What to Use in a Whelping Pen for a Labrador Puppy

The whelping pen, also called a whelping box, is a place where a bitch delivers or whelps puppies and raises them. The size and amount of materials needed depend on the size of the dam and number of puppies. When preparing a whelping pen for a Labrador retriever, keep in mind that an average Labrador weighs from 55 to 75 pounds and that, according to the American Kennel Club Breeder̵7;s Handbook, Labradors have an average of seven to eight puppies in each litter.

  1. Whelping

    • Bedding is the only item needed in the whelping pen from the time the puppies are whelped until the second week. The bedding should be soft but easily washed. According to Vetinfo.com, the best bedding is a thin material such as a sheet or mattress pad since thick materials can cover up or suffocate newborn puppies. Place a heating pad or a warming lamp on one side of the pen if the room is not warm enough. The puppies need the temperature to be approximately 85 degrees Fahrenheit until they are at least 2 weeks old.

    Second Week

    • From the second until third week Labrador puppies are learning to walk and move. It is important to provide a surface that is not slick as this can cause swimmers, or puppies that have difficulty standing. Newspapers or other disposable material with a sheet over them provide absorbency with a nonskid surface.

    Fourth Week

    • Four-week-old puppies are learning to use one side of the whelping pen to potty and the other side to play so this will help make cleaning easier. Place shredded newspaper, butcher paper or another disposable material at one end for potty training and put sheets, towels, thin blankets or pads at the other end for play and sleep. Place a few hard balls and chew toys on the play side, removing any chew toy that might present a choking hazard. Also add a secure, heavy water container for puppies. Flat-bottom glass dog bowls are heavy enough for the puppies not to move and the slick surface prevents them from picking it up.

    Fifth Week

    • As the Labrador puppies begin exploring solid food, provide small-bite kibble in a small heavy container. Also add sturdy toys such as Kongs, Jolly Balls and teething ropes in the whelping pen.

    Sixth Week

    • If the puppies are trying to get out of the whelping pen, add higher sides. Many Labrador puppies are weaned by the sixth week; however the dam will still want to go in to clean and supervise, so make sure the side extensions are low enough for her to have access. Check toys and replace any that become damaged by sharp puppy teeth and add larger toys as the puppies grow.