mother nursing dilemma

Question
I have a Papillion that is 8 years old and has had her first litter.  I have had 2 litter by another female that were very good and had no glaring problems, but this mom growled and snapped at her pups when they were only hours old.  She had 5 pups which we helped her to deliver.  She is a little larger than most papillions so we were expecting 4 (as per the xray 5 days prior to their births)and the 5th was a surprise.  We also can not get her to use the whelping box. She would not use it for labor or birth and did not like being moved into it despite the setup being in her space for 9 days prior to delivery.  Please respond to her growling/snapping at her young and how to get her into the box.  We justlost 1 pup last night after 24 hours and she continues to growl at them when the others are nursing or trying to nurse.
Thank you.

Answer
Hi Lynn

8 is kind of old to be having her first litter. And some females are just not meant to be mothers.  She may be one.

Arnica or Bach's Rescue Remedy (available at any heath food store) will help with the moods.  But I think you are going to have to watch her closely and not leave her alone with the pups until her hormones kick in.

The only way to get her to use the whelping box is to enclose her in it.  Using baby gates or a wire pen to keep her securely in the box.

Good luck