What should a 4-month-old puppy schedule look like?

At 4 months, puppies need 3 meals per day, 6–8 potty trips, about 14 hours of sleep with 2 daytime naps, and two to three 15–20 minute training sessions. Most are sleeping through the night by this point.

Is it normal for a 4-month-old puppy to have accidents again?

Yes. A regression around 16–20 weeks is common and well-documented. It is usually tied to a fear period, the start of second teething, or early adolescent hormones. Maintain the schedule without punishment — it passes within 2–3 weeks.

When does the fear period happen in puppies?

There are typically two main fear periods: the first around 8–11 weeks (just before most puppies come home) and a second around 14–16 weeks. During these windows, puppies become suddenly cautious about things they were previously fine with. Avoid flooding — keep exposures positive and low-intensity.

How much exercise does a 4-month-old puppy need?

Use the 5-minute-per-month rule: 5 minutes of structured exercise per month of age, twice a day. At 4 months that is 20 minutes twice daily. Free play in a yard does not count the same as structured walks — both are beneficial but serve different purposes.

When should I drop from 4 meals to 3 meals?

Between 12–16 weeks. If your puppy is consistently leaving food in the bowl at one of the four meals, that is the one to eliminate. Transition over 5–7 days by gradually redistributing those calories to the remaining meals.

What commands should a 4-month-old puppy know?

By 4 months, most puppies can reliably perform sit, down, and come when called in a quiet environment. They should also know their name, leave it, and basic loose-leash walking. If any of these are shaky, that is fine — this age is still well within the learning window.

My 4-month puppy is biting more again. Is this normal?

Yes. The second teething wave peaks between 4–6 months as permanent teeth come in. Gum discomfort drives mouthing even in puppies who had previously improved. Provide appropriate chews — frozen Kongs, rubber toys, cold carrots — rather than escalating training corrections.

4 Month Old Puppy Schedule: Daily Routine, Sleep & Training

16 weeks: most puppies sleep through the night and drop to 6–8 potty trips. Adolescence is starting — this schedule keeps the routine solid despite it.