How to Train Twin Puppies

Training Two Puppies

While twin puppies do exist in nature, unless you see that the puppies actually came from the same sac you should consider them litter mates. But whether actual twins or litter mates, two puppies from the same litter that go to a new home as a pair can create a challenging puppy training situation. Its new owner must treat each puppy as an individual. This will enable the pup to develop its own personality and bond individually with the owner.

Things You'll Need

• 2 dog crates
• 2 fleece crate pads
• 2 puppy toys
• 2 food bowls
• 2 collars
• 2 leashes
• 1 dog training clicker
• small, soft treats

Instructions

How to Train Twin Puppies

1. 

   Put a fleece crate pad in each crate.

   Place the two crates side by side where you want the puppies to sleep. Puppy crates can be made of wire or plastic and should be just large enough to accommodate an individual puppy. Put one fleece pad in each crate after handling it in such a way that it picks up your scent. When the puppies arrive in your home, place one puppy in each crate on top of the fleece crate pad. Every other day, move the crates a few inches farther apart until they are about a foot apart. Crates will remain at this distance for the reminder of the training.

2. 

   Feed your pups in individual bowls.

   When you feed the puppies (two to three times daily), do so in individual bowls. You may need to put a physical barrier between each feeding area. Once the puppies get used to eating from their own bowls, a barrier may no longer be necessary. Always feed in the same order--feeding the same puppy first. The puppies may share a common water bowl.

3. 

   Take each puppy out on its own collar. and leash

   Arrange your schedule so that you can take each puppy out of the crate one at a time using individual collars and leashes. Extremely young puppies can be taken out together until they are old enough to have bowel and bladder control. Take turns taking each puppy out of the crate. Once you choose an order, remain consistent so the pups get used to it.

4. 

   Spend individual time training each puppy.

   After each pup has relieved itself, spend individual time getting to know each puppy. Use your clicker and treats or a favorite toy to teach the puppy how to respond to basic commands and tricks. Have short training sessions several times daily.

5. 

   Individually socialize each puppy.

   Once the puppies are property vaccinated, socialize them. Expose each pup to other safe animals, people, places and things. You'll need to know how a puppy will accept the world before exposing them together. Different personalities will determine how each individual will react while being socialized.

6. 

   Allow the puppies to play together.

   Let your puppies to play together frequently throughout the day. Once trained, they will both be a part of your household. Supervise play and call each puppy to you from time to time. Click and reward only the puppy you have called and allow it to return to play. Call each puppy several times during play so the puppies learn their names and respond as individuals.

Tips & Warnings

• Your puppies may be fussy when they are first separated. This is normal and will pass as they get used to being apart. They will adjust quickly if you remain consistent to the training plan.

• Since dogs reach sexual maturity at an early, consider early spaying or neutering for puppies of different genders.

• If you take your puppies to a training class, each puppy should have its own handler.

• Because dogs are pack animals, two puppies that have been together from birth have most likely formed a strong bond. It is important for the long-term well-being of each puppy that they be raised as individuals.

References

• two puppies
• clicker
• crate