Choosing a dog
Should I get two puppies at the same time?
Last updated 23 September 2026 · How we write and check this
Short answer
Most trainers and behaviorists advise against it. Two puppies raised together often bond so intensely with each other that individual training, confidence building, and bonding with you become considerably harder, a pattern sometimes called littermate syndrome. Raising one puppy to a settled, well trained adult first, then adding a second, almost always leads to a smoother outcome for both dogs and for you.
Why two at once creates extra difficulty
Training two puppies simultaneously means dividing your already limited time and attention between two sets of intensive needs, from separate toilet training schedules to individual socialization experiences, at exactly the stage when consistency matters most. Puppies raised in constant pairs often become so focused on each other that they struggle with confidence when separated even briefly.
What littermate syndrome can look like
Signs include excessive distress when the two puppies are apart, one puppy consistently deferring to or being overshadowed by the other, and slower progress in individual training compared with puppies raised without a same age companion. This pattern is not guaranteed but is common enough that most professionals recommend avoiding the setup altogether.
A better way to end up with two dogs
If your goal is eventually having two dogs, raising the first to at least a year old, with solid training and confidence established, before bringing in a second puppy or adult dog generally produces a far more balanced household. It also means the older dog can help model calm behavior for the newcomer.
What to do if you already have two puppies
If you already have two same age puppies, it is not too late to help: separate them daily for individual walks, training, and quiet time, and consider working with a trainer experienced in littermate cases to help each puppy build independent confidence going forward.
Speaking with a trainer before bringing home two puppies at once, if you are set on the idea, can help you plan a structure that reduces the most common risks.
Key takeaways
- Raising two puppies together often makes individual training and bonding harder.
- Littermate syndrome describes excessive mutual dependence that can affect confidence and training.
- Most trainers recommend fully raising one puppy before adding a second.
- A settled older dog can help a new puppy settle in more easily later.