I have to say that most four month old pet puppies would have been through an awful lot of socialising and basic training.
I do agree that too many people put too much pressure on too young dogs to be "trained".
What I think people here are suggesting, not knowing the pups experience to date, is to socialise and go to puppy class - not have the dog do agility, protection or mountain rescue training!
It's a really good point though that basic training is not the same as the dog obeying every command given in an instant. (And, to put your mind at rest, a point I have pushed with puppy owners else where on this board!)
I'm afraid to say that trying a few commands is not the way to go - again, I agree that you should work to the pups character and you shouldn't push a young dog - but to try out and fail is also teaching the dog - to disregard you! Once you have started to teach something you must persist. The main two problems with this are that people think the dog understands the command way, way before it does and that too stressful commands are taught to too young dogs.
I know what you are saying and, in general, I agree. But there are rules that dogs need to learn, gently but firmly, like house training, being calm around people and not barking at everyone you meet on the street. By letting things go, letting the pup settle in before tackling these things - on some issues - you are making problems for the future.
Nice to see more and more people from the UK getting here! Hello and welcome!