What are the signs that my dog is overwhelmed during socialization?

Most people assume a dog only becomes overwhelmed when they show fear or aggression, but excitement can be just as dangerous—leading to impulsive, unpredictable behavior. The real key to socialization isn’t just exposure; it’s teaching your dog how to exist in the world without being ruled by emotion. Before your dog even interacts, their body language and subtle cues will tell you if they’re calm and ready or on the verge of overwhelm. If you’re missing these signals, you could be setting your dog up for failure without even realizing it. Want to know how to recognize these signs early and set your dog up for confident, safe socialization? Click here to read the full article.