[PuppiesWuppies]

We just got a schnauzers that seems to be pretty well trained already. Runs to the door when he needs to go, will actually sit, well go away when we point and say "Go." Very nice dog so far. But he has not slept in 16 hours.


My family decided to put him in the cage to see if he would go to sleep. Is that a good idea? I read that you shouldn't put a new dog in a cage to punish it. Is this viewed as a punishment for the dog? I'm not for sure how the psychology of the dog is on is.

 

[Merlin's Mom]

Hi there,

This could be a case of a nervous little pup. I may need more information about him.

How old is this pup? Was it crate trained? Was he a rescue?

Are you trying to punish him for not sleeping? Any other information about this guy would be useful.

I have a miniature schnauzer and he was crate trained from the start! He now sleeps from 10-7 each day and of course some hours in the day too - In fact he is sleeping on the cold bathroom floor right now. lol. If this guy hasn't been crate trained you could look up Crate Games (google or on the forum) to get him started.

 

[PuppiesWuppies]

Hi there,

This could be a case of a nervous little pup. I may need more information about him.

How old is this pup? Was it crate trained? Was he a rescue?

Are you trying to punish him for not sleeping? Any other information about this guy would be useful.

It was from a shelter. Estimated age by the shelter is 1-3 years. What does "crate trained" mean? The crate we bought him yesterday he will go inside on his own. Usually if we give him a doggy biscuit he will take that inside his cage before he eats it.

He has not eaten much except when we first brought him home yesterday. Since then he has eaten one cup of dog food(Lamb and rice mix) and 3 doggy biscuits. I wonder if that too is normal. Going on 30 hours and that is what he has eaten.

Though through all this he has maintained without missing a beat his energy, and nice attitude.

 

[RedGermanPinscher]

As long as his energy level etc remain stable, I don't think you have anything to worry about. He is probably getting sleep you just don't see it. It all sounds like perfectly normal behavior for a dog that is just settling in. If he is going into his crate on his own without issue chances are he is crate trained ( able to comfortably stay in crate for extended periods of time without issue. They treat is as a den or safe haven).


As for eating, a healthy dog will not starve itself. It is not unusual for dogs to go off their feed for a couple of days while adjusting to their new enviorment. It could also be that (Depending on the brand (type of food and calories per cup) as well as, his size and overall activity level.) all he needs is one cup of food a day. I would try cutting out the treats for now and instead use the kibble as treats.
Also try splitting the food into two feedings of 1/2 cup each.. morning and evening...