LS – development of undesirable behaviours in a household where 2 or more puppies of a similar age are present, regardless of whether the puppies are related (similar age = same age to 1 year difference)
Symptoms
aggression
people
other dogs
each other
lack of owner-based focus
dependent on breed
not dependent on other pup
hyper focussed on other pup
can happen in any multi dog household
SA from the other pup
can happen in any multi dog household
Syndrome = a combination of medical problems that shows the existence of a particular disease or mental condition/a type of negative behaviour or mental state that is typical of a person in a particular situation – neither apply as the dogs are not ill and are happy
Does littermate syndrome exist, or are they simply multi dog household problems?
How to treat
Like any other multi dog household
Full behavioural history, inc opinion of everyone in the household on each dog
Management – ensure safety
Discuss realistic expectations
Refer to someone more experienced if necessary
Management
Separate daily even if no issues (give each dog their own room)
Crate trained
Vet visit first
Boundary training
Recall
Muzzle training
Down stay
Confidence building games (one dog is normally more confident)
Walk separately
Training for owner
Body language
How to track training progress – diary – figures
How to describe events to you in non-emotive language
How to improve relationship with the dog that they don’t like
Behaviour modification
Aggression
Resource guarding
SA
Arousal control
Behavioural medication
When to recommend rehoming
When safety cannot be guaranteed
When safety will rely heavily on management
Where undesirable behaviour is increasing in intensity of frequency despite management
Where injuries are occurring
Where dog’s needs cannot be met by family
Where carrying out the programme is causing distress
Who to rehome
Harder dog
Easier dog
will be easier to rehome
General recommendations
walk separately for first 2 years
train separately daily
attend different training classes
enforce separate sleeping (different rooms)
daily separation sessions
each owner to do something fun with each dog at least once a week
ideally 2 years of ownership before getting next dog
Should owners get littermates
Ideally not
Advise that owner take objective person with them to see the pups
