Are you a parent concerned about how your dog will interact with your newborn or young child?

Or a dog professional seeking to deepen your knowledge of dog-and-baby/toddler dynamics?

Or a veterinarian seeking to supplement your clinical expertise with behavioral training?

My specialty is helping people like you, and I’ve been doing it for many years.

I’m Jennifer Shryock, a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC) and the proud owner of Family Paws™ LLC in Cary, North Carolina. I’ve served as a board member of the International Childbirth Education Association. I’m also a mother and former special education teacher.

My special education teaching experience involved working with adults and children with a wide range of learning and communication styles. Reading body language was integral to my success and proved pivotal to my CDBC journey, which began in my home.

In 2000, my family adopted our first German shepherd rescue dog. That inspired my work with the rescue organization as a counselor and trainer: families with babies or young children found their situation overwhelming and were often on the verge of surrendering their cherished dog.

Once I recognized new and expecting families’ needs for support and education, I began developing resources for Family Paws. This specialized service led to the creation of two highly endorsed international programs:

• Dogs & Storks® for expecting and adopting families
• Dogs & Toddlers™ for families with babies three months of age and older

I’ve written and spoken extensively about these topics. Nation media such as The Wall Street Journal and Martha Stewart Living featured both programs. I also made appearances on television and radio shows.

Collectively, these passions fueled my creation of Family Paws™ Parent Education with programs across the United States, Canada, and beyond. Through this curriculum, I’ve mentored and supported hundreds of dog trainers worldwide, and I continue to support local and distant families.

My mission is to help create a world in which families with children and dogs live safely together with the mutual respect of each individual—human and canine—that contributes to a harmonious family unit.

Check out our Programs & Services for the consultation, class, or workshop that’s right for you. If you need immediate support, contact a trained professional through our Dog & Baby Support Line.