Training With Kivi

04/02/2025

Understanding Littermate Syndrome in Puppies

Bringing home two puppies from the same litter might seem like a great idea—they’ll have built-in companionship, right? However, many dog owners are unaware of the challenges that come with Littermate Syndrome, a behavioral condition that can develop when sibling puppies are raised together.

What is Littermate Syndrome?

Littermate Syndrome is a set of behavioral issues that arise when two puppies from the same litter (or even unrelated puppies of the same age) are raised together. These issues often stem from excessive bonding between the puppies, making it difficult for them to develop independence and proper social skills.

Signs of Littermate Syndrome:

Severe Separation Anxiety: Puppies become highly distressed when separated, making training and socialization more difficult.

Fearfulness: They may become overly reliant on each other, leading to increased anxiety in new situations or around unfamiliar dogs and people.

Difficulty in Training: Since they focus more on each other than their human, training sessions can become ineffective.

Inter-Puppy Aggression: As they grow, fights between littermates can become more intense, sometimes escalating into serious conflicts.

How to Prevent Littermate Syndrome

If you’re raising two puppies together, consider these steps to ensure they grow into well-adjusted, independent dogs:

Separate Training Sessions: Train each puppy individually to ensure they learn to focus on you rather than each other.

Encourage Independence: Allow them to spend time apart daily so they learn to be comfortable alone.

Socialization: Expose each puppy to different people, dogs, and environments separately.

Individual Bonding: Spend one-on-one time with each puppy to strengthen your personal relationship with them.

Should You Get Two Puppies?

While raising two puppies is possible, it requires significant effort and commitment. If you’re considering adopting littermates, be prepared to implement structured training and socialization strategies to prevent Littermate Syndrome.

By understanding and addressing Littermate Syndrome early, you can help your puppies grow into happy, confident, and independent dogs!


Read more about it here;
https://www.pashudhanpraharee.com/littermate-syndrome-in-dogs/
And remember, Training With Kivi is just a call, text, or video chat away

03/04/2025

Many don’t know this information! Remember every second matters during a choking incident.
1. Place the dog on their back. Brace the back against the floor. Straddle the dog while adjusting yourself based on the size of the dog. Position the head in “in-line position” with the airway parallel to the floor.
2. Make an open diamond shape with your hands. Place your thumbs on either side of the trachea below the ball or object. Grip the “V” of the jaw using lip/cheek to protect fingers.
3. Push with a J-stroke down and out against the ball until it ejects from the mouth.
Both this method and the Heimlich method has been proven to work in these scenarios so don’t hesitate to save your dog.

02/28/2025

On most breeds, I recommend spaying and doing it early (with the exception of extra large breeds). Did you know dogs fixed before they ever go into heat usually have owners with better attitudes; you're not having to control & contain a h***y dog 😜 plus, have you ever dealt with a heat? They go on forever and unless your dog has manners, you ha e to clean up after them.

Spaying dogs and cats can prevent breast tumors, pyometra, unwanted pregnancies, uterus cancer, c-sections, and other illnesses or conditions.

07/28/2024

Heatstroke in dogs can be a life-threatening condition. As a responsible pet owner, it is imperative to recognize the signs and symptoms and take immediate action. This article serves as a valuable resource for understanding heatstroke in dogs and how to prevent it.
And remember if in doubt or beyond your capabilities, immediately get your pet to the nearest vet!

Dogs are notoriously bad at dissipating body heat. Watch for early signs of heatstroke, also known as hyperthermia, in your dog to avoid serious outcomes.

06/16/2024

Get ready for a paw-some surprise! I'm thrilled to be recognized as one of Hoof & Paw 's top fans. To celebrate, I've got some tail-wagging enrichment ideas for your furry friends!

06/11/2024

I've been asked a lot lately about dogs being aggressive and why it's out of the blue.
It's never out of the blue....

06/05/2024

Need I say more?

05/31/2024

It's not JUST how their raised....

05/01/2024

It's that time of year again! Keep em on the grass!

04/02/2024

**Location update**
Nucla Community Center
**Dates changes**
Who's ready for the Vaccine & Wellness clinics?! Here are those dates brought to you by Second Chance Humane Society
See you at the Nucla Community Center!
Sponsored by San Miguel Power Association

03/10/2024

Method K9 is AMAZING! As normal I don't want to make my own videos when someone else says it better 😃

03/06/2024

Yes! There is a difference between a SERVICE dog and an emotional support dog! Please know the difference! All dogs have the potential to be an emotional support animal; very few have the qualities required to be a service animal intuned to a specific human need.

02/25/2024

As February comes to a close, remember the good ol advice of the late Bob Barker; spay and neuter your pets! Is it too soon to fix them according to your vet? Keep them indoors (cats) or under control at all times (that means a leash at this age).
Can't afford to fix your pet? Don't get one in the first place or adopt from a shelter/ rescue (I recommend Hoof & Paw ) where they've done that for you already.

12/31/2023

🎊🎉🥳Happy New Year! 🥳🎉🎊
Although safer the Independence Day, New Years Eve and Day can be a dangerous time for dog (cats too). Keep your loved once safe this year by following a few simple precautions:

🐶It's too late to desensitize them but an excellent time for training if you have already started desensitization training.
🐶 Take dog outside for walk/bathroom BEFORE dark.
🐶 At dusk, bring all pets inside.
🐶 Keep a harness and leash attached to skidish pets or keep in a crate (crates are am excellent safety bet for skiddish pets). Again, do not start crate training today.
🐶 Have your pet MICROCHIPPED and keep your contact information up to date. Make sure collar with tags are on for tonight.
🐶 If you must take your dog out while fireworks are going: double it up if your hesitant. Collar and harness both attached to separate Leashes AND each other.
🐶 Absolutely no door (or window) gets opened without dog on attached leash being held.
🐶 Like and follow Training With Kivi for more tips and tricks and if you're local book an appointment today to start training today

Use some or all these tips, keep your pets safe and have the very happiest of a New Year!
2024 here we come!

12/20/2023

Are you ready to get a dog?

193 likes, 9 comments. “What to consider before getting a dog? Learn more from us at methodk9.com”

12/02/2023

Before the craziness of the holidays get into full swing, please take the time to make sure your pets microchip information is up to date!
Did you know Home Again has their own app? You can add a picture, vaccination records and more! Don't put it off for tomorrow; that could be too late! 💙🐶🩷🐱

12/01/2023

If you ask me why your dog keeps running away, I'm going to tell you they're pry bored. Don't argue. Just because YOU, the human, THINKS the dog has something to do doesn't mean your dog enjoys it or hasn't grown tired of it. How quickly does a toddler tire of that brand new "whatever"?
Want some ideas on what you can do to be more engaging with your pup? Schedule a training session with Training With Kivi today (we can do virtual too).
Did you know Kivi's Leonberger won't eat breakfast until they walk at least 2 miles?

11/27/2023

Do you know if your dog is coughing? With this new "Mysterious Respiratory" infection knowing what they actually sound like could be the difference between losing your beloved or saving their life.