"An extremely useful parenting handbook... truly outstanding ... strongly recommended."--Library Journal (starred review)

"A tremendous resource for parents and professionals alike."--Thomas Atwood, president and CEO, National Council for Adoption

The adoption of a child is always a joyous moment in the life of a family. Some adoptions, though, present unique challenges. Welcoming these children into your family--and addressing their special needs--requires care, consideration, and compassion.

Written by two research psychologists specializing in adoption and attachment, The Connected Child will help you:

Build bonds of affection and trust with your adopted childEffectively deal with any learning or behavioral disordersDiscipline your child with love without making him or her feel threatened

"A must-read not only for adoptive parents, but for all families striving to correct and connect with their children."--Carol S. Kranowitz, author of The Out-of-Sync Child

"Drs. Purvis and Cross have thrown a life preserver not only to those just entering uncharted waters, but also to those struggling to stay afloat."--Kathleen E. Morris, editor of S. I. Focus magazine

"Truly an exceptional, innovative work . . . compassionate, accessible, and founded on a breadth of scientific knowledge and clinical expertise."--Susan Livingston Smith, program director,Evan B. Donaldson Adoption Institute

"The Connected Child is the literary equivalent of an airline oxygen mask and instructions: place the mask over your own face first, then over the nose of your child. This book first assists the parent, saying, in effect, ''Calm down, you''re not the first mom or dad in the world to face this hurdle, breathe deeply, then follow these simple steps.'' The sense of not facing these issues alone--the relief that your child''s behavior is not off the charts--is hugely comforting. Other children have behaved this way; other parents have responded thusly; welcome to the community of therapeutic and joyful adoptive families."--Melissa Fay Greene, author of There is No Me Without You: One Woman''s Odyssey to Rescue Africa''s Children

Tender Paws takes a deep dive into the practical benefits of applying therapeutic parenting best practices to dogs in our care. ender Paws sheds fresh light on dog care, not found in other dog training and behavior books, by asking: What if you could parent your dog the way experts approach raising a vulnerable child? When award-winning journalist Wendy Lyons Sunshine adopted her first puppy—rescued from behind a gas station, separated from the litter too soon, anemic, and overwhelmed—she struggled to cope with the chaos. Standard training guides failed her, and in desperation she turned to an unlikely resource: a bestseller for adoptive families. Suddenly she saw the puppy not as a problem to correct, but as a young creature with invisible, unmet needs, and their relationship blossomed. In Tender Paws, Sunshine shares what she discovered about the essentials for supporting a dog's body, mind, emotions, and relationships—and ultimately why getting to the root of a dog's needs and behavior can make all the difference. The book features dozens of fascinating cases and introduces the HEARTS framework—six practical, research-backed caregiving habits that help any dog flourish, whether you're living with an 8 week-old puppy who's all teeth or a 10 year-old adult rescue with a mysterious history. You'll discover: Simple, gentle methods that support a dog's body and mind, based on research into neurobiology, attachment, child development, learning, and traumaDozens of real cases—the spaniel pushed to the brink, the high-drama border collie, the adult rescue facing behavioral euthanasia—to show you what genuinely helpsThe unmet needs and nervous-system stress underneath many behaviors, and how to build the sense of safety a dog needs before training can take holdHow to choose equipment and training methods that serve your dog bestThe HEARTS chart that readers tell us they photocopy and use daily—a simple way to pinpoint what your dog actually needs when behavior goes sideways "Lots of positive, gentle methods for working effectively with dogs." —Temple Grandin, author of Animals Make Us Human Winner of the 2025 ASJA Book Award and the 2024 Maxwell Medallion for Best Rescue/Adoption Book. Frequently Asked Questions I adopted a rescue with an unknown or traumatic past. Is this the right book for me?It was written with you in mind. It applies trauma research and attachment science—the kind used with at-risk children—to puppies and dogs carrying histories of neglect, abuse, or early deprivation. How is Tender Paws different from a regular dog-training book?Most training focuses on obedience and control. Tender Paws gets to the root of why your dog behaves the way it does and what it genuinely needs to thrive. Positive, force-free training is one part of a comprehensive, science-led approach rather than the whole answer. Do I need a background in science or psychology to follow it?Not at all. Readers and award-judges consistently describe it as easy to read and immediately usable, with real-life stories, helpful visuals, and one simple framework. It translates research from child development and animal behavior into plain, practical steps.

