What should I be expecting about now?

[styric]

Orion is 4.5 months old and I was wondering what was considered 'normal' for a pup to know; both with commands and manners.

Well as far as a puppy can know It tends to get forgotten the next hour, retrained, retained for a few days then lost again and all over again......

I'm just looking for a general guideline and ideas of what to work on with her.

[brunie's mom]

I think a puppy of that age should know all of the basic commands by that age...such as sit, down, stay, come and be able to walk on a loose leash.
Now, they may be able to do most of those commands for a very short stretch and, you should not expect a quick "down" or a long "stay"....but I think if you are training a few minutes every day....the pup should be able to understand the commands and be able to do it with treats and praise.

They do forget things sometimes ,or get bored or get distracted....best is to do something else and then try again later. Don't get frustrated or start expecting too much, too quickly. Puppy time is to have fun and for the pup to learn as well as you too.

Gina

[styric]

So I'm going about it right :) Excellent.

I've been doing bits and pieces daily since the day I got her. Never anything formal, mostly sit for me to throw a ball, stay while I hide a treat, lie down for her dinner etc.

[brunie's mom]

Do a google search for CGN test. I think pups are allowed to take it from 6 month and up? It will have all of the different steps to the test....and you can start practising some of the things. I think a pup/dog that can pass the CGN (in the states CGC)...is well mannered and knows basic obedience.

Have a goal to work towards, and if the CGN test comes up in your area later on, take it with your dog. It will also help in the future if you need to rent, to show a prospective landlord that your dog has qualified for CGN.

Gina

[poohbearsmom]

A 4.5mos old pup should be having FUN. While working on sit/down, etc. is part of normal everyday life at this age, it's more important for me to teach a pup 'boundaries' and 'life' = what's expected as far as manners in the home and out of the home.

I take young pups to local eateries with outdoor seating, the local Home box store, friend's homes, weekend trips and work. Building confidence about strange environments and people is of utmost importance.

Many people want to train their pups quickly, but I'm more of a show the pup the world kind of person. I might spend 2-3minutes a day on formal commands - the rest of the day, training is incorporated into life. Waiting for meals, attention (eye contact), relationship building through teaching the pup about the things around him. This is also the time when I teach a pup how to play properly with me (ball, tug, etc...) to make the transition from food rewards to toys easier.

Take your time with your pup and enjoy the puppy while she's still a pup!