She should take care of the cord itself, if not...you'll have to cut it and tie w/unwaxed dental floss. And I use the the small vegetable scale( can get it from Walmart). About a week before she is due, have the Vet take xrays and you'll know how many pups she'll have. I use a box lined with blanket and flat sheet on top (for softness) for the mom and pups. I usually have it ready a couple of weeks before, so she can get used to and know its for her and pups. I cut out at the bottom of box a little doggie door with the flap so mom can get in and out. When the pups are bigger, I put them in a cage when I know they can't sqeeze thru the spaces of the cage. Good Luck and you'll do just fine
