The Whelping Box

The whelping box is done.

And we're gradually introducing Elsie to it.

For now we've put her dog bed in there, and removed the partitions, just so she gets used to the space.

You'll notice permanent internal rails along the sides. These are to prevent Elsie from accidentally smothering a pup between her and the sides of the box. If a pup wiggles under there, she can't lie down on top of it.


You may also notice the cut away "door" in the front. For now we'll leave that open so Elsie can come and go as she pleases.

But once she has her puppies, Don built a slider insert that can close that up to keep the puppies in. We'll just remove it so Elsie can get in and out as she needs to.

DH also built insertable partitions so we can cordon off sections of the box (if we have to rotate pups as they're feeding, or if we need to give Elsie a break from the puppies' constant demands). I'll post pictures of those as we get them inserted.

Oh, and DH (ever thinking about Elsie's comfort and puppy protection) made bumpers to cover the top edges of the box everywhere any rough wood is exposed. We just haven't put them on yet. Sweet guy, and handy, too.

He does good work, if I say so myself.

I think I'll keep him (hehe).

'Til next time,
Joan