my friend has changed the newly whelped bitches whelping box tonight and since then the bitch has been digging and won't stop.  We are bothered that she is going to hurt her pups and we don't know what to do.  it is just like she is in labour again, there is no discharge, she went to the vet 12hrs after having pups, just dont know what to do.

I would have put it on my other post but need answers quickly.

Linda

Hi,
This is perfectly normal behavour. Dogs dig when they  have contraction while whelping.
Just like in humans the contraction carry on for a few days, but not as strong, this to contract the uterus back.
It is annoying when they do this, just keep an eye on the puppies, this willl pass, it could take up to a weeks.
Good Luck :-)

My girl did this , she constantly wanted to go outside and dig in the bushes. I think its also instinct that they want to hide their new babies from any predators. It does pass within a few days and is nothing to worry about.
mel.

Dont worry it is normal behaviour! Shes probably just reacting to the uterus contracting back, it may go one a for a few more days yet so just keep an eye on her with the pups incase she accidently harms them but usually they come to no harm.
With regards to 'hiding' pups and the possibility of her moving them, you may also find she moves them when you do the daily clean of the box for the first couple of days. In this case I gently put the pups back and talk to mum in a soothing voice, get mum in the box with the pups and use a panel from the puppy pen to cover the entrance. After being there for a little while she soon realises theres no need to worry and doesnt move the pups again. Of course you should sit and read(or do something else so you can pretend your not there to check on her!) a short distance away to check she doesnt object to this. My breed are very docile and never object to picking up the pups or keeping her temporarily in the box. Other breeds may do, so use your common sense as to how you think the bitch would react.