New Boxer momma

Question
We have a female boxer that just had a litter of 8 puppies.  One was stillborn but the others appear healthy.  Technically, she isn't our dog.  She belongs to our neighbor, but since she has a bed and regular meals at our house, she prefers it here.  My husband built her a whelping box and her and the puppies are in it.  But I don't think she is feeding them.  She doesn't appear to know what to do and if we try to put her in a position so the pups can get to her teats, she gets nippy.  We've tried leaving her alone and to not make her nervous, but the pups are constantly crying.  She had 1 stillborn pup 2 years ago but never any live pups to take care of that I know of.  We think she is about 6 years old but am not sure.  Any advise would be helpful.  Thanks

Answer
First of all, you guys are great for taking care of her and her puppies. Constant crying is a sign that the pups aren't getting enough milk. They will also be restless, and may crawl around looking for milk. Make sure mom has constant access to food and water at all times, this will help her milk supply. It sounds like you may need to buy some bottles and bottle feed these pups. Buy the regular baby bottles, and put a hole in the nipple just big enough for the milk to slowly drip out. You can either buy puppy formula, or make your own. They'll need to be fed every 2-3 hours at first. You'll have to potty them, too. Take a wet, warm paper towel and gently rub their private areas. If mom is licking them and taking care of them in every other way, you may not have to do that. Just hold a puppy up to her after it eats, and she should do the rest. Boxers normally make really good moms. She may just need a little extra time to figure this out. Check her milk daily, if she has any hot/red spots on her breasts, or if the milk is discolored, make her owner get her to the vet. If mom picks up and starts to nurse, then you may only have to supplement, if that. Check the nails on the pups. If they're too long take a pair of fingernails clippers and just clip the tips off. This is best to do when the pups are asleep. I have a couple of puppy formulas if you want them. Let me know if I can help with anything else!