[Joe 6-pack]

With Papillons it's more a matter of escape than birth. My experience is that dogs managed to whelp successfully, even before there were humans around to help. Let mom get into a quiet corner, and get out of nature's way.

If you're like me, you'll wanna puke if you stick around to see her eat the placenta.

[LongElegantLegs]

Just like a man, going all to pieces when a pregnant Mom indulges! ;-P

[Darnright]

The 2 of you might do well at the whelping of a litter of German Shepherds, or coonhounds, but leaving a Papillon bitch to whelp totally by herself has a very, very good chance of ending up not only with dead pups, but with the bitch toes up as well.

I've bred Papillons since 1987, so I know whereof I speak.

It's a good idea to lurk in the background, only offering help if the bitch is in active labor more than 2 1/2 hours, or if there is a green discharge, or if the mother is clueless about how to deal with pups (they can and do sometimes maul pups and kill them). Most Papillon bitches will freak if you try and leave them alone, and they will struggle to come with you. They want support.