They’re bigger, stronger and much more interested in the world. This month is about keeping training fun while turning puppy manners into habits that still work when your Rottie becomes a serious-sized dog.
Your puppy may suddenly look much more grown-up, but mentally they are still very young. Expect progress and boundary testing to happen at the same time.
Height and strength can increase surprisingly quickly.
Teething is becoming a serious hobby.
The world is becoming more interesting than your living room.
But also more testing of rules and boundaries.
Use training, sniffing and play to channel it.
Keep socialization calm and positive.
A quick roundup of the essentials that make daily life with a growing, chewing, exploring puppy easier — from food and bowls to collars and crates.
4-MONTH PICKBalanced nutrition for controlled growth and developing joints.
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DAILY ESSENTIALStable, easy-clean bowls sized for a quickly growing Rottie.
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FIRST WALKSLightweight and adjustable while your puppy grows rapidly.
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SEE ALLBrowse crates, pads, food, bowls, collars, toys and more.
Browse essentials →Your puppy hasn’t forgotten everything. They are simply learning that the outside world contains dogs, smells, leaves, people and approximately 14,000 things more exciting than your voice.
Only increase difficulty when your puppy can still succeed. A long line is extremely useful for recall practice during this stage.
A cute 16-week-old puppy pulling toward visitors is manageable. A powerful adult Rottweiler doing the same thing is a completely different experience.
Use high-value rewards and a long line while distractions slowly increase.
Recall training →Reward position and attention before pulling becomes a rehearsed habit.
Leash walking →Build tiny amounts of duration around doors, food and everyday situations.
Impulse control →Practice trades before your puppy discovers something truly disgusting.
Leave it guide →Four paws on the floor becomes increasingly important as body weight rises.
Jumping help →Teach your puppy that doing absolutely nothing can also earn rewards.
Place training →Rottweilers grow incredibly quickly. Check fit weekly rather than waiting until something looks obviously too small.
Your four-month-old puppy may outgrow equipment very quickly. Prioritize correct fit, security and durability over buying premium gear that may only fit for a few weeks.
Not perfectly. Not everywhere. The goal is that your puppy is beginning to understand these skills and can practice them with increasing consistency.
Your puppy is becoming more independent, but the bigger adolescent phase is still ahead. Consistency now gives you a much better foundation when hormones, confidence and strength increase further.
Usually they have not forgotten the cue. The environment has become more rewarding and distracting. Lower the difficulty and rebuild reliability gradually.
Use several short sessions throughout the day. Everyday moments such as doors, meals, walks and greetings are also valuable training opportunities.
No. Calmly observing other dogs without interacting is extremely useful. Socialization should build confidence and neutrality, not an expectation that every dog is a playmate.
No. This is a useful stage for building loose-leash habits while your puppy is still relatively manageable in size.
More confidence, more strength and a new round of boundary testing. See what changes next.
Neutral is a superpower.
Your Rottweiler does not need to greet every person or dog. A valuable adult skill is being able to notice something unfamiliar and calmly move on.
Open socialization guide →