Our Set Up

Puppies are born in our hand made whelping box, in a room between our kitchen and "den". It's in the heart of the household, but quiet enough so as not to disturb Mum and puppies too much. We use a heat pad underneath the bedding to keep the pups warm if they need it.
Between 3 and 4 weeks of age, when they start to need more room to play and are trying to escape the whelping box, the puppies are transferred into a crate and pen, with separate sleeping, eating, playing and toileting areas (we use a puppy pad and newspaper indoors).
After that, the puppies' pen is extended so they have much more room to play! We add in a little bed and more toys!
Assuming the weather is nice, we like to get the puppies out into the garden anytime from 4 weeks. We will then start the very gradual process of toilet training outside and by the time the puppies leave, they will be let out first thing, throughout the day and evening, with a last toilet trip out before bed time. They will be used to the dark, wind, rain, wet grass etc, so will hopefully continue to toilet mainly outside, once in their new homes.

The puppies will get to play with all of our dogs and meet lots of family and friends, will hear lots of different noises, and each day will listen to a CD of loud noises, which includes fireworks, babies crying, vacuum cleaners, washing machines, trains etc.