Hi, only just got to read this, I miss having pups, just love looking after them. I found I needed piles of newspapers, rubbish bags, lots of cut up old towles for all sorts of uses, maybe some paper towel as well, course the blunt sissors etc, I did have a clamp but must have thrown it out, that was brilliant to put on the cord until it was time to cut it, they ARE tough to cut, I hate doing it. The first time my Labrador had pups she was frightened but the last time she was great, I have to keep very quiet and very calm otherwise she panicks (like any mum). I also took her into our back yard and told her to do a wee in between pups, they were placed on a heat pad......I slept next to our pups from the start until about 3 weeks old and I bought a baby intercom and heard every noise!!!! I was glad to get back in my bedroom but still kept a check on them re the intercom....I did this as our bitch did roll onto one and one died as well on the first litter, I did not want this to happen again. Smaller dogs are not so bad at laying on pups as Labs, she also had 11 on her first litter and 9 this time...
I kept a bucket of warm water next to me to wrinse my hands in as there is green liquid that comes out and stains your hands sort of black. Good luck and hope to see some photos...remember, they usualy do it fine themselves, especialy if they are not disturbed and its peacful!!!!!
Oh yes, my whelping box was brilliant and not too expensive, made from marine ply and easy to put up take down and clean. One box had a rounded shelf around and joined onto another box with a little opening that could be closed off...The key was they had plenty of room and were nice and safe!!! THe chap is not making them at the mo!! I also had a fixed floor in mine as I did not want to trap little feet under it as it was very heavy!
