A 4-month-old puppy is quite challenging, often dubbed the start of the "teenage phase". They are highly energetic, curious, and prone to testing boundaries, chewing furniture, and nipping as they lose baby teeth. While they possess better bladder control than 8-week-olds, they still require consistent, 24/7 supervision and reinforced, positive-reinforcement training to curb, often, erratic behavior.

What should I expect from my 4 month old puppy?

Your pup is going to put on height and weight at a rapid pace during this time and is being exposed to more people, places, and things. Your puppy is starting to develop preferences.

Are 4 month old puppies difficult?

Puppy difficulty at ages 3-4 months. Things start to ramp up by the time your puppy is 12-16 weeks or 3-4 months of age. This is a particularly challenging age for many owners for several reasons. First, your pup may still not be fully potty trained and you may start to be feeling frustrated!

What is bad behavior in a 4 month old puppy?

Excessive mouthing specifically during physical handling: Examples include a puppy who mouths hard during toenail trims, the removal of a toy or object, veterinary exams, hugging, and lifting. This is especially problematic if it is associated with growling, stiffening of body postures, or a snarling display of teeth.

What is the 10 10 10 rule for puppies?

The {Link: 10-10-10 rule for puppies is a potty training guideline: take your puppy out for 10 minutes, to a spot with about 10 feet of space, and supervise them for 10 minutes (or until they go), using praise and treats when they finish; if they don't go, return to a crate for 10-20 minutes and repeat. This method emphasizes consistency, frequent outings (especially after waking, eating, playing), and positive reinforcement to build a solid house-training routine.

What Should I Be Doing With My 4 Month Old Puppy

What is the 5 minute rule for puppies?

The "5-minute rule" for puppy exercise suggests 5 minutes of controlled activity (like leash walking) per month of age, twice daily, to protect developing joints, though it's a guideline, not strict science, and some experts say it can lead to under-exercising; focus more on type of exercise (calm exploration, sniffing) over just duration, avoiding high-impact, continuous activity while ensuring adequate mental stimulation and preventing overexertion by watching for signs of fatigue.

Is it common to regret getting a puppy?

Yes, it is completely normal to feel some degree of "regret" or "remorse" after bringing a puppy home. The most important thing to remember when it comes to talking about puppy blues is that it's completely okay to have these feelings and be frustrated with your puppy at times.

What are the red flags for puppies?

They refuse treats. They may urinate spontaneously. And, often, they growl, bare their teeth and worse. They may bark, lunge, snap and bite.

What is the hardest part of the puppy stage?

Stage 5: Adolescence (6 – 18 months) This can be the most difficult time during a puppy's development – adolescence. Your cute little puppy is becoming a teenager and will start producing hormones which may result in changes in behaviour.

How often should you bathe a 4-month-old puppy?

Generally speaking, it is recommended to only bathe your puppy not more than once a month. However, some dog owners may need to rinse their puppy's coat once a week if they have a particularly active lifestyle and spend a lot of time outdoors.

What should I be teaching my 4 month old puppy?

Not really tricks but obedience things you can teach are like "stand" and stay standed, "round" which for me is when they are in front of me they walk around my right side and sit in a heel position on my left. And "front" which is when they are in a heeled position they walk around to face me in a sit position.

How do you discipline a 4 month old puppy?

How do I discipline a puppy? Disciplining a young puppy may be necessary if its behavior threatens people or property, but harsh punishment should be avoided. Hand clapping and using shaker cans or horns can be intimidating enough to inhibit undesirable behavior. However, remote punishment is preferred.

What is a good routine for a 4 month old puppy?

Spend time playing with your dog so they get lots of mental stimulation and give them plenty of toys to play with so they don't become bored. But don't forget to make sure they get plenty of time to relax and sleep too. You may want to take your puppy to the grooming salon for their first cut and blow dry.

What is the puppy regression at 4 months?

Puppy potty training regression is when your toilet-trained dog reverts to doing his business in inappropriate places indoors. This relapse is typical for puppies aged 4 to 12 months. And while it may drive you up the wall in frustration, there's good news: It's temporary!

What is the 10 minute rule for puppies?

The "10-minute rule for puppies" usually refers to either a potty training method (10 mins outside, 10 feet space, 10 mins supervision, repeat if needed) or a training/exercise guideline (short, focused 10-minute sessions to prevent overload, or 10 mins of exercise per month of age). It emphasizes consistency, short bursts of activity to match a puppy's limited attention and bladder control, and positive reinforcement for success, preventing frustration for both pup and owner.

What to do if you can't cope with your puppy?

You can get help from a professional dog behaviourist if you are experiencing behavioural problems with your dog. If you need to give up your dog, using a reputable rehoming organisation is the best way to make sure your dog is matched to the right home.

How long does 1 hour feel to a dog?

An hour for a dog doesn't pass like it does for humans; due to their faster metabolism and perception, a human hour feels much longer to a dog, with some suggesting it's closer to 7 minutes of their time, making a work day feel like days, and explaining their intense excitement when owners return from seemingly short absences. They sense time through routines, smells, and body changes, not abstract clocks. 

What is the 7 7 7 rule for puppies?

The "777 Puppy Rule" (or Rule of Seven) is a guideline for early puppy socialization, recommending exposure to 7 different people, 7 different locations, 7 different surfaces, 7 different types of toys, 7 different challenges, 7 different food containers, and 7 short car rides (or similar experiences) by around 7 to 12 weeks old to build confidence and prevent fear, with each positive experience paired with treats and praise to create a well-adjusted adult dog.
 

What is the bratty puppy stage?

The Brat Stage starts at about 4 months and runs until about 6 months, and it's during this time your puppy will demonstrate even more independence and willfulness. You may see a decline in his urge to please you – expect to see more “testing the limits” type of behaviors.

What dogs do vets not recommend?

Vets often advise against owning certain breeds, especially brachycephalic (flat-faced) dogs like French Bulldogs, Pugs, and English Bulldogs due to severe breathing, skin, eye, and birthing issues; high-energy working dogs like Belgian Malinois and Siberian Huskies because they need extreme stimulation; and breeds with genetic predispositions like Dachshunds (back problems) or Chow Chows, citing health and welfare concerns. They see the suffering behind popular aesthetics, leading to recommendations against breeds with exaggerated features or intense needs.
 

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