German Shepherds are amazing dogs. They’re great companions that are incredibly intelligent, love to go on adventures with you, will protect you and your family, and can acclimate to nearly any weather conditions. So, two German Shepherd Dogs would be even better, right?
Raising two German Shepherd puppies can be done if the owner starts with one puppy and train/socialize it well before introducing a second puppy no younger than 2 years from the first. German Shepherds that are of similar size, temperament, and energy levels get along the best.
Are you wondering if having two German Shepherds means twice the goodness or double the trouble? Keep reading to understand the potential risks and best conditions for raising two puppies together.
Can You Raise Two German Shepherd Puppies Together?
The short answer is yes, you sure can! The much longer answer is that it can be tricky but easily doable if you’re up for it.
German Shepherd Dogs (GSD) are fiercely loyal and develop bonds quickly, even in as little as a few weeks. This can create a problem with raising two GSD puppies together, but we’ll get to that.
They are also exceptionally intelligent which makes training them much quicker than with other breeds. This is great if you train one puppy first and then the second. However, they must trust and respect you before you train them together. If their bond is stronger with each other instead of with you, the training will be poor.
Lastly, raising two GSDs together will require the usual considerations that come with raising any two dogs together, such as making sure they have their beds in their own quiet spaces and making sure you don’t give more attention to one than the other.
What Are The Risks Of Raising Two German Shepherds Together?
Raising them simultaneously too early may create an inseparable bond that inhibits them from socializing with other dogs and humans.
On the other hand, they might develop the exact opposite relationship with each other and end up fighting one another instead. Why? Because they can easily view the second dog as intruding on their territory, and they might not want to share the house or you.
There is also the risk of littermate syndrome, a situation where two German Shepherds start fighting so severely that it leads to having to relocate one of the dogs to a new home.
How To Reduce The Risks Of Raising German Shepherds Together?
It’s all about age. To prevent too strong a bond from forming between puppies, adopt the two between 1 ½ and 2 years apart. This will allow you to focus your attention on training the first puppy who can then help you train the next.
You don’t want to introduce the two as adult dogs! While they are still puppies, they can teach each other to share resources and your attention.
Try to get a second dog that’s about the same size, temperament, and energy level as the first. Your first puppy will adjust better because both will be more willing to play, will be less likely to fight, and neither of them will be able to dominate the other.
Once you introduce them to each other you must supervise them each time they’re around each other so that you can correct any bad behavior as it happens.
Is It Better To Get German Shepherds Of The Same Or Opposite Sex?
There’s a popular belief that two GSD puppies will get along better if they are of the opposite sex. However, some GSDs will get along better with a puppy of the same sex.
The results of their relationship vary from case to case, but it is something you still have to consider. It’s been said that those of the opposite sex are less likely to fight with each other, but neither gender will be more or less aggressive than the other.
What is much more important to consider is how well your current puppy gets along with other dogs right now. If you’re following the year-and-a-half age difference we suggested earlier, you should be able to get a new puppy of either gender and be okay.
All of that to say: you can have two German Shepherds of either gender so long as the age gap is small and the first puppy you have has been properly socialized.
Tips To Raise Two German Shepherd Puppies Together
If you are new to raising this breed, it’s generally advised to seek professional assistance from a trainer to help you, especially if you intend to have two puppies.
Introduction
Have the two puppies meet in a neutral area, such as a park, rather than in the house several days before you bring the new puppy home. Keep them leashed.
If they do well together, move on to a shared activity such as a walk so that they’re still leashed. Stop the session if one of the dogs gets nervous.
Don’t start with anything they may view as a resource to fight for such as treats and toys. Don’t force socialization to happen and don’t yell or tug at their leash if they show aggression because it may reinforce their anxiety.
At Home
Your current puppy and your new puppy should each have something like towels that smell like one another so that they get used to each other’s scents.
Each puppy should have their own space in a quiet area around the house, especially when they want to get away from its new sibling.
Be sure to encourage the new puppy to recognize their bed by teaching them to sit in it, and if they do, give them a treat. It’s good to do this while someone else is playing with your first dog outside so that they don’t compete with one another.
Inevitable Complications
It’s natural for two dogs living in the same space to vie for dominance. When this happens under your supervision, you need to make them both understand you’re the one in charge.
It helps if you do your best to show both dogs the same affection and give them the same attention with exercise, treats, etc.
Final Thoughts
In short, raising two German Shepherd puppies together is a little tricky and will require consistent commitment, but not only is it possible it’s also worth it. Especially if there are occasions where you can’t play with them, then they can entertain each other and keep one another company.