Whelping Box Directions

There are many designs of whelping boxes for female dogs and their puppies. A whelping box needs to be large enough for the mother to lay in it while fully stretched out and should allow plenty of extra room for the puppies. The most important thing to include is a "pig rail," which protects the mother from accidentally laying on and smothering her puppies.

Things You'll Need

  • Measuring tape
  • Marking pencil
  • Circular saw
  • Sheet of 4-foot by 8-foot plywood
  • Drill
  • Wood screws
  • 2 boards, 1 inch by 6 inches by 8 feet long
  • Paint or stain
  • Paintbrush
  • Sandpaper
  • Rotozip power tool
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Instructions

    • 1

      Measure 4 feet from one end of the sheet of plywood to the center and mark with a marking pencil. Cut along this line with a circular saw to create two 4-foot by 4-foot pieces. Set one piece aside to use for the floor of the whelping box.

    • 2

      Use a measuring tape to measure 1 foot from each end of the 4-foot square piece and mark with a marking pencil. Measure 1 foot from each of these two marks and mark them with a marking pencil. Cut along each mark on the plywood to create four pieces that are 4 feet long and 1 foot wide. These pieces will form the four sides of the whelping box.

    • 3

      Screw one of the sides onto the bottom piece using a drill and wood screws. Place one side standing 1 foot tall on a solid surface and place the floor on top. Insert screws every 6 inches from end to end. Place the second wall at a 45 degree angle to the first wall and screw it down to the floor in the same manner. Continue around the bottom, attaching the last two walls in the same fashion.

    • 4

      Turn the whelping box over so it is right side up. Cut each of the two 1-inch by 6-inch boards in half by measuring and marking 4 feet from one end to mark and cut. As a result, you should have four 1-inch by 6-inch boards that are 4 feet long. Screw each of the four boards to the inside of the whelping box 4 inches from the bottom of the box. These will serve as your pig rails. Insert screws from the outside of the box to attach the pig rails on the inside of the box on all four sides.

    • 5

      Paint or stain the entire whelping box inside and out with a paintbrush to protect the wood and lengthen its life. Painting will require the application of only one coat. If you choose a stain it will require two to three coats for maximum protection of the wood. Always sand in between coats of stain.

    • 6

      Use a Rotozip power tool to cut a notch out of one of the sides to provide easy access for a small dog but also provide protection so that the puppies cannot escape. Sand the opening so that it is smooth and has no splinters to harm the mother or puppies.