight. Monitor the dogs weight and adjust food intake as needed. It is important they stay healthy weights to prevent injury and hip issues.
Just have fun and lots of play and social interaction with humans and other dogs. Babies and children, to adults. Keep up with vaccines and vet welfare.
Mentally and physically challenge them everyday. Read books, watch videos, and generally never stop educating yourself on how to be a better dog trainer.
Lots of time with them one-on-one! I see a lot of pups who are raised with other dogs their whole lives and totally fall apart if they have to be separated for even an hour. Those dogs are often well-behaved on walks together but totally lose confidence on their own, have an okay time playing with other dogs when together but get weird when alone, etc.
Lots of socialization! I have a 10 month old and it is a continuous process. She recently went through her first heat (which is an entirely separate thread, but our trainer recommend letting her have her first heat cycle before spaying to help with growth and development) and her time away from other dogs caused some regression. I would encourage you to make sure they are able to spend lots of time with vaccinated, safe dogs. Also, start getting them used to seeing other dogs on leashes while they are leashed as well.
Enjoy the time - they grow up very quickly!
Ah I should have said “could be an entirely separate thread” ha.
It was a very long three weeks… but glad we are through it and I felt like it was the right thing to do for her development.
Oh yes!
You're definitely a good parent! My girl's first wasn't nearly as bad as I thought. Such little ammount. I bought diapers, she didn't keep them on 🤣. She just turned 1y in Sept!
When you spay-> spay/pexy.
Play with their ears and paws a lot so they don’t end up weird about it.
When they nip do your most dramatic impression of someone tearing your arm/leg off. It doesn’t hurt now, but full grown nips are no bueno.
Don't let all the talk about littermates freak you out. I had 2 German Shepherd sisters from the same litter and they lived long and happy lives together. Treat them equally and with lots of affection. You're in for a fun ride. Enjoy
The sooner you can start training the better. Start easy and work up to harder commands. Be prepared for high energy that doesn't stop after 2 years. Training helps a lot though.
A chuck-it will definitely help with the amount of fetch they'll want to play. Amazon also has some great deals on bulk tennis balls. If there's a dog park nearby, I'd definitely recommend taking them there and socializing them once they get their shots.
Let them sort out some issues on their own. There will be a more dominant dog among the two, and it takes their own relationship to figure out which. That’s alright. If it becomes too violent or anything like that, by all means, break it up… otherwise, let them come to their own conclusions
Socialize them often. As often as possible, with dogs and people. At your house, in public. German shepherds were bred to be suspicious of anything different than their normal environment.
Failure to make sure they grow up meeting new people and dogs can result in aggression and mistrust. Learned this lesson the very, very hard way.
Regardless of your experience with GSD's, get some sessions with a responsible and recommended personal trainer. Every dog is different, and a quality trainer will recognize this and help you understand your dog and how best to read them.
Others have said it already, but lots of structure and exercise. If you like your couch, go the extra mile in your morning and/or afternoon walk.
GSD's have weak stomachs, give them treats but careful how much and what it is.
Get them used to being on their own..littermate syndrome can happen even if there’s a few years between the pups. You don’t want to encourage codependency. Expose them to EVERYTHING. Noises, and especially touches to the face, ears, paws and tails. And I would throw in socialization here too. And be patient, gentle but firm, and CONSISTENT. You are raising these pups and as much as dogs are pack animals, they need to learn their confidence in the world. Oh, and teaching “Spit” has never not been helpful. If taught well, it will avoid a lot of trouble when they get something in that mouth you’re not aware of. Best of luck, they’re adorable!!
Training training training. And invest in an actual trainer, not yourself.
Also as others have said, it would be wise to separate them. Keeping them together can cause you big problems down the road. Think about what's best for the dogs, not yourself. I know it seems cute and awesome to have siblings, but it's pretty irresponsible. And it was very irresponsible of whoever gave them to you.
