Tender Paws How Science-Based Parenting Can Transform Our Relationship with Dogs

What if you could nurture your dog the way that developmental psychologists, trauma specialists, and other experts approach raising children?
In Tender Paws, award-winning journalist Wendy Lyons Sunshine showsdog lovers how to use best practices from child development, attachment theory, trauma research, parenting styles, and advanced learning theoryto foster trust, resilience, and cooperation in their canine companions.
Reimagine Dog Training as Dog Parenting
Traditional dog training often relies on dominance, obedience, and control-but modern science tells us there's a better way.Tender Pawsintroduces theHEARTS framework, aholistic approach designed to help dogs thrive emotionally, behaviorally, and socially.
Healing - understand how physical issues, trauma, and stress affect dog behavior and how to support recoveryEnrichment - learn how to fulfill your dog's cognitive and sensory needsAppropriate environment - create a home where your dog feels secureRespectful relationships - build a trusting and cooperative connectionTeaching sensitivelyand positively -promote ideal learning with evidence-informed strategiesSupport the individual - tailor care to your unique dog's temperament, history, and biologyFar from a standard dog training manual,Tender Pawsshows how and why to applyparenting best practices to diverse scenarios, such as:
recognizing developmental trauma and unmet core needs, especially in rescue puppies and dogsmaking decisions about appropriate equipment,responding to difficult behavior,understanding the parenting style from which we approach our dogs.Full ofheart-tugging,real-life stories, expert interviews, and practical tools, Tender Paws empowers you to understand your dog's behavior through a new lens-one rooted in science, empathy, and connection.Helpful visuals and diagrams make it easier to decode signs of stress andfind effective ways tohelp dogs thrive emotionally, behaviorally, and socially.
What You'll Learn
The surprising similarities between raising children and raising dogs.How to apply principles from attachment theory and trauma-informed care to your dog.The importance of both nurture and structure for well-adjusted and emotionally healthy pets.How to avoid common mistakes that erode trust and increase anxiety.The HEARTS framework and tools to address behavioral challenges with kindness and science.
Readers have described Tender Paws as a "compassionate manifesto" and "a game changer." Recommended by animal behavior expert Temple Grandin as well ascertified dog trainersand dog lovers alike, Tender Paws is winner of aMaxwell Medallion from the Dog Writers Association of Americaand finalist in theIAN Book of the Year Awards.
Who This Book Is For
New dog parents looking for humane training methods.Rescue dog adopters navigating behavioral challenges.Pet owners who want aneasier approach to dog trainingDog lovers who want adeeper emotional connection with their pets.Anyone interested in the intersection of psychology, behavior, and animal welfare.A groundbreaking guide to compassionate, holistic, evidence-informed dog parenting-perfect for anyone who wants to raise a happy, well-adjusted dog without fear, punishment, or outdated training methods.