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Spring has a funny way of making us all want more freedom.

The doors are open. The yard is active. The parks are busier. The smells are stronger. The squirrels are bolder. And suddenly the dog who comes running in the kitchen acts like they have never heard their name before.

Sound familiar?

Here’s the thing: your dog probably does know how to come when called… in the places you’ve practiced. But dogs don’t generalize well.

If your puppy suddenly seems like they’ve forgotten everything you taught them, you are not alone.

One of the biggest things people notice when the weather starts to warm up is that their puppy seems more distracted, more energetic, and a whole lot less focused.

And naturally, people start to wonder:

Why is my puppy not listening anymore?

But here’s the good news:

Your puppy probably didn’t forget their training. Spring just changed the picture.

One of the most common things I hear from people is:

“I’ve had Goldens before, but this one just isn’t listening.”

Or, “My other dogs never did this!”

And I get it.

When you’ve had dogs before — especially the same breed — it’s natural to assume this puppy will be similar. You think you already know what to expect. You think what worked before should work again.

But here’s the thing:

Bringing home a new puppy is exciting. Most people immediately start thinking about the important basics: finding a veterinarian, choosing the right food, getting supplies, and maybe even looking for a groomer.

Those things matter.

But one of the biggest mistakes people make in the first 30 days with a puppy is waiting too long to think about training, socialization, and support.

A lot of people do not start looking for a trainer until there is already a problem. 

This time of year can feel all over the place.

One day it feels like spring.

The next day it feels like winter again.

One day you’re outside more, walking more, doing more.

The next day everyone is stuck inside, a little stir crazy, and wondering what happened.

And honestly? Dogs feel that inconsistency too.

This past weekend, I had the opportunity to speak at Pup Palooza Buffalo, a local pet expo featuring speakers, educators, vendors, and grooming competitions. I was there speaking on revenue for pet professionals, but being at the event was also a great reminder of something I talk about all the time with dog owners:

we need to do a better job of getting puppies comfortable with being handled by many different people. (Pup Palooza Buffalo)

One of the biggest mistakes I see dog owners make has nothing to do with not loving their dog enough, not trying hard enough, or not caring.

It usually comes down to this:

They’re accidentally rewarding the exact behavior they don’t want.

And gosh, this happens all the time.

Not because people are doing anything wrong on purpose.

Not because they’re bad dog owners.

Bringing home a new puppy is exciting, joyful… and let’s be honest, a little overwhelming.

One minute you’re imagining cozy snuggles on the couch.

The next minute you’re cleaning up an accident, wondering why your puppy is biting your shoes, and asking yourself…

“Am I doing this right?”

If you feel this way, you’re not alone.

Most new puppy owners experience what I call the “first 30 day reality check.”

Every spring I hear the same thing from clients.

“My dog was doing so well all winter… and now it’s like they forgot everything.”

Suddenly the leash pulling comes back.

Your dog is distracted by every bird, squirrel, and blowing leaf.

They’re more reactive to other dogs.

And the calm walks you were enjoying a few weeks ago start to feel chaotic again.

As we head into March, I see a lot of dog owners feeling stuck.

Winter is almost over…

but it’s not quite spring yet.

Walks are inconsistent.

Energy is weird.

Routines feel off.

And people start thinking they need a whole new plan.

Here’s the truth:

• You don’t need more ideas.
• You don’t need more gear.
• You don’t need to overhaul everything.

Some days, you love your dog…

and you are also completely done by 6pm.

Work was long.

Life was full.

Your dog still has needs.

If you’ve ever thought, “I just don’t have it in me tonight,” this post is for you.

Here’s the good news: meeting your dog’s needs doesn’t have to be active, energetic, or time-consuming.

In fact, some of the most powerful enrichment for dogs is quiet.

Some days, you’re just done.

It’s cold.

You’re tired.

Your dog still has opinions.

And the idea of “training” feels like too much.

Here’s the good news: you don’t need formal training sessions every day to meet your dog’s needs.

You just need the right kind of games.

Why Games Matter (Especially in Winter)

Games:

• engage your dog’s brain
• encourage problem-solving