Originally Posted by Chocosmum

Hi!

I'm new to the forum, but have something to add (and ask) to this topic!

Our 2yr old retriever (Kit) is having her first litter of pups in about a week (she ONLY just began to show so we were completely unsure!) and we're madly scrambling to get everything ready in time.

We also have a 5 month old lab (Choco) in the house and I'm a bit concerned about him. We have decided to take him to my cousin's house once Kit's temp drops and them bring him back a few days later. But because he is still a puppy do you think it will be safe? I don't want him to play too rough with the new pups, but perhaps Kit will protect them anyway?

Also, I'd love to know how you went about returning to work etc. (If only we had maternity leave for pregnant pets!) When is a safe time to leave Kit alone with her new pups? My partner works close to home and will probably be able to check on them at least once a day, but otherwise they will be by themselves from 7-4!

Kits a very obedient dog and we've told her she should have the pups on Friday night so that we can have the weekend free... lets see if she listens!

I'm then thinking about leaving the pups on our enclosed patio (with a heat source) so that Kit can still roam around the garden if she needs to and we don't have to keep the house open during the day. Is this too early? Should I leave the pups inside longer?

Choco is a very relaxed pup (for a 5 month old lab) but he loves Kit to death and will follow her anywhere - any experience here would be really appreciated!

Thanks!