Why Your Puppy Isn't Ignoring You (And What They're Actually Doing Instead).

"My puppy is completely ignoring me!" It's one of the most common things I hear from new puppy guardians, and I completely understand the frustration. You're calling your puppy's name, asking them to sit, or trying to get their attention, and they seem to look right through you. It's easy to feel like your puppy is being stubborn – but here's the thing: they're probably not ignoring you at all.

Let me explain what's likely happening instead, and more importantly, how you can help your puppy succeed.

Your Puppy's Brain Is Still Developing

First, it's important to remember that puppies have baby brains. Their ability to focus, process information, and make decisions is still developing. When your 12-week-old puppy seems to "ignore" you, it's often because their brain simply can't filter out all the fascinating sights, sounds, and smells around them.

Think of it like trying to have a conversation in a busy restaurant when you're absolutely starving and there's amazing food everywhere. Your puppy's world is full of incredible distractions that their developing brain finds irresistible.

They Haven't Learned Their Name Yet

Many puppies genuinely don't know their name means "pay attention to me." If you've only had your puppy for a few weeks, they're still figuring out that those sounds you make are actually directed at them.

Your puppy isn't ignoring their name – they just haven't learnt what it means yet.

The Environment Is Too Distracting

A puppy who responds beautifully to "sit" in your quiet kitchen might seem to have completely forgotten the word when you're in the park with dogs playing nearby. This isn't selective hearing – it's normal learning.

Dogs don't automatically generalise behaviours from one situation to another. Your puppy needs to learn that "sit" means the same thing whether you're at home, in the garden, on a walk, or at the vet's office.

You Haven't Made It Worth Their While

Here's something that might surprise you: if your puppy isn't responding to you, it might be because you're simply not offering something better than what's already got their attention.

That interesting smell on the ground or the fascinating leaf blowing in the wind might be more rewarding to your puppy than the treat in your pocket. This isn't your puppy being rude – they're just making logical choices based on what's most rewarding to them.

They're Overwhelmed or Overstimulated

Sometimes what looks like ignoring is actually a puppy who's feeling overwhelmed. When puppies are overstimulated or anxious, they can seem to "switch off" and stop responding to familiar cues.

If your usually responsive puppy suddenly seems to ignore everything, they might need a break rather than more training.

What You Can Do Instead

Start with their name: Practise getting your puppy's attention in quiet, boring places first. Say their name once, and when they look at you, immediately reward them with something brilliant – treats, praise, or a game. Don't repeat their name multiple times, as this teaches them they don't need to respond the first time.

Make yourself more interesting: If your puppy seems more interested in the environment than you, you need to become the most exciting thing around. Use higher-value treats, bring their favourite toy, or make interesting noises to get their attention.

Practise in easier places first: Master behaviours at home before expecting them to work in the park. Gradually add distractions as your puppy becomes more reliable.

Set them up for success: Don't ask for behaviours when your puppy is overtired, overstimulated, or in situations that are too challenging for their current skill level.

Be patient with the process: Remember that reliable responses take time to develop. Your puppy isn't being stubborn – they're learning.

The Bottom Line

When your puppy seems to ignore you, they're usually just being... well, a puppy. They're learning about the world, developing their focus, and trying to figure out how to balance all the exciting things around them with what you're asking of them.

Instead of feeling frustrated, try to see these moments as training opportunities. Every time you help your puppy succeed in paying attention to you, you're building the foundation for a dog who genuinely wants to listen and work with you.

Training a puppy takes patience, consistency, and understanding – but with the right approach, you'll soon have a dog who chooses to pay attention to you because you've made it the most rewarding thing they can do.

If you're struggling with a puppy and need help to get your training on the right track, get in touch to find out more about my Puppy Foundations Package, here