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

Sunshine (coauthor, Raising the Challenging Child) has written about how to help frightened and traumatized children, and in this book, she applies some of those lessons to dogs. (The comparison is a bit of a stretch, but dog owners do often refer to themselves as pet parents.) She discusses the steps involved in adding a dog to one’s family, beginning with choosing a breed that is a good fit. Sunshine notes that adopters of rescue dogs should find out about any trauma the dog may have already experienced and then suggests ways to help the dog heal. The book includes case studies from professional dog trainers that illustrate some of Sunshine’s points and outlines different parenting styles that can apply to raising children and caring for animals. There are also specific, practical tips on how to choose a good dog leash and discussions of using human medications for animals.