
Our puppies, Bassets, which are not small, were (back here in the UK) in a 4 X 4 whelping box in the living room where one of us could camp on the sofa with them overnight. Once weaning started and they were up on their little legs, we moved the 4 X 4 box into the kitchen and added the second 4 X 4 section to it to give everybody a bit more room, without having them running around the house, under the feet of the rest of the 'pack' which wasn't advisable for any number of reasons. And as most of our litters were planned to be into the 'better weather', if the weather was mild enough, we had them outside for short periods of time in an extended ex-pen to get some sun on their backs, and give me a chance to do a good clean out of the box!!
By the time we started weaning (around the end of week 3 going into week 4) mum certainly wasn't in with them other than to clean up after them, and initially to allow 'comfort suckling', usually standing up and once the nipping started, out - fast!! Ouch. 10 would certainly be 'daunting'!! So good luck with the work that lies ahead for you..... I always loved the first 3 weeks or so, provided mum was up to her job.
Have fun - you'll be really mixed up by the time they all go home - part loving it all and part PHEW!!