Tender Paws takes a deep dive into the practical benefits of applying therapeutic parenting best practices to dogs in our care.2024 Winner of Dog Writers Association of America''s Maxwell Medallion for rescue/adoption book and IAM Book of the Year Award finalist in the Animlas/Pets/Nature category.2024 Maxwell Medallion Winner (Dog Writers Association of America) | IAN Book of the Year Awards Finalist 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 advanced 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 and how to support recovery Enrichment—learn how to 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 with evidence-informed strategies Support the individual—tailor care to your unique dog''s temperament, history, and biology Far from a standard dog training manual, Tender Paws shows how and why to apply parenting best practices to diverse scenarios, such as: recognizing developmental trauma and unmet core needs, especially in rescue puppies and dogs 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. Helpful visuals and diagrams make it easier to decode signs of stress and find effective ways to help 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 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. Who This Book Is For New dog parents looking for humane training methods. Rescue dog adopters navigating behavioral challenges. Pet owners who want an easier approach to dog training Dog lovers who want a deeper 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.

What's the worst you've ever faced as a parent? An all-out tantrum at the mall? A son who won't take out his earbuds to listen to you? A daughter who's failing at school and won't do her homework? A teen who constantly breaks curfew? A call from the police? Whatever you're dealing with, Raising the Challenging Child will help.Building on their work at Chaddock, a nonprofit organization that has worked with some of the most challenging kids in the nation for more than 150 years, the authors empower frustrated parents with practical tips and real-life examples on how to - minimize behavioral meltdowns- reduce conflict- increase cooperation- promote healthy attachment- improve family relationshipsThe strategies they share work both for the child who is going through a difficult phase brought on by life disruption or trauma, and for the child who faces chronic struggles. Parents, teachers, and those who work with children and youth will find positive, practical steps they can start taking today in order to understand and address the baffling behavior of the child under their care.

"An extremely useful parenting handbook... truly outstanding ... strongly recommended."--Library Journal (starred review)

"A tremendous resource for parents and professionals alike."--Thomas Atwood, president and CEO, National Council for Adoption

The adoption of a child is always a joyous moment in the life of a family. Some adoptions, though, present unique challenges. Welcoming these children into your family--and addressing their special needs--requires care, consideration, and compassion.

Written by two research psychologists specializing in adoption and attachment, The Connected Child will help you:

Build bonds of affection and trust with your adopted childEffectively deal with any learning or behavioral disordersDiscipline your child with love without making him or her feel threatened

"A must-read not only for adoptive parents, but for all families striving to correct and connect with their children."--Carol S. Kranowitz, author of The Out-of-Sync Child

"Drs. Purvis and Cross have thrown a life preserver not only to those just entering uncharted waters, but also to those struggling to stay afloat."--Kathleen E. Morris, editor of S. I. Focus magazine

"Truly an exceptional, innovative work . . . compassionate, accessible, and founded on a breadth of scientific knowledge and clinical expertise."--Susan Livingston Smith, program director,Evan B. Donaldson Adoption Institute

"The Connected Child is the literary equivalent of an airline oxygen mask and instructions: place the mask over your own face first, then over the nose of your child. This book first assists the parent, saying, in effect, ''Calm down, you''re not the first mom or dad in the world to face this hurdle, breathe deeply, then follow these simple steps.'' The sense of not facing these issues alone--the relief that your child''s behavior is not off the charts--is hugely comforting. Other children have behaved this way; other parents have responded thusly; welcome to the community of therapeutic and joyful adoptive families."--Melissa Fay Greene, author of There is No Me Without You: One Woman''s Odyssey to Rescue Africa''s Children

