Many dog breeders build a whelping box after the breeding, once a pregnancy has been confirmed. There are many plans on how to build a whelping box available online. Each breeder has their own preference as to which dog whelping box is the “right” one. Not all whelping boxes are created equal. And some have splinters or sharp edges. Yikes!

Even if you have the carpentry skills to build a whelping box from whelping box plans, where will you store it until the next time you whelp puppies? The bulky, heavy whelping boxes are often stored in basements or garages where they may pick up germs and bacteria that will be transferred to the bitch or the puppies. And even if you clean the whelping box thoroughly, unseen microbial germs and bacteria can linger from one whelping to the next. As a responsible dog breeder you have taken great care during every step of this breeding. Why risk your puppies’ exposure to possibly harmful germs?

Newdog unique whelping mats and disposable Whelping Boxes have established an excellent reputation with dog breeders, both in Europe and America. Newdog Whelping boxes are made from strong double walled, environmentally friendly cardboard which has good insulating properties and no harmful chemicals or plastics. They are also hygienic as they are designed to be disposed of after use, which avoids any concerns with cross contamination. The disposable option also avoids the need to store bulky and infrequently used whelping boxes. A waterproofed base card is included in the price to protect the floor of the box. They are also ideal as a secondary box for double whelpings.

Cherrybrook is proud to be the only American supplier of these hygienic, disposable whelping boxes and reusable mats. The Whelping boxes are available in 5 sizes and are shipped flat for easy storage and quick assembly. The sizes are 24” x 24”, 30” x 30”, 40” x 30”, 48” x 36” and 48” x 48”. With so many sizes to choose from most anyone can find the whelping box appropriate for their dog. A good rule of thumb is for the whelping box to be large enough to allow the dam to comfortably lie fully extended anywhere in the box and keep her litter in front of her. Bigger is not better. A too-large box will allow puppies to become disoriented and lost from their mother.

Now that Newdog has solved the whelping box dilemma, what about the pig rail to keep mom from rolling on her puppies? Newdog Puppy Protector Rails are made from polished aluminum. They are virtually indestructible and cannot absorb bacteria. These aluminum buffer rails need only to be purchased once. They are easily and securely fixed through the box with the bolts supplied.

Newdog manufactures two products for use inside the whelping box. The Newdog whelping mat is designed to be used together with the Newdog absorbent whelping insert.

John and Elaine Snow, owners of Newdog, developed the “Non-Ruck” whelping mat in 2001 after witnessing the behavior of a bitch digging at the bedding during and after whelping. The first users were delighted with it, as the bitch was unable to dig it up and bury her pups underneath. They are a "must have" item for any dog breeder, whether experienced or novice.

The top layer of the whelping mat is made from high quality veterinary fleece, made in England, stitched to a waterproof PVC material. The white fleece is used to show any problems such as unusual discharge or bleeding. On one edge of the whelping mat is a Velcro fastened opening into which a polypropylene stiffener is inserted. The combination of the stitching and stiffener ensures that the mat cannot ruck or bunch up. To wash the Newdog whelping mat simply remove the insert, sponge it down with an anti bacterial agent and place the mat in the washing machine at 40c or 104F. Air dry and reuse many, many times.

The Newdog “Stress Free” whelping mats are available in sizes to fit the Newdog whelping boxes but can be used in any whelping box.

Newdog has developed an absorbent whelping insert that is fully machine washable and is designed to be used in conjunction with the non ruck Whelping Mats.

The Newdog absorbent whelping insert is ideal for when the waters break or when the puppies start to urinate on their own. Simply place the absorbent insert into the whelping mat. After the birth, remove the absorbent pad and replace with a clean one. Follow the same washing instructions as for the whelping mat and reuse. No need to use shredded newspaper with ink made from harmful chemicals and little absorption, or multiple towels that bunch up.

Designed to fit inside the whelping Mat, the absorbent insert is available in 24” x 24”, 30” x 30”, 40” x 30”, 48” x 36” and 48” x 48”.

Visit www.Cherrybrook.com to order these unique products, other dog whelping supplies and books on breeding, whelping and genetics.

You’ve decided to get a puppy! But how do you know which one is right for you? First decide on a particular breed that is suitable to your lifestyle. Once you know the breed of puppy you want, the next step is to find a breeder.

