my dog sleeps at morning and won't sleep at night

I have some problems with my yellow labrador puppy, he doesn't sleep at night, only if I scoot down near  his sleeping area and wait for 30 min. for him to sleep. After an hour he's awake again and super active, that he wakes me up to play. He also prefers to sleep in the morning for awful long hours I guess 5 hours or so. And even if you wake him up or try to play with him, he won't budge and just keep on sleeping. He also has a very small appetite. Please tell me what to do?

[Margot49]

Hi.  How old is your puppy?  Where does he sleep?  Are you crate training him?  You need to reset that little guy's clock and get him on a schedule and it may take a while now.  He needs his own area to sleep in.  You put him out to potty before bed, put him to bed and you go to bed.  If he fuses, ignore him or he is going to get into the habit of getting you to cater to him.  Really, at least for now, crate training is the best way to go or baby gate off a room that is puppy safe.  Give him a nice blanket, a couple of toys, etc.
Be patient and consistent.

[mikz]

oh I'm sorry I forgot to type it down, he's a month old and a half and yes I'm crate training him, but one of his problems is he rather chooses to sleep on the floor. I placed his crate in my room and when he's awake not only does he starts to whine but he also starts biting my bed sheets. I'm in college and stays with my aunt for the time being and I'm afraid I can't let him create a lot of noise. And yes, I've provided him a lot of soft stuff for him. What else can I do to make him sleep? I'm getting some large eye bugs already and at class I'm starting to get sleepy. Please help and thank you for replying. Hope to hear more from you.

[Margot49]

Oh my, only 6 weeks?  Really too young to be away from Mom and litter mates.  Was he weaned before you got him and what are you feeding and on what schedule?  Maybe this was not the best time to get a puppy as they take a lot if care and complicated more since you are at your aunt's house.  If you crate train, they have to learn to stay in the crate.  Is it a large crate you can put some bedding and newspaper in?  Where is he kept when you aren't there?

[mikz]

Yes, but to be honest, his age was just my estimation because his teeth is still not complete so I thought he's still a month and a half old. I did not really know how old he is because he was just given to me. Yes he was weaned and I still give him the same food that was given to me, a puppy food, and at night I give him some milk too.
The crate was the old crate my k9 owned before he died which can fit the size of a year old dog. When I'm not there he stayed in the kitchen, but in daytime it wasn't a problem where he stayed because he just sleep for almost all day and stay the same spot.I left him in the kitchen because it has a door that separates from the dining room I sometimes put his crate in the kitchen too.

[Margot49]

That may be part of the problem then, he is sleeping all day.  Small pups do sleep a lot but need periods of activity for physical and mental stimulation.
What food are you feeding and don't give him milk.  All he needs is water to drink.  It is also very important that he be seen by a Vet to get wormed and start his vaccinations.
Is nobody home during the day?  You might try getting a couple of Kongs to leave with him and a large Nylabone or rawhide he cannot chew through quickly to give him something to do.
I am sure you love this puppy but this just may not be a good time for you to have a dog.  Can you even afford Vet bills for him?
You will just have to be strict with the crate training at night.

[mikz]

I gave him canned alpo puppy food. Yep, nobody's home but I make sure he has enough food to eat, and a large bone to entertain him, I also left the radio on so he would be hearing a little bit of noise and put down some bedding. Yep, I have my allowances and I'm planning to see the vet this week to know if he's already ready to have his first shot and have him wormed. Do I really have to give him away? Is there really no way I can keep him?

[mikz]

Actually I already have a past experience with dog, but not with puppies.I have a k9 dog before when I was in high school, but I received him when he was already 12 months old. He's a real genius. He's crate trained, sleeps well at night, eat well and most of all he only barks at morning or someone new is coming. I just have no idea what to do with small puppies. And this is my first time, so I'm really thankful for your help.

[Margot49]

Also is not a good quality food.  He should be able to eat small puppy kibble with some warm water added.  If the kibble is to large for him to chew, grind it up some in a blender.  He needs to be fed at least 4 times a day and no milk.  
I am not trying to be critical.  Only you can decide if this is the best situation for you and the puppy.  The older he gets, the more work and time he will need and he will start getting into stuff, etc.  

[mikz]

I understand, I guess I'll go find someone who can take much better care of him and who has more time. I think I should put his priority first, after all I know I can't give him the time he needs, it's hard for him to conflict with my studies. Thank you so much for the help. But one last question, in here it's almost 2:01 am and I think my dog isn't drinking much water today. What am I gonna do? I can't send him to the vet right now since it's midnight, I need to wait for tomorrow. In the mean time what am I gonna do?

[Margot49]

I wonder if the times are off on these forums cause it is almost 3:00 pm here in CA.
He is not drinking at all?  I assume he is eating and acting ok? No vomiting or diarrhea?  Empty his water bowl, get a measuring cup and measure out 1 - 1 1/2 cups of water, that way, you can remeasure it later to see if he has drank any.
I think you are making a wise decision now to rehome him before he gets much older.  It was nice of you to take him and try to do the right thing but he will be even more work soon.  If you have a SPCA or Lab rescue around, they may take him and find him a good home.

[mikz]

Oh he's drinking already, super active again, and his stool is solid, I think I was just over reacting. I understand. Thank you so much for your great help. God bless.