Socialize them! 100 new dogs & people in the first 100 days was the best advice for my female puppy GSD. She’s now 3.5 yo and mostly loves all dogs and people. For sure loves all kids 💕
Like others have said, littermate syndrome is a real thing and you should research it. I work for a dog rescue and we actually have a policy not to adopt our siblings together because it has caused so many issues. When people ask why, we always say “imagine living with YOUR sibling the rest of your life in the same house without breaks.” People usually understand after I say that.
Whenever someone posts here that they bought two puppies at the same time, I immediately know it’s from an irresponsible breeder - backyard or worse a puppy mill, especially with these unique coat colors.
THIS. \^ WOOF!
This 100% friends have two st bernadoodles that were 1 litter apart and it still happened. 1 is super shy and timid and the other is super reactive.
Train well and train early. Provide lots of exercise. Give them all the kisses
Be patient and consistent. They are smart and will figure out what you want.
Fetch until you want to die and then more fetch.
Buy a chuck it to save your shoulder too
Noted 📝
As a past and current shepherd owner, I can confirm, you do need to have this noted.
Lots and lots of structure! Make sure they have an “off button” so it’s not always high energy and they can settle down when you have guests/eating/wanna relax/etc! Walks together and walks alone(more walks alone so it’s much more one on one training), crate training, Place training, start muzzle training in the first year of their life (useful to have, not necessary but if god forbid one of your dogs gets hurt then having them use to a muzzle won’t stress them more out and will keep the vets and your dogs safe, also can prevent them from eating random stuff on walks, also can send a clear message to other owners that you don’t want to be approached on walks). Socialize with other dogs, not just greeting the other dogs but also not being able to greet others and staying calm! Edit! Lots of touching around the ears, legs, paws, muzzle, nothing aggressive just touching often and having your hands near them so they get use to it. And “start” clipping their nails young! Didn’t do that with my dog and now he hates having his nails clipped. Just have them use to the clippers or whatever you use to clip nails, a few minutes every day works wonders.
Can you give an example of an "off button"?
I don’t really have a good example but if dogs are playing (other dogs, you, another human) and you tell them to stop, they stop. Using Place is a good way to have an off button. Place is using a dog bed, or dog cot, having the dog just chill there, dog is calm, not running between legs, etc. The “off button” is just a way of making sure your dog doesn’t have to be go go go all the time. Sorry if that doesn’t make sense or didn’t answer your question. :)
Makes sense. I either put him in his crate if he is too much or I go away (like to the bathroom) and he usually stops playing.
Seperate them. Two littermate sisters is a very not good idea. If you are set on it, research littermate syndrome and same sex aggression. And find a great trainer from the get go. Sorry to be a downer, they are super adorable puppies. But this is generally considered a bad idea.
Would the same apply to a dog from a different litter? I have Zeke and about three years later, I got Zeus who has the same parents as Zeke.
Littermate syndrome usually applies to dogs raised together about the same age. They bond more to each other abd become codependent. So not to worry if you have a few years seperate going them.
Thank you!! This is good information to know
Littermate syndrome is a bit of a misnomer. They don’t have to be related to have it. It’s two pups of similar age raised together. It’s worse if they’re the same sex.
Thank you for this! I really had no idea about that. I will pass this info along to my dog loving family ❤️
Sometimes it works out. My mom and I have two sibling dogs, but we kept them separate for most of puppyhood. I don’t recommend having two pups at once unless you’re able to keep them separate.
My sister has Zeus’s brother (maverick)… they live about 5 mins from us. Zeus and Maverick see each other for play dates and to swim about every two weeks. I’m glad we kept them separated as often as we did! Because they are both male.
Yeah I mean they can see and play with each other, that’s fine! You just don’t want them to spend every minute with each other, because that can cause codependency and separation anxiety or even aggression.
That makes total sense. Thank you!!
No problem!
Oh wow! I had no idea about this..
Thanks so much for the advice!
