How to Train a 4 Month Old Puppy

When most people get a puppy, unless they are the breeders themselves, it is around 8 weeks old. The first few days are spent getting the puppy used to it's new home and helping them get over being away from their mother, brothers and sisters. Soon after, it is time to start potty training and crate-training the puppy. Both of these events can take some time and may even lead into the fourth month of the puppy's life. The next steps of training are as follows.

Things You'll Need

  • Leash
  • Collar
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Instructions

    • 1

      Train the puppy to walk on a leash. Most cities have leash laws, so it is important that a puppy is used to wearing a collar and being controlled by a leash. Two fingers should fit comfortably inside the collar when it is on the puppy's neck, to make sure it does not choke them. Let the puppy walk around with just the collar on for an hour, then add the leash and let the dog drag that around for about an hour. Do not let them chew on the leash. This is a bad habit that should be corrected immediately. After they are accustomed to wearing the leash and collar, take them for a walk. Obedience training will help them learn to walk beside, and not pull or need to be pulled.

    • 2

      Socialize the puppy. At this age it is important that they are brought around many people and other animals so that they do not become fearful of strangers. Allow them to have play time with children and other puppies. Socialization will help make sure the puppy is not aggressive and will be good around people and children when it grows up.

    • 3

      Teach the puppy to not be aggressive around food . This is something that is important for parents to teach puppies. When giving the puppy a treat take it away from them, then give it back. This enforces that they will be used to hands in their faces when they eat and won't growl or bite someone that tries to play with them when they eat. Pat their head when they eat dinner too, which is another helpful trick.

    • 4

      Start teaching them other obedience tricks at 4 months of age, like how to sit and how to stay. These should be the first two tricks any puppy is taught.To teach them to sit, say "sit" in an enforced tone. Then gently push their butt down to the ground and praise them. Do this until they do it themselves on command. Now that they can sit, teach stay by commanding "stay" and walking away. If they stay then praise them; if they follow, do it all over again. Praise with treats for more positive enforcement.