Whelping my mini schnauzer

Question
First timer!  I have a few questions.  First, how big a whelping box does my mini schnauzer need?  She has been hanging out under my bed, scratching at the carpet for the past few days (she is at day 59 from first mating), but I don't really want her to have puppies under there.  I have chosen a different spot in my bedroom, but she isn't too keen on that.  What is she looking for in a whelping place and how do I convince her to use the place I choose for her?  What does a basic whelping box need to be?  Cardboard?  a plastic storage tote?  A specially constructed thing?  Also, we have tentative plans to go away less than a week after she is supposed to whelp.  Is that a bad idea?  We have a reliable and knowledgeable neighbor who could come to check on her.  Your advice?  And finally, how many puppies, generally, do mini schnauzers have?  Thanks for your help!

Answer
Hi Camille

For a Mini Schnauzer I would use a 4 x 4 box (don't forget to include the "pig rails").  You may have to enclose the box (2 sides against a wall and 2 sides with a pen). Include lots of old towels and rags so she can nest.  

She is looking for a den like area that is safe and quiet. Cardboard will get wet and smell, a plastic storage tote would work, but you have to worry about the pups squished into the sides. You can roll towel up to make a bumper for them.

The decision to be gone while she has new pups is a personal one.  If you are confident with your neighbor and understand that new pups should be checked on hourly, and also if your female is okay with "strangers", it's your call.   

The size of the litter is dependent on the female. A female is born with all the eggs she is going to have, so depending on her age, she could have anywhere from 1 to half a dozen.

Good luck!