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Excellent advice, you sound like an expert!

I have seen other websites that really look down on raising littermates. "Diamondsintheruff.com" had some good tips and was fairly written. I know it isn't easy to raise littermates, but I plan on making it 100% postitive and as I am seeing...it is A LOT of work, but SO much fun.

Gail,

Raising littermates is different then raising a single pup and not just because of the double work.
Lots on the internet but if you go to www.diamondsintheruff.com, under Behavior FAQ'S, there is an article to get you started.

If they were with their dam (mother) she would likely break it up sometimes, but since they are both the same age and approximate weight, they will settle whatever argument/game themselves. You're right to only intervene when it becomes unbalanced, and then separating (and possibly kennelig both) would give them a clue that its time to stop. You can't decide which pup will be the "alpha"...its something they work out between themselves and once they do, you have to respect that natural order of things. When there is an alpha dog, that is the one you greet first, call his/her name first, give treats to that alpha dog first, but of course both dogs eventually get the same amounts of food, petting, and attention, just in order. "Sharing" is a human concept and not applicable in the dog world, so you just confuse the issue if you want them to 'take turns'...trust me on this, life is smoother when the alpha is established and maintained. That is, of course, acknowledging that YOU are the SUPREME ALPHA. Ha

Ha. Two cuties alright.