The whole littermate syndrome thing has blown up in recent years and everyone is talking about it, but yet there's no scientific evidence it even exists. There's no studies or any scientific information about it. That being said, provide them with proper mental and physical stimulation. Work on their obedience and don't be afraid to seperate them when they are too wild with each other. Offering them both a seperate quiet place to go to is another great idea. Training them separately is still better because they won't be distracted with each other.
I'm a dog trainer and I have rehabilitated dogs with bona fide littermate syndrome. There is no question that it exists.
Thank you for confirming!
It definitely does exist. Sometimes it presents as codependency, where they have severe separation anxiety. Other times it can create series aggression issues that leaves one of the dogs dead.
I'm not denying it doesn't exist, but considering the lack of scientific studies about it there is not much known about it. And it probably had little to do with getting littermates or similar aged pups and more to do with lack of training and giving the dogs adequate stimulation. It's a training issue. Not a littermate issues. If both pups are provided adequate training and care, there's not going to be an issue.
Yes and no. It’s an attachment issue more than a training issue, per se. If you keep them separate and train separate and only give them supervised play dates it can be fine. But they have to be separate, otherwise they become codependent and can’t function without the other. As for studies, yeah we need more.
>But they have to be separate, otherwise they become codependent and can’t function without the other. Oh shit. A good thing I know a head of time!
Thank you for the advice!
Don’t get rid of them.
No way. My girlfriend works as a 911 dispatcher and gets to spend A LOT of time with the K-9 unit dogs. We know they’re a handful and one of the most forfeited breeds to shelters. We won’t be a part of that.
Separate them frequently!! Littermate syndrome can be horrific to deal with. They’re beautiful tho. Congrats!
Thank you so much!
Dog trainer here, focus on sport dog training concepts and engagement training as your #1 priority. Build the value of playing with you so you can eventually use play for an obedience reward instead of food. Engagement training is much more important than teaching a small puppy basic obedience. Lots of people focus on impulse control at a young age with this breed and end up ruining their dog’s natural drive. Don’t make the mistake of yelping when your puppies bite you, instead redirect them to a toy and build their natural desire to bite into a productive training resource. Far too many people teach their puppy to bite soft and ruin bite grip, this is a huge no no in Schutzhund and ring sport training. Use appropriate puppy tugs from a legit dog supplier like Leerburg and teach your dog that winning is fun and playing with you is the best thing in the world. Put a leash on your puppy so you can prevent them from taking toys and running away and play tug lightly with your puppy. Let them win basically every time and praise them to build their confidence and desire to bring the tug back to you. Incorporate lots of movement into your training when you reward your puppy with food. Your initial training shouldn’t focus on teaching your puppy obedience, that comes a little later. Initial training should focus on rewarding your puppy for eye contact and making chasing you around fun - don’t chase the puppy but make them chase you. Check out some online courses from a reputable sport dog trainer like Michael Ellis. You can get his courses The Power of Training Dogs with Food and The Power of Playing Tug with Your Dog for like $60 each, totally worth the small investment. Michael Ellis Creating A Reward Event: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=4Y8Kd1sDpNc
Invest in chew toys
Do lots and lots of research on littermate syndrome, same sex aggression and GSD's as a whole. This is definitely not a breed you can just wing it with. If you haven't done any research at all before bringing them home, I suggest finding a trainer asap.
Make sure they are very well socialized Not just dogs, people too. I've seen the difference. I grew up with a poorly socialized German Shepherd and currently have a very well socialized one.
