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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.