Tender Paws

Leadership

What Kind of Wolf Pack Leader Do You Want to Be?

Wendy Lyons Sunshine, MA on August 3, 2025

Anytime you are tempted to treat your dog like a “pack member,” ask yourself: Do you choose a life of tension and violent struggle, or one of peaceful respect and caring?

Anytime you are tempted to treat your dog like a “pack member,” ask yourself: Do you choose a life of tension and violent struggle, or one of peaceful respect and caring?

Relationships

When We Lean Too Heavily on Our Dogs

Wendy Lyons Sunshine, MA on March 25, 2025

Sometimes, our relationship with a pet can unintentionally slip into complex and potentially problematic family dynamics.

Sometimes, our relationship with a pet can unintentionally slip into complex and potentially problematic family dynamics.

Animal Behavior

Can Your Relationship Survive Co-Parenting a Dog?

Wendy Lyons Sunshine, MA on September 21, 2024

Are you and your partner itching to bring home a puppy or dog? First, remember that living with a dog can be like parenting a toddler—one who never fully grows up and moves out.

Are you and your partner itching to bring home a puppy or dog? First, remember that living with a dog can be like parenting a toddler—one who never fully grows up and moves out.

Animal Behavior

Where a Dog Leads, We May Follow

Wendy Lyons Sunshine, MA on February 26, 2024

Researchers examine how synchrony affects our relationship with dogs. Can we encourage dogs’ affiliative behavior by following their lead?

Researchers examine how synchrony affects our relationship with dogs. Can we encourage dogs’ affiliative behavior by following their lead?

Persuasion

5 Ways Animal Rescues Can Increase Charitable Donations

Wendy Lyons Sunshine, MA on January 11, 2024

The psychology of encouraging donors to contribute.

The psychology of encouraging donors to contribute.

Evolutionary Psychology

7 Reasons Humans Keep Meddling in Canine Reproduction

Wendy Lyons Sunshine, MA on November 30, 2023

People breed dogs to achieve goals that are sometimes contradictory. New research suggests breed appeal may have a subconscious, evolutionary twist.

People breed dogs to achieve goals that are sometimes contradictory. New research suggests breed appeal may have a subconscious, evolutionary twist.

Stress

3 Ways to Help Your Dog Stay Mentally Balanced

Wendy Lyons Sunshine, MA on July 16, 2023

If you’re feeling socially anxious and cranky lately, you’re not alone. Researchers are seeing a worldwide uptick in mental health problems—and even your dog could be feeling it.

If you’re feeling socially anxious and cranky lately, you’re not alone. Researchers are seeing a worldwide uptick in mental health problems—and even your dog could be feeling it.

Attention

The Body-Mind Connection in Dogs

Wendy Lyons Sunshine, MA on March 15, 2023

The link between a dog’s body and mind—the intricate interplay between medical conditions, behavior, and emotions—draws researchers' and clinicians’ attention.

The link between a dog’s body and mind—the intricate interplay between medical conditions, behavior, and emotions—draws researchers' and clinicians’ attention.

Parenting

Can You Identify Your Dog Trainer’s Parenting Style?

Wendy Lyons Sunshine, MA on January 31, 2023

When looking for a dog behavior professional, consider their parenting style.

When looking for a dog behavior professional, consider their parenting style.

Parenting

The 4 Types of Dog Parents

Wendy Lyons Sunshine, MA on January 30, 2023

How we treat our four-legged family members has a lot in common with parenting.

How we treat our four-legged family members has a lot in common with parenting.

Fear

Can Pet Dogs Experience Freedom?

Wendy Lyons Sunshine, MA on September 30, 2022

Dog owners can benefit their animals by striving to meet the list of Five Freedoms.

Dog owners can benefit their animals by striving to meet the list of Five Freedoms.

Attachment

Seeking Comfort From Dogs

Wendy Lyons Sunshine, MA on September 24, 2022

What draws us to dogs? Maybe they offer something we aren't getting from other people.

What draws us to dogs? Maybe they offer something we aren't getting from other people.

Stress

3 Freedoms We Can Give Our Dogs

Wendy Lyons Sunshine, MA on September 22, 2022

New books show ways we can make our dog's life happier.

New books show ways we can make our dog's life happier.

Animal Behavior

How Pet Owners Cross the Line to Become Animal Hoarders

Wendy Lyons Sunshine, MA on June 29, 2022

Some pet owners refuse to admit that animals in their care are suffering. What has gone wrong? And what can be done to help?

Some pet owners refuse to admit that animals in their care are suffering. What has gone wrong? And what can be done to help?

Grief

Why It’s So Hard to Let Go of a Beloved Pet

Wendy Lyons Sunshine, MA on May 31, 2022

Making life-or-death decisions about a beloved dog can rock our world.

Making life-or-death decisions about a beloved dog can rock our world.

Animal Behavior

How Animals Help Family Court Judges Make Better Decisions

Wendy Lyons Sunshine, MA on April 29, 2022

Family court judges have discovered a new way to better serve families: asking about their pets.

Family court judges have discovered a new way to better serve families: asking about their pets.

Trauma

3 Simple Choices That Can Help Your New Rescue Dog

Wendy Lyons Sunshine, MA on March 28, 2022

The early weeks after adopting a shelter rescue are important. Make your dog's transition easier with these strategies.

The early weeks after adopting a shelter rescue are important. Make your dog's transition easier with these strategies.

Child Development

Does Your Problem Pup Need a Do-Over?

Wendy Lyons Sunshine, MA on January 30, 2022

Adopting a rescue can be full of surprises, especially for first-time puppy parents.

Adopting a rescue can be full of surprises, especially for first-time puppy parents.

Play

The Magic of Make-Believe for Our Dogs

Wendy Lyons Sunshine, MA on January 10, 2022

Is your dog a bundle of energy or nerves? One expert suggests the solution may be as simple as offering a make-believe playmate.

Is your dog a bundle of energy or nerves? One expert suggests the solution may be as simple as offering a make-believe playmate.

Domestic Violence

Domestic Violence Affects Pets, Too

Wendy Lyons Sunshine, MA on December 22, 2021

Domestic violence and animal abuse often go hand in hand. Fortunately, assistance is available.

Domestic violence and animal abuse often go hand in hand. Fortunately, assistance is available.