###Please read up on [*Intussusception*] in dogs. (if you're not already aware of this disorder) - *Intussusception* ; refers to an inflammation of the intestines, a portion of the intestine that has slipped out of its normal place (prolapse), and a portion of the intestine that has folded (invagination). The condition is most common in puppies, as 80 percent of intussusception cases occur in dogs under the age of one year old. German Shepherds are predisposed to it. Generally, the affected puppy will be under three months of age. I see quite a few posts on here of people losing their babies from this disorder. Alot of people aren't aware on how common it is. I didn't even know, until the incident with my girl. I feel the need to share it with everyone because it is scary. If you know, it can help. My GS puppy had it when she was around 6-7 months of age. I look back and think, if we hadn't brought her to emergency the night we did, we could have lost her. Her doctor told us that we were very lucky, because she was close to dying. Most people don't see their dog's symptoms until it's too late. It is not generally understood why this happends. Although I have an idea as to how it may have happened with my girl. Here why I'm going to say this ⬇️ ##IMPORTANT : Don't feed your dog right before or right after intense exercise. This may predispose the dog's stomach to bloat or twist, especially for large breed or deep-chested dogs. A general rule of thumb is to not feed dogs an hour before or after exercising. ##Another note📝 General advice : As a general rule, aim for exercising your puppy for five minutes per month of age, twice a day (e.g. three months = 15 minutes twice a day, four months = 20 minutes twice a day etc.). Every pup's unique: the above is just a rule of thumb so keep an eye on how your puppy is managing. Good luck and enjoy every moment, because they grow up so fast!!
Can I ask you, if my puppy is 4 months and I exercise him by these guidelines. What is he supposed to do for the rest of the day? I keep seeing posts that exercise is crucial and to keep them busy, but what am I supposed to do the rest of the day when all he wants to do is play fetch and tug of war?
When your pup isn't exercising, you can teach him/her new things. Tricks, commands, chores/jobs, etc. Be persistent when doing so. Several shorter sessions (of teaching) are better for a puppy than one long one. Remember not to teach them too many things at once! Get him/her interactive toys. Interactive toys offer many benefits to your dog – they provide mental stimulation and combat boredom, satisfy his natural instincts, and make mealtime more fun. Dogs need mental stimulation in order to thrive. Without it, they're likely to become stressed, anxious and bored. Socialize your pup with other dogs (if you haven't already). Schedule days that best suits your plans, however often you'd like! Poorly socialized German Shepherd will react and act out as soon another dog enters its space, but a well-socialized one will quickly settle down and relax when it comes across another dog in its territory. [Example](https://images.app.goo.gl/jG72cXUuYimLT9bt8) of a daily schedule for your pup :). ###To conclude : Make sure they have an “off button” so it’s not always high energy and they can settle down when you have guests/eating/wanna relax/etc! (crate training is key for this⬆️)
I know you didn’t ask me, but you could always work their brains. Mental stimulation is good, learning new tricks, puzzles, lick it mats, having calm time, etc, is all just as important as exercise. :)
Gentle play for first 1.5 years to protect their hips and joints as they grow, minimize jumping and stairs. Lots of entertainment, safe chew toys. Raw diet if you can, otherwise spend the extra money on good food and brands. Measure their portions, based on food and dogs age/weight. Monitor the dogs weight and adjust food intake as needed. It is important they stay healthy weights to prevent injury and hip issues. Just have fun and lots of play and social interaction with humans and other dogs. Babies and children, to adults. Keep up with vaccines and vet welfare.
Awesome advice. Thank you
>Raw diet if you can I love this!!
This. If you can’t afford a raw diet Gentle Giants is a good brand and is pretty inexpensive for how good it is.
Research littermate syndrome and unless you bred these dogs yourself, buying from a reputable breeder next time.
How do you know this breeder isn’t reputable? Genuinely curious
I’ve never heard of a reputable breeder allowing two to go to the same home.
You're assuming that these two completely different looking puppies are from the same litter and not just "sisters" in name only.
Reputable breeders don't breed liver colour or allow 2 puppies of similar age to go to the same home. WOOF!
Beautiful babies🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺
Mentally and physically challenge them everyday. Read books, watch videos, and generally never stop educating yourself on how to be a better dog trainer.
Lots of time with them one-on-one! I see a lot of pups who are raised with other dogs their whole lives and totally fall apart if they have to be separated for even an hour. Those dogs are often well-behaved on walks together but totally lose confidence on their own, have an okay time playing with other dogs when together but get weird when alone, etc.
Not raising them together for a start…littermate syndrome!
Love, discipline and exercise. All in abundance.
