In this puzzle, solvers often get stuck on the categories that seem plausible but do not fit neatly into the defined groups. For instance, the words 'FERRY' and 'NICKS' might lead players to consider a category of musicians or singers, which could create confusion with the actual group of lead singers from '70s rock bands. Similarly, words like 'HALTER' and 'HARNESS' can mislead solvers into thinking they belong to a category related to clothing or accessories in general, rather than specifically for dog walking. These moments of ambiguity can cause players to second-guess their groupings, leading to frustration and incorrect associations.

To distinguish real groups from plausible decoys, solvers should focus on the specific characteristics that define each category. For example, the 'THINGS THAT SPIN' group clearly relates to items that have a spinning motion, which can help eliminate words that do not fit this action, like 'LEAD' or 'BRASS.' By identifying the core function or commonality in each group, players can better filter out words that might seem to fit at first glance but ultimately do not belong. Additionally, recognizing that categories often have a clear thematic or functional link can help in grouping words accurately, as seen in the 'ACCESSORIES FOR DOG WALKING' category.

One useful heuristic for future puzzles is to look for strong thematic connections that are not just surface-level associations. For instance, when considering 'LEAD SINGERS OF ’70S ROCK BANDS,' players should remember that the names must not only relate to music but specifically to that era and genre. Another takeaway is to always consider the action or function associated with items in a category—like the spinning function for 'THINGS THAT SPIN'—which can help clarify groupings and eliminate distractions from decoy words. Keeping these strategies in mind can streamline the solving process and enhance accuracy in identifying the correct groups in future puzzles.