To prepare for whelping, they are put in stalls that contain plastic wading pools lined with newspapers. When labor begins, the females start to “nest”—tearing the newspapers into small pieces and settling into the pools. During birth, the Kennel staff is present to monitor the labor and delivery and assists when needed. This assistance may involve assessing fetal heart rates, qualifying uterine contractions, resuscitating newborn puppies, clamping bleeding umbilical cords, and feeding females tired from a long whelp. (From Guide Dogs for the Blind)
