Two Lab puppies full time?

Question
QUESTION: I need help determing if two lab puppies not from the same litter - one male one female is a bad idea.  The male has lived in the home for about three weeks prior to bringing the female home and seems to be acting out a bit since her arrival.  Have I made a huge mistake or is this just how things start out?  I am wondering if the male will be constantly miserable because he is always trying to get the attention of the owners as he was in the home first?  Please help me in making the decision to keep the female or not..
Jack

ANSWER: Well, you certainly will be busy.  I am really surprised at his reaction.  Usually a young puppy is very eager to play with a new playmate.  You don't say how old they are, but usually if they are less than 12 weeks old, they are quick to accept new things.  One thing you do need to be careful of is 2 puppies too close the same age bonding too closely to each other and not to you.  In addition to standard obedience, try these exercises:

''Elevation for small puppies: Sit on the floor and gently put your hands around your pup's middle, below his front legs, and lift him up. He is facing you. Hold him for 15 seconds. Repeat until he no longer struggles. If he is past 10-12 weeks, lift his front feet off the ground, but don't pick him up.

Cradling for small puppies: Hold your puppy gently on his back, as you would cradle a small baby. If he struggles, hold him firmly until he quiets for 10-15 seconds. With larger pups, you can do this as your sit on the floor, with your pup between your legs.

Quiet lying down: Place your pup on the floor on his side, with all 4 legs pointing away from you. Use your hands on his neck/shoulder area and middle, to hold him in this position. When he is quiet, praise him. Lengthen the time that you keep him quietly in this position. When he accepts this position well, handle his paws and muzzle, while keeping him quiet.''

The quotes mean this isn't my original work. It is copied from my Puppy Raising Manual. I have long used these or minor variations of them, and they are very effective. You may want to give him a belly rub while he is on his back too. Helps bonding. There is a big difference between him rolling over and demanding a belly rub, and you choosing a time to roll him over and rub his belly. The latter cements your place as pack leader.


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: The female is 14 weeks and the male is 12 weeks.  The male is twice as big as the female.  The male is very jealous of the female, protective of the owner and takes every chance to snap at her and take away anything the female is playing with.  Of course, she snaps back and would seem at time that she becomes the aggressor - but physically just doesnt match up.  I am concerned because this has changed the male's behavior dramatically after what was thought as an uneventful first three weeks.  Now he is starting to bite things more and releave himself inside and basically doesnt seem as happy.  How can I get them to get along together without one being jealous of the other?  Thanks for your time on this matter.

Jack

Answer
As I mentioned, standard obedience.  He has to understand you are in charge and allowed to add her to the pack.   The key to most behavior problems is approaching things using the dog's natural instincts. Dogs see all the people and dogs in the household as a pack with each having their own rank in the pack and a top dog. Life is much easier if the 2 legged pack members outrank the 4 legged ones. You can learn to play the role of top dog by reading some books or going to a good obedience class. A good obedience class or book is about you being top dog, not about rewarding standard commands with a treat. Start at http://www.dogsbestfriend.com/ For more on being top dog, see http://www.dogbreedinfo.com./topdogrules.htm