How to Care for a 4 Month Old Puppy

Puppies of any age can be a handful, but by four months, certain breeds of puppy are big enough to cause a problem if they misbehave. According to dog trainer and behaviorist Norma Bennett Woolf, caring for a four-month-old puppy takes commitment, patience, and time. Puppies need nourishment, exercise, play time, and training in order to grow into healthy, well-behaved adult dogs.

Things You'll Need

  • Bowls
  • Puppy food
  • Water
  • Leash
  • Crate
  • Pet gate
  • Treats
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Instructions

    • 1

      Feed the puppy a high quality puppy food at least three times per day. Follow the amount guidelines on the food bag based on the puppy's weight. Adjust the amount accordingly until you find the perfect amount to control the puppy's weight, but remember that puppies' bodies are growing, so they may need more food than adult dogs.

    • 2

      Provide the puppy with plenty of fresh water. Change the water daily or whenever the bowl is getting low or the water is looking dirty.

    • 3

      Housetrain the puppy to help him learn the appropriate place to relieve himself. Take him outside on leash after eating, drinking, playing, or napping, and praise him when he urinates or defecates outside. If the puppy has an accident in the house, make a sharp noise to distract him and take him outside, praising him when he goes does relieve himself outdoors.

    • 4

      Keep the puppy in a crate or puppy-proof room with a pet gate when she cannot be supervised. This prevents the puppy from chewing inappropriately, or ingesting something that could be poisonous.

    • 5

      Socialize the puppy every chance you get. A well socialized puppy typically grows into a friendly, well adjusted dog. An under socialized puppy may grow into a fearful, potentially aggressive dog. Introduce the puppy to all kinds of people, animals, situations, and objects.

    • 6

      Train the puppy to be obedient. Start with easy commands such as "sit" and "down." Keep training sessions short and frequent so the puppy does not get bored. Give the puppy a treat when she performs the desired behavior. End each session on a positive note.