Extremely timid puppy...

[JLSOhio51]

... But I WOULD like to point something out to you. In this statement from Caro she said that it's LIKELY they would exibit this behavior. 'Likely' dosn't meen that it's the case for everyone...

That's a good point, but if I were a betting man (I'm not, but if I were), my guess would be that this quote that Caro added caused Lunatic59's response:

"One of the puppies always becomes shy, even when both puppies started off as bold and outgoing. This is a huge problem, since it means that the shy puppy never reaches his or her potential."

I know that "always" and "never" generally hit me like a bat between the eyes. It is rare that situations "always" or "never" occur, and when I see them quoted, I usually look for additional issues in the point(s) being made. What's funny here is that I basically agree with the overall point being made in most of the Littermate Syndrome articles that I have read, I just believe that "always" and "never" statements require proof or would be better left out of the narrative.

 

[Cooper'sMama]

Lunatic59, I'm glad your boys are happy and get along with each other. But I WOULD like to point something out to you. In this statement from Caro she said that it's LIKELY they would exibit this behavior. 'Likely' dosn't meen that it's the case for everyone, just that it's either the case most of the time or it's very common. You'er lucky to have such wonderful dogs that get along so well.

That is also true!

I honestly think Carter would be even more timid without Cooper. He has come out I his shell a lot in two weeks! My boys are perfect I'm sure everyone thinks that of their own

 

[Lightplum]

I have to say I have two littermates (girls) that im showing. They get trained separately, go to different classes etc. At home in the yard they dont even play together really..one prefers to live outside and the other prefers to live on the couch on a comfy cushion. Now with that said one is more reserved than the other. I brought the out going one to a show (new situation for the reserved one) for a security blanket. Once the reserved realized her sire and littermate where there with her she decided it was the best thing going since sliced bread and could watch all these odd creatures go by and bark at them! It gave her just that extra boost of confidence that she was not there alone and someone had her back.
Its alot of work keeping two to make sure they do not become dependent on each other but it can also bring a reserved dog unsure of their situation out of it..

 

[BarbV]

I tend to agree towards separate training sessions for Carter. And lots of opportunity to socialize? In a manageable environment. Do you have a small independent pet store nearby. No....not Petsmart. Too overwhelming!

As a pet store owner, I often have new puppies in the store for socializing. It's a managed situation since my staff are used to dealing with all types of pets. They know how to handle the most timid and most aggressive. Other customers and sometimes other pets provide an opportunity as well. I have a dog trainer who brings her clients into the store for that reason.

For a timid dog, full scale obedience may be tto much right now. Start small and work up.