Family Paws Parent Education

Family Paws Parent Education Your leading experts in dog, baby and toddler dynamics since 2002 We are in 12 countries and 41 U.S. states! Why choose Family Paws?

Family Paws Parent Education is an established network of professionals worldwide dedicated to supporting families with dogs. We also offer a wide range of services to support dog professionals and childbirth professionals to increase safety and decrease stress between babies, toddlers and family dogs. If you need to find an educator near you, we can help! FPPE offers two internationally licensed

& highly endorsed programs, "Dogs & Storks" and "Dogs & Toddlers" for new and expecting families with dogs. Every one of our educators are licensed and completes a thorough 13-week long program taught by Jennifer Shryock, FPPE Founder and Owner. All educators receive a real world tested presentation created by an expert in dog and baby/toddler dynamics, and have a support team of their own made up of licensed dog & baby/toddler professionals. Family Paws Parent Educators believes creating Dog Aware™ generations is essential in all communities and the human-canine bond.

When it comes to dogs and young children, sleep isn’t just rest—it’s absent supervision 💤 Even the best family dog shoul...
07/05/2025

When it comes to dogs and young children, sleep isn’t just rest—it’s absent supervision 💤

Even the best family dog shouldn’t be left to share sleep spaces with babies or toddlers! ❌

Here’s why:

⏺️ Sleeping adults can’t actively supervise. If you’re asleep, you can’t intervene if your dog is uncomfortable or startled.

⏺️ Dogs and kids need undisturbed rest. A crawling baby or wiggly toddler can accidentally startle a sleeping dog, triggering a bite—even from the gentlest pup.

🚼 Babies and toddlers move unpredictably. They may grab ears, pull tails, or fall onto a dog without meaning to, especially during nap or bedtime routines.

🛏️ Safe sleep = separate sleep.

Dogs should have their own designated rest area, away from where children sleep or nap!

Set your family up for success with simple sleep safety rules:

✔️ Use gates or doors to separate sleeping spaces

✔️ Never leave a baby or toddler unattended with a sleeping dog

✔️ Prioritize supervised, structured interactions when everyone is awake

It’s not about trust. It’s about safety!

Let everyone—two- and four-legged—rest easy knowing their space and boundaries are respected 💛

4th of July Pet Safety Reminder 🎆🐾The 4th of July can be a lot for our dogs—loud fireworks, busy gatherings, and unfamil...
07/04/2025

4th of July Pet Safety Reminder 🎆🐾

The 4th of July can be a lot for our dogs—loud fireworks, busy gatherings, and unfamiliar kids can quickly become overwhelming.

In her blog, Morgan Jenkins ( ) puts it perfectly:

“Not all children are dog savvy, and many dogs don’t have much experience around kids—or the experiences they have had haven’t been pleasant. Even if your dog has children in the home, the tolerance your dog has for your child won’t automatically be extended to strangers or new environments.”

This holiday, keep your dog safe with these quick tips:

✅ Create a calm retreat away from noise
✅ Skip the fireworks shows
✅ Supervise all kid-dog interactions
✅ Double-check collars, tags, and microchips

Let’s make safety a priority—for everyone.
🐕❤️👶

🔗 Read more from Morgan’s blog for helpful insights on holidays like 4th of July, dogs and kids here: https://www.weleashthehounds.com/new-blog-1/2025/6/30/summer-parties-dogs-and-kids-what-you-need-to-know-for-fun-and-safety

We love a sweet moment between a dog and a child—but let’s be honest: not everything that looks cute on social media is ...
06/30/2025

We love a sweet moment between a dog and a child—but let’s be honest: not everything that looks cute on social media is actually safe ❌

Too often, viral videos and photos show dogs being hugged, climbed on, or surrounded by toddlers without any escape route.

These moments may seem heartwarming, but if we pause and look closer, we often see signs of stress, discomfort, or even fear in the dog’s body language.

✨ Just because a dog tolerates something doesn’t mean they enjoy it—or that it’s safe.

Dogs and kids can absolutely have safe, positive relationships, but it takes:

✅ Active supervision
✅ Body language awareness
✅ Respect for boundaries and understanding proximity
✅ Management tools for success stations (like gates, crates, and space)

Let’s shift the narrative from “cute at all costs” to “safe and supported always.” Because the safest interactions are the ones that never go viral—for all the right reasons. ❤️

✏️

06/29/2025

🐾 Upcoming Events with Family Paws Parent Education! 🐶👶

We’ve got a full lineup of educational webinars and courses designed to support families with dogs and young children! Whether you’re expecting, chasing a toddler, or a professional supporting families, there’s something for everyone.

✨ From safety strategies to body language breakdowns, you’ll leave empowered and informed.

📅 Don’t miss what’s coming up — visit familypaws.com to explore our upcoming events and register today!

06/29/2025

🚨 Calling All Dog Pros! Join us from anywhere in the world 🌍

Are you a dog trainer or behavior consultant working with families who have dogs, babies, or toddlers?

Looking to boost your confidence and skills in this unique niche — and earn CEUs for or ?

🎓 Our Dog Aware Mini Course is just what you need!

We only have 2 dates left for 2025! Our next one starts on July 2nd!

You’ll get hands-on, practical strategies starting in Week 1, using Family Paws materials designed to support families through real-life parenting and pet challenges.

