WHAT TO DO WITH DOG AFTER BITCH GIVES BIRTH

Question
Our Bichon Frise has just given birth to 6 pups yesterday and she is doing great, however we have the male dog at home and she seems to find this distressing, she is very wary and growls at him if he comes near.  Is this normal? and should we make arrangements to have him stay with family for a while? or will this behaviour pass.  He is very gentle and does not seem to be a threat at all.

Answer
Hi Teresa -- The new mother needs her own space.  I would have the male either kept away from the mother and her pups completely or have him shipped out until the pups are older.  

Once she settles in and she not as protective your household will go back to "normal".  But for the next three or four weeks, Momma needs space.

Good luck.