I always checedk for cleft palates at birth with my Cockers. It is in some breeds, not others. Sometimes they can be repaired if not severe but the pups rarely do so well anyway so I euthanased straight away if found - having said that I've only ever had two in 30 years of breeding dogs. In that time I have always whelped my bitches in the house, sleeping beside them in case of any problems that could cause loss of both bitch and pups - as in my last litter - if Belle had been outside I would not have known she was aborting due to a ruptured placenta and would have lost her and the 5 remaining pups. And also in that time I have never used straw, always vet bed, not even towels as they can be chewed. But it's what suits you and your bitch that is best for you both at the end of the day. Hope they aer all well, and you find lovely homes for them - presumably working ones mostly.