What is Sibling Overdependence (SO)?
Sibling Overdependence is the development of a co-dependent bond between sibling pets that affects their ability to thrive independently. This overattachment can impact emotional balance, confidence, and social development.
What are the challenges of SO?
Pets experiencing Sibling Overdependence often struggle with anxiety towards humans and other dogs, extreme separation anxiety, training struggles, reactivity, and aggression. Pets experiencing Sibling Overdependence often struggle with separation, confidence, and interaction outside of their sibling relationship. Common challenges include heightened Fear, Anxiety, and Stress (FAS), difficulty bonding with humans or other pets, and increased reactivity or defensiveness. When a pet relies too heavily on their sibling, it limits their ability to build new relationships, engage in training, and navigate new environments confidently. Over time, this dependence can lead to behavioral setbacks, including aggression, reactivity, or withdrawal, and can hinder the pet’s ability to develop socially appropriate behaviors.
How can I avoid this?
The best way to prevent Sibling Overdependence is to allow each pet the time and space to develop as an individual. Ideally, new pets should be introduced to a home at least six months apart. This gives the first pet the opportunity to bond with their human family, gain independence, and build confidence before a new sibling is introduced.
For pets already in the same household, particularly those from the same litter, it’s essential to encourage individuality. Provide separate crates, toys, training sessions, and playtimes to help each pet grow at their own pace. Early and consistent training paired with structured socialization supports confidence and healthy independence.
What precautions does PPI take?
Pampered Pets Inn’s top priority is the comfort, safety, and emotional well-being of every guest. Our highly trained team is experienced in recognizing signs of elevated FAS and other behavioral concerns. As a Group Play facility, we are dedicated to helping each pet express their individuality and develop healthy social behaviors. Every pet is carefully assessed upon arrival and throughout their stay to ensure comfort, compatibility, and positive experiences.
Siblings are observed both together and separately to evaluate their play styles, confidence levels, and behavior. If siblings display different personalities or levels of protectiveness, we may separate them into groups or suites that best support their needs. This individualized approach ensures the safety and happiness of each pet, as well as the harmony of our play groups.
Conclusion
By understanding the signs of SO and taking proactive steps, we can help build confidence and healthy social skills in sibling pets. It is important to recognize and support the unique needs of each pet. Through careful assessment, individualized group placement, and continuous monitoring, our team ensures that every pet has the opportunity to feel comfortable, confident, and cared for both alongside their siblings and on their own.