We’ll dive into the 4 Pillars of Dog Aware:
🐾 Body Language
🐾 Sensitivities
🐾 Proximity
🐾 Supervision

Whether you’re new to this space or want to sharpen your expertise, this course will set you — and your clients — up for success.

💻 Register through the link in our bio or drop MINI in the comments and we’ll DM you the registration link!

We can’t wait to learn with you!

🧸 Ride-on toys, bouncing balls, noisy gadgets, and talking dolls can be exciting for little ones—but confusing or even s...
06/27/2025

🧸 Ride-on toys, bouncing balls, noisy gadgets, and talking dolls can be exciting for little ones—but confusing or even scary for dogs.

🐾 It’s important to watch your dog’s body language in all situations where new or noisy toys are being introduced and used.

If your dog shows any signs of uncertainty—lip licking, turning away, yawning, pacing, or tucked tail—it is important you listen and make some space for your dog to feel more comfortable!

✅ Remove your dog to a safe space and offer an enrichment activity like a stuffed Kong, snuffle mat, or a calm decompression walk away from the action.

🏡 Set up success stations—such as crates, gates, or behind closed doors—to give your dog predictable, peaceful retreats.

👀 Supervise closely and support both your child and your dog!

Babies change, grow so quickly! 💚This can lead to conflict and confusion for family dogs! 🐶 Join us at our Dogs & Toddle...
06/26/2025

Babies change, grow so quickly! 💚

This can lead to conflict and confusion for family dogs! 🐶

Join us at our Dogs & Toddlers Webinar on July 15th, 2025 to learn ways to include your dog as your baby becomes mobile!

Learn about grumble & growl zones, how to strengthen your Dog Aware skills, learn how proximity matters along with some fun games to make life easier!

This is a must for any dog lovers with kids or visiting kids!

Link to register is below or comment TODDLER and we will send you a direct link to your inbox 📥

🔗 https://familypawsbooking.as.me/schedule/1450ac5a/?appointmentTypeIds%5B%5D=19391069

Dogs are NOT toys! They are living, feeling beings with needs, limits, and emotions.✨ It’s our responsibility to respect...
06/24/2025

Dogs are NOT toys! They are living, feeling beings with needs, limits, and emotions.

✨ It’s our responsibility to respect their body language, honor their boundaries, and give them space!

Take this photo for example… It may seem harmless, but the dog is giving clear signals (tight face, looking away, closed tense mouth) that they are uncomfortable!

❌ Just because a dog is cute doesn’t mean they’re comfortable with being hugged, climbed on, or approached.

👀 Watch their signals and their body language! Listen to what they’re telling you—because every dog deserves to feel safe and respected!

Want to learn more about dog body language? Join us for our LIVE Dogs & Toddlers Webinar on July 15th at 7PM EST!

To register, please find the link in our bio or use the one below ⬇️

🔗https://familypawsbooking.as.me/schedule/1450ac5a/?appointmentTypeIds%5B%5D=19391069

06/23/2025

Let’s bust a common myth:

A wagging tail does NOT always mean a dog is friendly or happy.

➡️ Tail wagging simply means the dog is emotionally aroused — that could be excitement, frustration, uncertainty, fear, or even aggression.

Here’s what to look for instead of just the wag:

🔍 Tail Position & Speed Matter:

• High, stiff wag? ⚠️ May signal alertness or threat.

• Low, slow wag? 🐾 Could mean nervousness.

• Loose, full-body wag with soft eyes? ✅ Likely a happy, relaxed pup.🐶

Always look at the whole picture: Ears, Eyes, Tail and Muzzle all matter when reading a dog’s body language!

💡 Bottom line: Don’t rely on the tail alone. Respect the dog’s space and observe their full body language to understand how they’re feeling.

Interested in our FREE body language resource? Comment DOG and we will send you the link! 🐶

True or False? 🤔A wagging tail ALWAYS means a dog is happy What do you think?Let us know your guess in the comments and ...
06/21/2025

True or False? 🤔

A wagging tail ALWAYS means a dog is happy

What do you think?

Let us know your guess in the comments and we will share the answer tomorrow! 🐶

06/19/2025

🚫 No matter how well-trained your dog is, they should never be in close proximity to your baby in a baby swing. Even the calmest, most reliable dogs should be given space during this time — and here’s why:❗️The motion of a swing can be unpredictable and overstimulating for dogs❗️Dogs may be curious or concerned and want to investigate❗️Unintentional movements (like a sudden reach or kick from baby) can startle a dog❗️The space around a swing is tight — leaving little room for your dog to move away if they feel uncomfortable❗️Even a friendly dog can react if startled or overwhelmed✅ Instead of relying on training alone, set up success stations to help your dog and baby both feel safe:• Use baby gates or play yards to create physical separation• Tether your dog to a secure anchor point away from the swing if you have positively conditioned them to tethering • Set up a cozy crate or mat with enrichment activities in a quiet space• Use a leash to supervise and redirect your dog if needed🔑 Proactive management is always safer than reactive correction.A swing scene = a parent in between or a barrier in place. Always.

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Family Paws Parent Education provides resources and support for new and expecting families and the professionals that support them. Our specialty is dog and baby/toddler dynamics and safety. Founder, Jennifer Shryock mentors dog professionals choosing to increase their knowledge in dog and baby/toddler dynamics through the highly endorsed Family Paws Parent Education Educator program. These educators offer support and resources in their local communities all over the world. Our goal is to increase safety and decrease stress while achieving success with dogs and young children under the same roof.