My Miniature Dachshund had puppies in July, we live in the woods so we have to watch out for the coyotes, turkey buzzards and hawks. I went out with them everytime, never left them out there by themselves. Also made our Shepherd go out with us. I would take my pistol too. They were so tiny it wouldn't have took anything for something to grab them. Thankfully they are all gone now so I don't have to worry about them anymore.