Hi! Judy here with more ways to support you!
For years, dog owners have been told that socialization means more, more greetings, more places, more dogs, more interaction. And for resilient dogs, that approach can work just fine. But for many others, it quietly creates stress.
After more than 25 years working in canine behavior, I’ve seen how often well-intentioned advice misses the most important question of all:
Is this interaction actually comfortable for this dog?
When dogs are encouraged to “push through” social situations, they may comply because they are outnumbered, but compliance is not the same as confidence. Subtle signs of discomfort are often overlooked, and over time those signals can escalate into avoidance, reactivity, or conflict. I know as I almost pushed Drake to far when he was young – Thankfully, I knew how to build true confidence!
What looks like “progress” on the outside may actually be a dog learning that their voice doesn’t matter.
Let Me Help You Rethink Socialization: Doing Better, Not More
This realization is what led me to write my upcoming book, The Space Between Dogs. Not because dogs should do less—but because they deserve better guidance based on their unique temperament.
Learning to recognize social stress early allows us to make thoughtful choices that build trust rather than pressure. When dogs feel safe, curiosity follows naturally. When they feel overwhelmed, no amount of exposure will fix that.
If you’ve ever worried that you may have over-socialized your dog, or wondered why “doing everything right” still didn’t help, please know this: Healing is possible with the right guidance.
Why I’m Reaching Out Today
I’m excited to invite you to a free online educational series I’m participating in through AVAIYA University:
The Dog Trauma & Fear Solutions Series
This series brings together veterinarians, behaviorists, and trauma-informed experts to explore how fear and stress shape a dog’s behavior, and, more importantly, how we can support true recovery.
Common signs of unresolved fear and trauma in dogs include:
- Explosive reactivity
- Shutting down or freezing
- Extreme noise sensitivity
- Difficulty settling or trusting
Left unaddressed, fear can become cronic and impact both behavior and health, shrinking a dog’s world, and their family’s. But solutions are available.
What You’ll Learn in This Series!
You’ll hear practical, compassionate guidance on topics such as:
- The Myth of Socialization – MY Topic!!
I’ll be speaking about how our good intentions to make dogs “social” can unintentionally create more stress—and how to build a life that honors a dog’s individual needs and boundaries.
- Biology Over Behavior
Why trauma changes a dog’s nervous system, and why addressing physical chemistry—not just training—matters.
- The Science of Safety
What truly drives separation distress and anxiety, and what dogs experience when left alone.
- Holistic Tools for Regulation
Exploring supportive modalities that help dogs settle and restore balance.
- Understanding Individual Differences
Why personality, sensitivity, and resilience matter more than labels.
Don’t forget to download the speakers gifts! Especially my Simple Guide to the Moore Scale!
To save your spot: Register here
If these ideas resonate with you, I’ve also created a simple page where you can read more about the philosophy behind The Space Between Dogs and choose to be notified when it launches.
There’s no obligation, just a way to stay connected if this approach feels supportive to you.
To Learn Moore about Proper Socialization : Click here:
Thank you for being part of this community and for caring deeply about your dog’s emotional well-being. Awareness and keeping them safe, is where positive change begins.
Warmly,
Judy