GROWING UP SHEEPADOODLE PART 1 Four Months Old… Where Did My Sweet Little Puppy Go?

Can you believe our summer puppies are already approaching four months old?

It feels like just yesterday they were tiny little bundles of fluff, and now they're growing like weeds, developing their own personalities and probably keeping their families pretty busy!

Hopefully, those sleepless nights are behind you, potty training is going well, and your puppy is settling into your family's routine.

But you might also be noticing a few new behaviours that have you wondering what happened to that sweet little puppy you brought home!

Wait… Didn't We Already Learn This?

Your puppy knows how to sit, comes when called and has been doing wonderfully with training.

And then suddenly, it's like they've forgotten everything!

You call their name, and they look at you like they've never heard it before. Apparently, that leaf blowing across the yard is far more interesting than anything you have to say.

At four months old, puppies are becoming more curious and confident. Everything around them is exciting, and sometimes listening to you isn't their first priority.

Don't get discouraged! Keep practising those basic commands, make training fun and remember to reward the behaviours you want to see.

Just because your puppy knows how to sit in your living room doesn't mean they can do it in a yard full of distractions!

Those Puppy Teeth!

If your puppy has suddenly decided that everything in your house is a chew toy, welcome to teething!

Around four months old, puppies begin losing their baby teeth as their adult teeth come in.

Make sure they have plenty of appropriate chew toys available. Chilled, puppy-safe teething toys can help soothe sore gums.

And remember to put away anything you don't want chewed. Your favourite shoes are probably looking pretty appealing right about now!

Has Anyone Else Got a Little Land Shark?

One thing I really want my puppy families to remember is that sometimes a puppy who's biting, barking and running around like they've completely lost their mind isn't being naughty.

They're exhausted!

Just like overtired toddlers, puppies don't always know when it's time to settle down.

If your puppy has been playing with the kids, running around the yard and getting into everything, they might simply need a nap.

This is why I encourage families to maintain a good routine and continue using their crates.

Sometimes the solution to that wild little puppy is simply a good sleep!

Why Did I Think Getting Another Puppy Was a Good Idea?

I have to laugh because I've had this exact thought myself!

You would think that after raising so many puppies, I'd be completely prepared for everything that comes with bringing another puppy into our home.

And yet, I can remember having those moments of wondering why on earth I thought getting another puppy was such a good idea!

The chewing, the constant supervision and those days when it feels like you're taking one step forward and two steps back.

Even when you know exactly what to expect, raising a puppy is still a lot of work.

But then they come running when you call their name, settle beautifully in their crate or finally make it through an entire day without an accident.

And suddenly, you realize just how far they've come.

Enjoy This Stage!

I know how easy it is to focus on everything you still want to teach your puppy. But don't forget to enjoy them along the way.

Take the pictures, enjoy the cuddles and celebrate those little training victories.

Your puppy doesn't need to be perfectly trained at four months old. They just need you to keep showing up, being consistent and helping them learn.

And to all my puppy families, please keep sending those pictures and updates! I absolutely love seeing how everyone is growing.

Remember, I'm always here if you have questions or need a little encouragement.

Before you know it, those little puppies will be all grown up, and you'll wonder where the time went.

~Heidi

True North Sheepadoodles