Bonded pair dogs need to be kept together, which is important to know if you plan to adopt.
Taking one dog but not the other can do irreversible psychological damage to both animals.
You will want to learn more about these dogs before adopting any in particular.
What Causes Dogs to Pair Bond?
A majority of bonded pair dogs grow up in the same littler together, so they are siblings. They have never been apart from each other since a very young age. This creates an extremely strong bond that should not be broken.
From the time dogs are born up to a few years old, they can form very close attachments to other dogs and humans in their home. Younger dogs are usually the closest, but there are always exceptions.
This bond also commonly forms between mama dogs and their children. There might be a certain dog in the littler that grows especially close with one of their parents. It can also occur between dogs that are not related by blood at all. Sometimes just being in each other’s company all the time is enough for pair bonding to develop.
Consequences of Separating Bonded Pair Dogs
There are a number of reasons why it is never a good idea to split up bonded pair dogs.
Some of the negative effects of doing this include:
- Chewing on all sorts of things in the house
- Excessive barking, whining and howling
- Problems with housebreaking
- General restlessness
- Lack of appetite for up to the first few months
- Separation anxiety
- Inability to get along with other dogs/pets
Separating two dogs that have already established a deep bond with each other often leads to one or both of them becoming depressed. This can manifest in the form of lethargy and a desire to be left alone. It is very unlikely that your dog will be well-adjusted overall.
At first your dog will just be confused because the other one isn’t around, but the situation will quickly worsen. It won’t take long before the dog begins experiencing a deep sense of grief.
Benefits of Keeping Bonded Pair Dogs Together
There are massive benefits associated with keeping bonded pair dogs together when adopting. They will be able to support each other when new and intimidating situations arise (such as being taken to a new house).
Both dogs will be much more mentally healthy if they are kept together. This can even help to ensure a longer lifespan for them. The depression and anxiety they would experience if separated could shorten both of their lives.
It is also a good idea to keep these dogs together because they learn important social skills from each other. If you want dogs that do well around other animals, this is crucial.
You also need to consider the fact that having two dogs can be a lot of fun and very rewarding as a whole. While it might be a bit more work than you initially anticipated, it will most likely be well worth it. You will have two sources of unconditional love as well, which has to be a good thing.
How to Tell if Two Dogs are Bonded
It should be extremely easy for you to tell if two dogs have established a deep bond. They spend a lot of time around each other, rarely going far apart. These dogs almost seem as though they are attached at the hip.
A male and female dog may become bonded after breeding. These dogs rarely leave each other’s side. One is always following the other around wherever they go. There is simply no denying it when you see it for yourself.
Bonded pair dogs also play, sleep, and cuddle up together. It is a constant love fest that is sickeningly sweet.
Caring for Bonded Pair Dogs
If you choose to adopt two bonded pair dogs, there are certain things that you will need to know before taking them home.
It is very important that you make a point not to separate your dogs if you can help it. You should never try to discourage them from spending time together. They could respond very negatively to such a sudden disruption in their routine.
You should also walk your dogs at the same time each day. Neither one will appreciate being separated from their partner, even if it is only for 15 or 20 minutes. You need to do a good job of maintaining a stable routine that keeps these dogs together as much as possible.
It is also crucial that you try to give each dog an equal amount of attention. There will be times when they just want to spend time with each other, but you still need to keep this in mind. You don’t want one of the dogs to feel neglected.
If you are going to be traveling, you should definitely keep both dogs together. Traveling can be very stressful for these animals, so it is important that they have each other for comfort. This will help to keep them calm and make things a lot easier for you as well.
Conclusion
- Dogs often establish a deep bond with each other when growing up in the same home or kennel.
- This bonding typically occurs from birth up to six months of age.
- Separating bonded pair dogs is never a good idea, so you should adopt both of them are neither.
- These dogs spend most of their time playing, sleeping and cuddling together.
- This type of bond can form between siblings in the same litter, a parent and offspring, or two dogs that are not blood related.
- Adopting one dog but not the other will likely result in significant psychological trauma.
- It is very difficult to raise and take care of a dog that has been separated from its bonded partner.
- If you choose to adopt both dogs, make sure that they have all the together time they want on a daily basis.
