I took in two sibling pups who were very timid and afraid. They are both doing better, one more so than the other. At this point I'm wondering if separating them would be best.

I volunteer at a shelter. Three weeks ago, I brought a semi feral pup into my home. Two weeks ago I brought home her brother because he was going to be euthanized. They are about 5 to 7 months old.

The female at this point lets me pet her, takes food from my hand, I got a collar on her, she even lets me rub her belly if I am on the floor or bed with her. If I pick her up ( I have to sneak this) she will let me, but is very stiff. If I try to crate her, she will put her mouth on me.

The boy at this point will touch my hand with his nose only. He will not take food from me, but is much better than when he came as he no longer cowers in the corner. I did try to pet him, and he screamed as if in pain and pooped all over in fear. He also, will not go in the crate. But he is happy and loves to play with my other dogs, and with his sister. He seems to want to trust me.

My question is this. Should I separate them, and perhaps put him in another foster home? Or would that traumatize him again and set him back to the cowering time? Or is it okay to leave him with his sister? He seems to be learning to trust from watching her. I am not experienced in training a dog, only in showing them affection and love. The people at the shelter recommend that I separate them. I really don't know what to do. He is so happy now.