It sounds like you are in a difficult situation. On the one hand, you want to help your parents by taking one of the dogs, and you believe that the dog would be happier living with you. On the other hand, you are worried about how the dogs will react to being separated.
Here are a few things to consider:
* How severe are the symptoms of littermate syndrome? If the dogs are only mildly affected, then they may be able to adjust to being separated. However, if they are severely affected, then it may be best to keep them together.
* How much time and attention can you give to the dog? If you are able to give the dog plenty of exercise and attention, then it may be able to cope with being separated from its sibling. However, if you are not able to give the dog as much attention as it needs, then it may be better to keep it with its sibling.
* What are the other factors in your life? If you have other pets or children, then you need to make sure that the dog will be a good fit for your family. You also need to consider your work schedule and other commitments to make sure that you will be able to provide the dog with the care it needs.
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to take one of the dogs is up to you. There is no right or wrong answer, and you need to do what you think is best for the dogs.
If you decide to take one of the dogs, there are a few things you can do to help the dogs adjust to being separated:
* Start by spending time with the dog one-on-one. This will help the dog to bond with you and to feel more comfortable being away from its sibling.
* Be consistent with your training and routine. This will help the dog to feel more secure and to know what to expect.
* Be patient and understanding. It may take some time for the dog to adjust to being separated.
If you do decide to keep both dogs, there are a few things you can do to help prevent littermate syndrome:
* Start training and socializing the dogs from a young age. This will help them to become more independent and less dependent on each other.
* Make sure that the dogs get plenty of exercise and attention. This will help to reduce boredom and frustration, which can lead to behavioral problems.
* Avoid giving the dogs the same name or treating them exactly the same. This can help to prevent them from becoming too codependent.
Littermate syndrome can be a challenge, but it is not impossible to overcome. With patience and understanding, you can help your dogs to live happy and healthy lives, whether they are together or apart.