Tender Paws takes a deep dive into the practical benefits of applying therapeutic parenting best practices to dogs in our care. ender Paws sheds fresh light on dog care, not found in other dog training and behavior books, by asking: What if you could parent your dog the way experts approach raising a vulnerable child? When award-winning journalist Wendy Lyons Sunshine adopted her first puppy—rescued from behind a gas station, separated from the litter too soon, anemic, and overwhelmed—she struggled to cope with the chaos. Standard training guides failed her, and in desperation she turned to an unlikely resource: a bestseller for adoptive families. Suddenly she saw the puppy not as a problem to correct, but as a young creature with invisible, unmet needs, and their relationship blossomed. In Tender Paws, Sunshine shares what she discovered about the essentials for supporting a dog's body, mind, emotions, and relationships—and ultimately why getting to the root of a dog's needs and behavior can make all the difference. The book features dozens of fascinating cases and introduces the HEARTS framework—six practical, research-backed caregiving habits that help any dog flourish, whether you're living with an 8 week-old puppy who's all teeth or a 10 year-old adult rescue with a mysterious history. You'll discover: Simple, gentle methods that support a dog's body and mind, based on research into neurobiology, attachment, child development, learning, and traumaDozens of real cases—the spaniel pushed to the brink, the high-drama border collie, the adult rescue facing behavioral euthanasia—to show you what genuinely helpsThe unmet needs and nervous-system stress underneath many behaviors, and how to build the sense of safety a dog needs before training can take holdHow to choose equipment and training methods that serve your dog bestThe HEARTS chart that readers tell us they photocopy and use daily—a simple way to pinpoint what your dog actually needs when behavior goes sideways "Lots of positive, gentle methods for working effectively with dogs." —Temple Grandin, author of Animals Make Us Human Winner of the 2025 ASJA Book Award and the 2024 Maxwell Medallion for Best Rescue/Adoption Book. Frequently Asked Questions I adopted a rescue with an unknown or traumatic past. Is this the right book for me?It was written with you in mind. It applies trauma research and attachment science—the kind used with at-risk children—to puppies and dogs carrying histories of neglect, abuse, or early deprivation. How is Tender Paws different from a regular dog-training book?Most training focuses on obedience and control. Tender Paws gets to the root of why your dog behaves the way it does and what it genuinely needs to thrive. Positive, force-free training is one part of a comprehensive, science-led approach rather than the whole answer. Do I need a background in science or psychology to follow it?Not at all. Readers and award-judges consistently describe it as easy to read and immediately usable, with real-life stories, helpful visuals, and one simple framework. It translates research from child development and animal behavior into plain, practical steps.

Tender Paws takes a deep dive into the practical benefits of applying therapeutic parenting best practices to dogs in our care.2024 Winner of Dog Writers Association of America''s Maxwell Medallion for rescue/adoption book and IAM Book of the Year Award finalist in the Animlas/Pets/Nature category.2024 Maxwell Medallion Winner (Dog Writers Association of America) | IAN Book of the Year Awards Finalist 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 advanced 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 and how to support recovery Enrichment—learn how to 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 with evidence-informed strategies Support the individual—tailor care to your unique dog''s temperament, history, and biology Far from a standard dog training manual, Tender Paws shows how and why to apply parenting best practices to diverse scenarios, such as: recognizing developmental trauma and unmet core needs, especially in rescue puppies and dogs 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. Helpful visuals and diagrams make it easier to decode signs of stress and find effective ways to help 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 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. Who This Book Is For New dog parents looking for humane training methods. Rescue dog adopters navigating behavioral challenges. Pet owners who want an easier approach to dog training Dog lovers who want a deeper 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.

What's the worst you've ever faced as a parent? An all-out tantrum at the mall? A son who won't take out his earbuds to listen to you? A daughter who's failing at school and won't do her homework? A teen who constantly breaks curfew? A call from the police? Whatever you're dealing with, Raising the Challenging Child will help.Building on their work at Chaddock, a nonprofit organization that has worked with some of the most challenging kids in the nation for more than 150 years, the authors empower frustrated parents with practical tips and real-life examples on how to - minimize behavioral meltdowns- reduce conflict- increase cooperation- promote healthy attachment- improve family relationshipsThe strategies they share work both for the child who is going through a difficult phase brought on by life disruption or trauma, and for the child who faces chronic struggles. Parents, teachers, and those who work with children and youth will find positive, practical steps they can start taking today in order to understand and address the baffling behavior of the child under their care.