The topic of littermate syndrome has been a contentious one among pet owners, trainers, and veterinarians. This syndrome pertains to the unique challenges and risks associated with adopting two puppies from the same litter simultaneously. Certain breeds such as Dachshunds, Border Collies, French Bulldogs, and German Shepherds, have a higher susceptibility to littermate syndrome.

As with many behavioural phenomena, the discourse around this issue is often riddled with misconceptions and anecdotal evidence. 

Understanding Littermate Syndrome

A common misconception is that all dogs from the same litter will inherently develop behavioural problems if raised together. In reality, not every pair of littermates raised together will exhibit signs of littermate syndrome. 

Factors such as consistent training, ample socialisation, and the individual temperament of the dogs play a significant role in the outcome. While the risk of behavioural issues does increase, it is by no means a guaranteed outcome.

Another widely held belief is that dogs suffering from littermate syndrome are solely attached to each other, neglecting bonds with their human owners. Contrarily, while littermates often form strong bonds, it doesn't negate the bond they can foster with humans. 

The core issue is their potential over-reliance on each other for social cues and comfort, which can hamper individual training and socialisation efforts.

Addressing Genuine Concerns

Central to the debate around littermate syndrome is the concern about puppies becoming overly reliant on each other. Such co-dependence can manifest in different ways. For instance, they may exhibit separation anxiety when apart or might struggle to learn commands without the presence of their sibling. Moreover, littermates can develop an intense rivalry, often competing for resources, attention, or dominance. 

This rivalry can escalate to frequent fights, making their cohabitation stressful. There's also the potential for hindered social development. When two puppies are deeply bonded, they may shy away from interactions with other dogs or humans, leading to poor social skills or even aggressive behaviour in unfamiliar situations.

Implementing Best Practices for Raising Littermates

When raising littermates, it's crucial to engage in individual training sessions. By training each puppy separately, they learn to listen and respond to commands independently of their sibling. 

Another key practice is to take each puppy out on its own for walks and social events. Such separate socializations help them develop confidence and social skills on their own. Activities that encourage independence, such as feeding them in distinct areas or providing them with individual toys, can minimise competition. Having separate crates or sleeping areas can further promote independence and reduce over-dependence. 

Lastly, if any severe signs of dependence or aggressive rivalry emerge, consulting a professional dog trainer or behaviourist can make a considerable difference.

Recent Research into Littermate Syndrome

The International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC) Foundation is at the forefront of animal behaviour research and has delved into topics such as littermate syndrome to offer evidence-based insights. As pet owners and professionals grapple with the realities and myths of this phenomenon, the IAABC offers a fresh, informed perspective on the matter.

According to the IAABC Foundation, the challenges associated with raising littermates are not solely based on the fact that the dogs come from the same litter. Environmental factors, training, socialisation, and individual puppy temperaments play a colossal role in determining behavioural outcomes. It's essential to avoid over-generalizations and appreciate the nuances of each situation.

One of the pivotal findings from the IAABC is that early individualised socialisation and training play a critical role in mitigating the risks associated with littermate syndrome. When each puppy from the litter is exposed to a variety of experiences independently, they tend to develop more balanced behaviours and show fewer signs of over-reliance or anxiety associated with being away from their sibling.

Furthermore, the IAABC Foundation emphasises the importance of assessing each situation on its merits. For instance, in certain circumstances where puppies are rescued from traumatic situations, the comfort they derive from being with a littermate can be beneficial in their early stages of recovery. However, even in such cases, individualised care, training, and socialisation are vital to ensure long-term well-being and adjustment.

Another noteworthy observation is that the risk factors associated with littermate syndrome can manifest even among dogs that are close in age but not from the same litter. This underlines the fact that the challenges aren't just about shared genetics or upbringing, but more about the environment, experiences, and training they receive during their formative weeks and months.

This new perspective on littermate syndrome underscores the importance of an evidence-based, individualised approach to raising puppies. Whether from the same litter or simply close in age, what truly matters is providing each dog with the attention, training, and socialisation opportunities they need to thrive as independent, well-adjusted animals.