2 Yorkies

Question
I have two yorkie one since he was 8 weeks old now 14 mos he is well loved and behaved. He is smart and listens recently the breeder who we brought our 1st yorkie from called to say she had his brother same father different mother who needed a home and encouraged me to purchased him saying he would be a good companion for our first little angel. Unfortunately that's not the case we brought the second dog home he was already 5 mos old now 8 mos old and we still are unable to train him. He can't stay focused because he always wants to be around the older dog and recently he started eating the older dogs feces. We have try separating him from the older dog but the situation just gets worse. When he is not around the older dog he won't eat he just keeps barking non stop and he gets worse he will make any where in the middle of the floor on his bed. HELP! I love them both but, the puppy is driving me crazy.

Answer
I think what you are dealing with is what is called "littermate syndrome" even though there is some difference in their age. It happens when the dogs become more attached to each other than to the humans. I'm guessing that the younger pup probably missed out on a lot of early socialization to humans, and possibly on house training skills. You're going to have to stick to your guns about separating the pups. Possibly find a good positive trainer so you can start building a bond and communication between you and him, and classes where his "brother" doesn't go and he has enough other interesting stuff to make him not focus on the separation. And a good trainer can guide you in the other matters. Pick up feces promptly, and supervise the pup so you can get him outside the instant he starts to sniff and circle. Put up baby gates, even tether him to you so he is not out of sight. Sandy Case MEd CPDT www.positivelycanine.com