Quote:
Originally Posted by DBlain  question, if mom has to stay in the whelping box where does she go to the bathroom, especially if she is a dog that potty's outside |
These mommas put all their energy into caring for this babies...and they do not want to leave their babies to go poop/pee. It is not unusual for the momma to not go potty for 36-48 hours....and when she does need to go, she will often clean herself like she cleans the babies to keep from soiling the area they are in. However, we have the whelping box/crate lined with disposable pads or newspaper, and mom can run quickly to the far end away from the babies, poo or pee, and then return immediately to her litter. Instinct overrides potty training, and she will stay woithin site of those babies for several days/weeks. She will eventually trust enough to go out, away from her litter, but potty training kinds leave their minds when it comes to their babies. You have to watch....I have a couple of mommas that will NOT leave her babies to drink or eat....she absolutely needs to eat and drink, so I will offer her water and food by hand, right in the box with her babies, so she does not need to leave them for even a second.....this is her choice, so I honor this and make sure she is getting everything she needs. I expect this over protective behavior from my mommas...I worry if I have a momma that wants to go socializing or running around the house/yard, leaving her newborns unattended.... I figure I was the one that put her in this situation, it is my responsibility to make absolutely sure her needs are met, regardless of how little sleep I get, or how little I leave the side of that crate.