2 Puppies/human Bonding

[Savane]

I have recently brought 2 pups, Border Collie and Ridgeback now 9.5 weeks and 11 weeks respectively. I had heard to keep them apart for some time and take them out seperately and play seperately and together so they bond together and seperately, so they do sleep seperately inside and I spend hours outside with them together and seperately the Collie bonded to me quickly as the other pup wasn't there until 2 weeks later.

I also have an older Golden Retiever they seem to be respectful of him now and he joins in on the games they have.

I used to just see that little wrinkly looks Ridgey pups give you when I called him then he's wander off the other direction as if to say "whatever" in the last 2 days though he bounds to me excited does this now mean he's bonded to me also?

Can I have to the pups together more often now and he will stay bonded to me?

[t-time]

I'm not trying to be cute here but how old was the Border Collie when you got him/her?? From the ages you've given, it sounds as though he/she was less than 8 weeks old.

This would account for the quick bonding and also being the only baby in the home. :rolleyes:

Your Ridgeback was 8 weeks?? and you've only had him for a week and a half?

It would help to know the ages of the dogs when you got them and how long you've had them.

[Savane]

I'm not trying to be cute here but how old was the Border Collie when you got him/her?? From the ages you've given, it sounds as though he/she was less than 8 weeks old.

This would account for the quick bonding and also being the only baby in the home. :rolleyes:

Your Ridgeback was 8 weeks?? and you've only had him for a week and a half?

It would help to know the ages of the dogs when you got them and how long you've had them.

The Border Collie was 2 days over 8 weeks and the Ridgey 8 weeks on the dot. So I did put the ages there Ivé had Collie a few weeks and the Ridgey almost 2 weeks.

[Tassie]

Gotta tell you it's really hard when you have 2 puppies. You really have to work hard to spend one-on-one time with each pup. I had 2 (seven weeks apart in age) and it really was an effort. You're going to need lots of time, and some good planning. On the other hand, it is quite nice that they have company - it will take pressure off your older dog, too. What are your plans for the pups - as in, obedience, showing ......?

[Aziah]

I maintain that for many, 2 puppies at the same time is asking for trouble...

[alpha bet]

It can be harder than raising twin human babies.

I never recommend it - if you dont put in a lot of work individually the problems start to surface around 9 months. Even for mature dogs they can become very stressed when seperated.

In fact in my last litter a pup was sold but when I found out the people had gone and got themselves another puppy so they could have the two together I pulled the sale and wouldnt let my pup go to their home. Have since heard she got a 2nd pup elswhere and both dogs had to be rehomed (? or so she told me) because they were out hunting neighbours sheep when they were 8 and 9 months old.

She was wondering if I might have a pup from this litter...... sheese some people never learn.....

At least you sound like you are prepared to put in the work..... Good luck but definately glad it is you and not me...... Ideally I prefer 2-3 years between dogs.

Edited February 19, 2010 by alpha bet

[Savane]

Gotta tell you it's really hard when you have 2 puppies. You really have to work hard to spend one-on-one time with each pup. I had 2 (seven weeks apart in age) and it really was an effort. You're going to need lots of time, and some good planning. On the other hand, it is quite nice that they have company - it will take pressure off your older dog, too. What are your plans for the pups - as in, obedience, showing ......?

Well It's been 20 years ok a little over that since Ivé done anything formal such as Obediance, I had a Sheltie and we made it to CDX not sure if it's even called that now, I don't keep calling the ic association the KCC and I am sure that's changed too!

But I am keen to do endurance as I am pretty fit and love riding and will hopefully have fit dogs! I walk 3 times a day and always have 2-3 dogs with me, also agility and flyball sound good. I have an 11 year old son who will help with the training, these dogs certainly won't be backyard puppies left oto their own devices. They very much a part of the family. I also have 3 children so have helpers in walking although I do need to direct them a fair bit.

So far the Ridgey is easy and the Border, well he's going to be a challenge, he play fights and it gets nasty really quickly which worries me a bit. t'salmost that he really dislikes the other pup. But we will join the obediance club in a few weeks, at the moment we go up and watch the clever dogs their to try and get my son to be interested in learning about it all.