You’re not alone—and your puppy’s confidence depends on getting this right.
Do you ever find yourself wondering:
“How much socialization does my puppy really need… and how do I know when I’m doing too much?”
If you’re feeling unsure, conflicted, or quietly worried you might be doing too much, I want you to know this first: you’re not failing your dog, you’re learning an important process.
If you’ve asked yourself this question, you’re already ahead of the curve. So many loving dog owners are told that more is better—more dogs, more play, more outings, more exposure. Yet deep down, something doesn’t feel quite right. Maybe your dog shuts down, gets overly excited, or seems unsure around other dogs despite “all the socialization.”
Here’s the truth that few really understand: Too much socialization can be MORE harmful than too little. And guessing your way through it can leave both you and your dog overwhelmed.
If you’re reading this, chances are you care deeply about doing right by your dog—and you may also feel overwhelmed by the amount of conflicting advice available. My new Book, The Space Between Dogs, set to launch Spring of 2026, was born from that exact place. In the early chapters, I share the common missteps many well-meaning owners make (myself included) and explain how good intentions can unintentionally lead to too much exposure. This post builds on that foundation, helping you understand how to move from pushing experiences to thoughtfully supporting your dog’s emotional growth. In Part 1 of my book, I share the truth of how I nearly ruined my first dog because I thought more was better.
Part 1 – Transforms Guessing Into Confident Decisions
Part 1 of my new book, The Space Between Dogs was written for the caring dog owner who wants clarity, not conflicting advice. In this opening section, I guide you through the early mistakes nearly everyone makes (myself included), and I show you how to shift from overexposing your dog to appropriately supporting their emotional development.
You’ll learn how to:
- understand the difference between healthy socialization and overwhelming exposure;
- read subtle stress signals long before they escalate;
- build confidence through safety, not pressure;
- choose quality interactions over quantity; and
- nurture your dog’s social growth at a pace that feels right for them.
Part 1 is your foundation. It’s where the guessing ends and thoughtful, dog-centered decisions begin.
Why This Book Matters So Much to Me
I wrote The Space Between Dogs because I have lived the consequences of getting socialization wrong. Early in my journey, with a dog named Pablo, I followed the well-meaning advice so many owners are given, “more exposure, more interaction, more social time.” I believed I was helping him. In reality, I was overwhelming him, asking too much, too fast, and nearly eroding the very confidence I was trying to build. I found myself wondering:
“How much socialization does my puppy really need… and how do I know when I’m doing too much?”
What I didn’t understand then, and what so many caring dog owners are struggling with now, is that reactivity doesn’t come from a lack of socialization. It comes from too much pressure without enough emotional safety.
Pablo didn’t fail my expectations, I failed to understand what he was telling me. And once I finally did, everything changed.
This book is my way of saying I see you. I know how confusing and isolating it can feel when you’re trying to do everything right, yet your dog is still struggling. I want to share the quiet “secret” I learned the hard way: socially appropriate dogs are not created through exposure—they are built through understanding, space, and thoughtful guidance.
Part 2 – Introduces the Moore S.C.A.L.E.™
Because once you understand the “why” and “how” of real socialization in Part 1…
Part 2 Transforms dog to dog introductions using the MOORE S.C.A.L.E.™ My thoughtfully designed, 11-category framework that helps you see and understand your dog’s social confidence when another dog enters the picture.
Through the Social Confidence & Adjustment Level Evaluation, you’ll receive a clear, color-coded guide that takes the guesswork out of canine social interactions. It’s designed to help you anticipate outcomes, recognize patterns, and confidently identify true social compatibility between dogs—so you can support calmer, safer, and more successful connections.
Part 3 – Guides you Through the Let’s Talk Process
Part 3 guides you through the Step-by-Step Let’s Talk Process. A clear, repeatable method designed to replace uncertainty with confidence during dog–dog encounters. Rather than leaving interactions to chance, this process shows you exactly how to prepare, observe, and respond in real time so your dog can stay emotionally regulated and socially thoughtful.
You’ll learn how to slow interactions down, recognize subtle communication cues, and make intentional choices that protect your dog’s emotional safety while building trust and resilience. Over time, the Let’s Talk Process transforms everyday encounters into meaningful learning moments—helping dogs develop stronger social skills and giving you the calm clarity to guide them with purpose.
These three parts together create a complete transformation in how you see, support, and socialize your excited, scared or pushy or reactive dog.
Join me!
If you’re reading this and quietly thinking, “I just want to do right by my dog,” this book was written for you.
The Space Between Dogs is not about fixing your dog or pushing them to be more social than they are ready for. It’s about understanding who your dog is, honoring their emotional needs, and guiding them toward calm, appropriate social experiences—at a pace that feels safe for both of you.
If you’d like to be part of this journey from the very beginning, I invite you to join my Book Pre-Order List. You’ll receive early access, launch-only bonuses, and supportive resources designed to help you raise a dog who doesn’t overreact—but instead learns how to think, adapt, and connect.
➡️ Join my Book Pre-Order List Here
Want to Learn More!
If you’ve already joined the pre-order list, you may find it helpful to revisit this related post where I explain why “too much” socialization—especially in dog parks and daycare—can do more harm than good.
In that article, I break down the science of flooding in clear, accessible terms and explain how repeated exposure without emotional readiness can increase stress, suppress communication, and undermine true social confidence. It’s an important foundation for the evidence-based approach you’ll see throughout the book.
➡️ Read this blog next – Why Traditional dog-to Dog Socialization Fails –Read More here
Stay connected and supported!
When you join my mailing list, you’ll receive practical training tips, early access to new courses, and first notice of my upcoming book—resources designed to help you build safer, more confident behavior without trial-and-error. I’ve made the mistakes so you don’t have to. My goal is to guide you with clarity, compassion, and proven strategies that truly work.