In the whelping box where the pups are born. New born pups and mother
The bars are to prevent the mum accidentally rolling on a pup, giving the pup an escape route.
Once the pups are up and moving and getting hungry, weaning starts with specially formulated milk. Once able to lap well from a bowl, solids are slowly introduced. Then they are introduced to water as they are now starting to maintain their own body temperatures. Special vet bedding is used alongside newspaper to keep the pups warm and dry.
During cooler days/nights heat pads and lamps are used for more warmth. Pups are not able to control their own temp during the first few weeks of being born.
Until the pups are approx 10—14 days old they rely on mum for feeding and cleaning. Until this time they can only crawl and are not able to hear or see.