Yes, a whelping box can be too big, which can cause puppies to get lost, become separated from their mother, get cold, and miss out on vital warmth and nursing, leading to malnutrition; however, it also can't be too small, risking the mother crushing puppies, so the key is finding the right balance—large enough for the mother to stretch out but compact enough to keep the litter close and secure, often around 1.5 times the mother's length.
I've found that to get the right size whelping box you should measure your bitch from nose-tip to the root of her tail, add a couple of inches for luck, and have the box made to that measurement, with a square base. Anything smaller than that will be too small and cramped.
Yes, it can be too big. If the crate is oversized for the dog they will go to the bathroom in one of the corners... usually opposite of the door. They wont natually use the bathroom where they sleep.
Blankets Blankets can be used to line the whelping box and to keep Mum and the puppies warm. They're also a good place to move the puppies onto should you need to change the towels/lining of the whelping box. Dogs can become rather cold during whelping, so blankets are a great way to keep her warm.
Neonatal Period (Birth to 2 Weeks)
It is crucial for puppies to be in a whelping box during this time so they can regulate their temperature and get all the nourishment and care they need from their mother.
The 10-10-10 rule for puppy potty training is a specific routine: 10 minutes outside in the designated potty spot, staying 10 feet away from the house/play area, followed by 10 minutes of focused supervision indoors to prevent accidents before the next potty break, creating a consistent cycle for success. This method ensures the puppy has ample time to eliminate and minimizes mistakes by closely monitoring them afterward, reinforcing good habits consistently.
Common Post Whelping Problems
Setting Up the Whelping Box
Avoid using blankets or towels, as they can be a suffocation hazard for the puppies. Temperature: Ensure the whelping box maintains a temperature between 85-90°F (29-32°C) for the first few days after birth, as newborn puppies cannot regulate their body temperature.
The 3-second rule for puppies, primarily for greetings, means letting two dogs sniff each other for about three seconds, then separating them briefly before repeating, to keep interactions positive and prevent over-excitement or conflict; it's also used in training to reward or correct within three seconds of behavior for clear association, ensuring quick, calm interactions and giving dogs choice in petting.
The whelping box should be kept clean and dry. This helps to prevent infection and keeps the area warm for the puppies. There is no hard and fast rule as to how often you should change the bedding; it should be changed as often as necessary. This is likely to be several times a day, especially in the first few weeks.
The 777 Puppy Rule (or Rule of 7s) is a guideline for puppy socialization, suggesting that by seven weeks old, a puppy should experience seven different Surfaces, seven different Sounds, seven different Objects, seven different People, seven different Locations, seven different Containers, and seven different Challenges, all in positive, short, and safe ways to build confidence and resilience. It helps prevent fear and reactivity by creating positive associations with novel experiences during the critical socialization window (around 4-16 weeks).
“The 2:1 crate rule says that for every two hours a dog spends inside their crate, they should spend one hour out of the crate,” explains Lane. “For puppies, especially those still potty training, this is generally a good rule of thumb.
Caged Dog Syndrome (CDS) occurs when dogs are confined to crates or kennels for extended periods without adequate social interaction or exercise. This condition can lead to depression, anxiety, aggression, and other emotional disturbances in dogs.
Durable Dog Kiddie Pool: The pool is made of extra-tough PVC material and built-in thick Hard Plastic boards. It's scratch resistant and suitable for kids or small medium large dogs. Great whelping pool! Perfect for whelping, you can use this pool as a whelping box for your dog and her babies.
The average sized Labrador requires a whelping box that is square in shape, and about 4ft by 4ft, with a height of around 2ft. If you're building a whelping box from scratch, these dimensions don't need to be exact. After all, not every Labrador is the same size. However, 4×4 ft is generally a good benchmark.
Be lined with bedding that is absorbent, can be cleaned (i.e., vetbeds, towels or a whelping pad) and doesn't slip easily when moved. Be safe and secure. Some breeders use 'pig rails' along the sides (around 3 - 4 inches high) to stop any puppies from being crushed up against the walls.
The most commonly surrendered dog type is the "pit bull type" (including mixes), often due to negative stereotypes, breed-specific legislation, and high energy levels, followed by other popular breeds like German Shepherds, Huskies, and Labrador Retrievers that may not fit owner lifestyles. Breeds like Staffordshire Bull Terriers (especially mixes) also top surrender lists in some regions like Australia.
The "5-minute rule" for puppies is a popular guideline suggesting 5 minutes of structured exercise (like on-leash walking) per month of age, up to twice a day, to protect developing bones and joints from injury, meaning a 3-month-old gets 15 mins, twice daily, and a 4-month-old gets 20 mins, twice daily. While it's a useful guide to prevent over-exercising, some sources note there's no hard scientific proof, and it's more about managing intensity (avoiding jarring impact) rather than strict time limits, with sniffing and mental stimulation being as vital as physical activity.
"Red Flags":
This is especially problematic if it is associated with growling, stiffening of body postures, or a snarling display of teeth. These behaviors indicate fear or pain and should be evaluated to make sure there is not a major underlying problem.
Towels or blankets can be used, however, there are disadvantages to their use. First, very young puppies can get trapped or lost underneath when trying to find their mother. They also can easily be crushed by their mother if they are hiding underneath.
Should you touch a newborn puppy? Unless a puppy is orphaned, you should avoid touching it for the first three weeks.
Heartworm disease is among the top silent killers of dogs and cats, and it's a slow and insidious disease which gradually incapacitates them. By the time pet owners notice the giveaway signs of this disease, serious damage may already have been caused.
Once the second stage of labor begins, delivery should begin within 3 hours. If no pups are delivered by that time, professional help should be obtained.
Fading puppy syndrome (or fading puppy complex) is when a puppy dies within the first few weeks of life without a clear cause of death or clinical signs, that is to say, they fail to thrive.
Unfortunately, pregnancies late in life are associated with numerous risks in dogs. You should absolutely avoid breeding a dog older than 8 or 9 years old. If your dog has not yet had a litter, even this is too old.