The Whelping Box
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Here are some very desirable requirements for an adequate whelping box. It needs 4 sides that are high enough to keep 3 week old puppies from climbing out, but low enough that the dam can jump out easily when she needs to. Having the sides about 12" high is a good height. Puppies are very susceptible to drafts, so the 12" solid sides are very important. It needs to have a washable surface. Ours are built from Melamine. This is heavier than plywood, but very easy to clean Painted Plywood will be alright, but you may get slivers when you clean it, and it does absorb odours. Melamine does not. It must be big enough to allow the mother dog to stretch out completely, so the size is dependent on the breed of dog. Ours, for our 30 lb. Kerry Blues are 4' x 4'. Here is ours, standing on it's end for better viewing.
It is very convenient to build the box so that the 4th side is removable. You can see that ours slides up and down and is easily temporarily or permanently removed. When the pups are about 3 weeks old, they will walk out of the box onto newspaper to go to the bathroom if they are able to leave the sleeping area. 
We have our 4x4 box within a 4x8' exercise pen, so the pups are safely confined at all times, unless we choose to let them run loose. |
Copyright 
2001 Marilyn Brotherton
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Disclaimer:
The information, techniques and methods described in this web site are based on my experiences over many years.They may not be suitable for you.Nothing that I have written or demonstrated is intended as a substitute for professional advice
from your own qualified Veterinarian. I assume no responsibility or liability
of any kind regarding the use and application of any of the advice provided or methods and techniques depicted on this web site.
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Aisling Perm.Reg. Kerry Blue Terriers.