- Winner, 2025 Book Award, American Society of Journalists & Authors
- Winner, 2024 Maxwell Medallion, Dog Writers Association of America
- Finalist, 2024 IAN Book of the Year



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 shows dog lovers how to use best practices from child development, attachment theory, trauma research, parenting styles, and learning theory to 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 Paws introduces the HEARTS framework, a holistic approach designed to help dogs thrive emotionally, behaviorally, and socially.
 

·       Healing - understand how physical issues, trauma, and stress affect dog behavior

·       Enrichment - fulfill your dog's cognitive and sensory needs

·       Appropriate environment - create a home where your dog feels secure

·       Respectful relationships - build a trusting and cooperative connection

·       Teaching sensitively and positively - promote ideal learning

·       Support the individual - tailor care to your unique dog


Far from a standard dog training manual, Tender Paws applies parenting best practices to diverse scenarios, such as:

·       recognizing developmental trauma and unmet core needs

·       making decisions about appropriate equipment,

·       responding to difficult behavior,

·       understanding the parenting style from which we approach our dogs.


Full of heart-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. 

 
Readers have described Tender Paws as a 'compassionate manifesto' and 'a game changer.' Recommended by animal behavior expert Temple Grandin as well as certified dog trainers and dog lovers alike, Tender Paws is winner of a Maxwell Medallion from the Dog Writers Association of America and finalist in the IAN Book of the Year Awards.