Once you have narrowed your search down to a few breeders with the right credentials, schedule appointments to visit the breeders and their dogs. You want to make sure the grounds are well maintained. Some breeders keep their dogs and puppies in the house, while others may use a separate building. Whether the dogs are inside the house or in a separate kennel area, make sure it is clean and doesn’t smell like urine or feces. The kennel area should be bright, not damp, and be heated and air conditioned. If you are told you can’t see the kennel, leave!

Onto the puppies! The main things to look for in a puppy are personality traits. The pup should be happy and outgoing. Puppies that are hiding in a corner and not playing with littermates tend to be introverted and don’t make good pets. You want to find the puppy that has a lot of energy and is very curious about what is going on. Generally, you want a puppy that acts like a pain in the rear! Of course, these are the first puppies to go, so make sure you observe all the puppies together.

Make sure to look at the puppies faces. There should be no mucus from the nose and the eyes, and the nose shouldn’t be running. Watch how the puppies respond to you. They should cock their heads at different sounds, and should appear interested in who you are.

Once you have looked at all the puppies and seen how they interact with you, your family, and each other, you can make a decision on the one you want. Then you can bring your new puppy home!

Many people assume that in order to bring a puppy into your home, you must rearrange it. This is not necessary! You really don’t have to start making changes to your house. You can have a nice house, own nice things, and still have a dog!

Always remember that training is more important than removing items. A puppy must be trained to respect your home. If you use 24 hour supervisory control from the time you bring a puppy into your home, you won’t have as many problems with the puppy chewing, lifting its leg on the furniture or pooping all over the house. Just remember that accidents do happen, and they are easily cleaned!

Make sure you have the proper equipment for training before you bring the puppy home. You should make sure to have a crate or vari kennel for crate training, along with a pad or towel. Always leave the door open so the puppy has a safe place to go. This will also help the puppy get used to being in the crate for transportation purposes. Puppies will often go into alcoves or other small spaces. This is totally normal. The puppies aren’t hiding. They are just looking for a refuge where they can be alone. If there are children in the house, teach them to respect the puppy when it goes to a safe area. It’s down time and they should leave the puppy alone.

Your goal should be to live your normal life, with your puppy. Puppies must be taught that they are yours, not the other way around. If you compromise your lifestyle for a puppy, you will always be resentful.

When searching for a puppy, there are several things you want to ask a prospective breeder before making a purchase. One of the first questions to ask is how he or she came to breed this particular type of dog. What first attracted them to the breed? You may be surprised by the sheer amount of knowledge the breeder has about a particular breed, and how passionate they are about their dogs and puppies.

How long has he or she been breeding, or breeding the particular type of dog you are interested in? Have they shown their dogs? Some breeders don’t actually show their own dogs, but they breed them for others to show. And if the breeder has shown dogs, don’t be surprised if he or she wants to show off the trophies!

Most breeders register their dogs with one organization, such as the AKC. Have all the dogs and puppies been registered with the American Kennel Club, or another organization? Be wary of anyone who says their dogs are registered with several different organizations, like the AKC and the UKC. This could mean there have been problems in the past, and they may be prohibited from registering with the AKC.

Ask the breeder if you can see the mature dogs when you visit. Because they are so proud of their dogs, most breeders will invite you to see all of them! If you are refused, walk away. This could mean there is a problem. One of the dogs may be a biter or have a bad temperament, and this could be the parent of the litter you in which you are interested. Not allowing you to see other dogs is not a sign of a good breeder.

If you find a breeder you are comfortable with and you decide to purchase a puppy, the breeder should give you care instructions. Make sure he or she tells you about proper equipment, feeding and grooming. Also, make sure to ask the breeder about the first night home with your new puppy. Breeds vary in how they respond to separation from parents and littermates, so make sure the breeder explains the best way to care for your puppy in his new home – yours! Don’t be surprised if the breeder cries when you leave. Breeders are running a business, but a lot of time, care, and love go into that business.

Just like any other business they want to know how you heard about them. Be sure to mention to the breeder where you got his or her name, be it a friend or relative, the AKC or its website, another breeder, or Cherrybrook!