At about four weeks of age, the pups are relocated with mama to the nursery. Our nursery is a separate building close to our home that has all the comforts of home PLUS a full grooming station, bathroom, resting area, and plenty of room to separate litters and adult dogs of different genders.

The nursery includes plenty of room to store our pet supplies, has ample space for grooming and bathing the dogs, and is kept immaculately clean. Since we spend so much time in the nursery, we make it homey with cute posters, a wall calendar, and an adorable Schnauzer decorative border.

Here's one of our Schnoodle pups at our grooming station...also known as the "puppy spa!" The waist-high tub, spray nozzle, and non-skid mat make it easy for us to give the pups a quick bath.

The nursery has all the comforts of home: radio, microwave, coffee pot, sink, restrooms, mini-refrigerator, and comfortable seating.

In the nursery, mama dog gets to stay with her pups in a large fenced-in area. This is where the pups are weaned and learn to eat 'mush.' It's also where they continue to play and socialize.

This is another photo of the fenced-in area. The space is large enough to set aside places for "eating," "sleeping," and "going potty." As the pups learn to do their business, they are praised immediately.

As the pups get a little older, we move them, with mom, into one of our large indoor runs.

Once the pups are about five weeks of age, we attach the fenced-in area on to the end of one of our large runs. With this larger space, the difference between "sleeping area" and "potty area" is even more well-defined. We also work with the pups to learn the difference between "inside" and "outside."

As you can see, the nursery is only about 20 or 30 feet away from our own home. Our mamas and puppies are never far away from us once they move to the nursery. As the pups get older, and as the weather permits, they spend plenty of time outside in the sunshine and grass.