First day with litter mates

[mkkessinger]

We brought our puppies home last night. One is bigger than the other when we allow them to play together the larger one is very ruff with the smaller on biting on neck and pinning to the ground. How can I discourage this without seperating the two dogs?

[llombardo]

Originally Posted by mkkessinger

We brought our puppies home last night. One is bigger than the other when we allow them to play together the larger one is very ruff with the smaller on biting on neck and pinning to the ground. How can I discourage this without seperating the two dogs?

This is how they play and learn bite inhibition. It looks and probably sounds a lot scarier then it is. They will let each other know when its enough. If its too much for you, then you can give them a time out.

[Twyla]

Without seeing the pups in action, it sounds like normal puppy play. Usually a yelp from the pup will back the other pup off till they start again.

Can you get a video to post?

To add: It may seem better to not separate them, you may want to reconsider that. Siblings or pups close in age can have a tendency to bond more closely to each other then with the human. While you want them to have the rough and tumble puppy play, you definitely want to spend quality one on one time with each individual pup.

[qbchottu]

I'd love to get two puppies at once!

If you can, return one and just focus on one. If you are determined to keep both, separate them and limit their time together. They need to individuate and form a separate bond to you that is not clouded with the other one always being around. Train each separately, bond separately etc. Limit their time together - the instinct and drive to be with other dogs is very powerful. If you are not constantly on top of their interaction, management, and training, they are liable to get overly bonded with each other with you being the third wheel. This can be an issue for training, separation anxiety, when they get to be seniors etc.

[Castlemaid]

If you want to do the two littermates together thing, you will have to separate them quite a bit. Like, all the time, and maybe give them one or two, one-hour play sessions together. Two pups can be done when there are two people in the household taking responsibility each for one of the pups, and really raise them separately.

I see you got two females? Be careful as they get older - oftentimes adult females don't get along and will be going out of their way to fight. Not always, but be aware that this is a common issue with female GSDs, so as they mature, the slightest sign of aggression means no more play time.