Is 4 months too old to train a puppy?

Puppies have a lot of learning to do in their early months, just like human babies do, especially when it comes to navigating their new environment and picking up polite behavior.

We turned to AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator and Doggie Academy Manners Program Director Kate Naito, a certified dog trainer, for advice on how to encourage that learning.

How much do 4 month old puppies sleep?

Despite being little balls of energy, puppies typically sleep 18 to 20 hours per day.

Can you still train a 4 month old puppy?

As soon as you bring your puppy home, you should start training her. House training will be one of your first priorities. The majority of puppies start to understand this between 12 and 16 weeks of age, and they are fully housebroken by the time they are four or five months old.

What Should Your Puppy Know At 4 Months Of Age?

Colby, let’s move past vaccinations and feeding schedules and talk about what my puppy should know when he turns 4 months old.

House Training – It’s around this time that our puppy has fully grasped potty training. If not, they are usually very close with not much more than 1 accident per week.

Crate Training – Can sleep through the night without incident. Can also stay in the crate for short periods during the day without barking, crying, howling, etc.

Good House Manners

• Stays off the furniture.
• Puppy is typically not 100% at this age, but is given more freedom inside the home.
• can wait for food while seated for at least 30 seconds before being released

Socialization

1. Locations – puppies behave well on these types of outings. Neighborhood walksRestaurantsGrocery StoresShopping centersMovie TheatersBook StoresObedience ClassesIndoor/Outdoor Shopping MallsHockey Games.
2. Puppies at this age are typically “good” with meeting new people.
3. Dogs – pups are usually “just okay” at dog meet/greets.

Basic Obedience

1. Sit – Usually close to 100% without distractions.
2. Down – Usually close to 100% without distractions.
3. Can sit, stay, or lie down for at least 30 seconds without being interrupted.
4. Come – About 80% reliable with recalls without distractions.
5. Heel (Loose Leash Walking) – suitable for walks with a loose leash in well-known areas, such as your neighborhood

QUICK RECOMMENDATION: Puppies for Dummies is a great book that will teach you the foundations of raising and training a puppy. We highly recommend it for the new puppy owner. By the way, did I mention Puppies for Dummies was the first book I read before bringing home my rescue puppy, Linus?

FAQ

Is it harder to train a 4 month old puppy?

Puppy difficulty at ages 3-4 months. By the time your puppy is 12–16 weeks old, or 3–4 months old, things start to pick up. For many owners, this is a particularly difficult time due to a number of factors. The first possibility is that you might feel frustrated because your dog is still not completely housebroken.

Can I train my dog at 4 months?

By four months, you’ll notice your furbaby growing fast. Also, most puppies are potty-trained by this time. However, if they are left holding it for too long, they could still have accidents. If they’re ready, puppies can start learning more advanced commands at this age.

How late is too late to train a puppy?

Is it ever too late to begin training a dog? you may wonder as your life changes and your dog gets older, but fear not, it’s never too late. Whether your dog needs to learn a new skill at 12 years old or when you first bring a puppy home at 8 weeks old, you can start training them at any time.

Is it too late to get a puppy at 4 months?

Diseases like parvo, distemper, and others can be fatal and are sadly common in many areas, so you should definitely take precautions. But keep in mind that your puppy won’t receive all of her vaccinations until she is 4-5 months old. If you wait until then, you’ve already missed your opportunity.