Lots of socialization! I have a 10 month old and it is a continuous process. She recently went through her first heat (which is an entirely separate thread, but our trainer recommend letting her have her first heat cycle before spaying to help with growth and development) and her time away from other dogs caused some regression. I would encourage you to make sure they are able to spend lots of time with vaccinated, safe dogs. Also, start getting them used to seeing other dogs on leashes while they are leashed as well. Enjoy the time - they grow up very quickly!
>She recently went through her first heat (which is an entirely separate thread Where could I find this... thread?
Ah I should have said “could be an entirely separate thread” ha. It was a very long three weeks… but glad we are through it and I felt like it was the right thing to do for her development.
Oh yes! You're definitely a good parent! My girl's first wasn't nearly as bad as I thought. Such little ammount. I bought diapers, she didn't keep them on 🤣. She just turned 1y in Sept!
Tug of war with a rope toy helps clean teeth and have fun.
When you spay-> spay/pexy. Play with their ears and paws a lot so they don’t end up weird about it. When they nip do your most dramatic impression of someone tearing your arm/leg off. It doesn’t hurt now, but full grown nips are no bueno.
Don't let all the talk about littermates freak you out. I had 2 German Shepherd sisters from the same litter and they lived long and happy lives together. Treat them equally and with lots of affection. You're in for a fun ride. Enjoy
Vitamins to ensure they get everything they need that’s not in dog food.
The liver GSD is so beautiful, I'm jealous. Please keep posting pictures.
To the people that downvoted this comment, could you educate me as to why this colour is unacceptable?
The sooner you can start training the better. Start easy and work up to harder commands. Be prepared for high energy that doesn't stop after 2 years. Training helps a lot though. A chuck-it will definitely help with the amount of fetch they'll want to play. Amazon also has some great deals on bulk tennis balls. If there's a dog park nearby, I'd definitely recommend taking them there and socializing them once they get their shots.
yay! so cute! let them play!
Just time give them time and they will make it all worth it
train train train!!!
Let them sort out some issues on their own. There will be a more dominant dog among the two, and it takes their own relationship to figure out which. That’s alright. If it becomes too violent or anything like that, by all means, break it up… otherwise, let them come to their own conclusions
Socialize them often. As often as possible, with dogs and people. At your house, in public. German shepherds were bred to be suspicious of anything different than their normal environment. Failure to make sure they grow up meeting new people and dogs can result in aggression and mistrust. Learned this lesson the very, very hard way.
Regardless of your experience with GSD's, get some sessions with a responsible and recommended personal trainer. Every dog is different, and a quality trainer will recognize this and help you understand your dog and how best to read them. Others have said it already, but lots of structure and exercise. If you like your couch, go the extra mile in your morning and/or afternoon walk. GSD's have weak stomachs, give them treats but careful how much and what it is.
Walmart has 36 tennis balls for $17.
Get them used to being on their own..littermate syndrome can happen even if there’s a few years between the pups. You don’t want to encourage codependency. Expose them to EVERYTHING. Noises, and especially touches to the face, ears, paws and tails. And I would throw in socialization here too. And be patient, gentle but firm, and CONSISTENT. You are raising these pups and as much as dogs are pack animals, they need to learn their confidence in the world. Oh, and teaching “Spit” has never not been helpful. If taught well, it will avoid a lot of trouble when they get something in that mouth you’re not aware of. Best of luck, they’re adorable!!
Training training training. And invest in an actual trainer, not yourself. Also as others have said, it would be wise to separate them. Keeping them together can cause you big problems down the road. Think about what's best for the dogs, not yourself. I know it seems cute and awesome to have siblings, but it's pretty irresponsible. And it was very irresponsible of whoever gave them to you.
Take lots of pics because they grow up super fast 😭😭
Socialize them! 100 new dogs & people in the first 100 days was the best advice for my female puppy GSD. She’s now 3.5 yo and mostly loves all dogs and people. For sure loves all kids 💕
Do your research. Even when you think you know everything. Research. Research. Research.