Preparing Your Dog for Children with Special Guest, Bethany Cunningham, CPDT-KA with Family Paws

In this episode, Nikki and Gray talk with Family Paws expert, Bethany Cunningham, CPDT-KA on preparing Gray to the TWINS he and his wife are expecting in November.

Family Paws provides specialized programs and support for new and expecting parents with dogs. Family Paws Parent Education | Dog Training for Baby Interactions

Since 2002, their goal has been to increase safety and reduce stress in homes with young children and family dogs. They help to answer the question “How can we prepare our dog for life with baby/children?”

Jennifer Shryock, owner and founder of Family Paws, saw a need for resources and information to support new and expecting families with dogs. While answering calls for a German Shepherd rescue Jennifer heard firsthand the concerns, challenges, and heartache families experienced. From fearing how their dog would accept a new addition to a serious bite to a toddler, families needed more support and resources. Recognizing this need led Jennifer down the path to developing this very important niche, dog and baby/toddler dynamics and safety through Family Paws. We strongly believe that education empowers, and our goal is to increase safety and decrease stress for all family members through education and realistic expectations.

Bethany is Family Paws Program Development & Educator Program Co-Instructor. She is a mom, professional dog trainer, and professional photographer. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Animal Science from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, and is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer with a focus on behavior modification in pet dogs.

Bethany has a deep love of animal behavior, child development, and visual arts, and is delighted by the fact that her multiple roles with Family Paws Parent Education bring all of those passions together. Bethany finds great joy in helping families succeed through relationship-building, empathetic practices for both dogs and children alike, and brings that enthusiasm to Family Paws both in her role with program development and as a co-instructor for the Family Paws Educator course. To learn more about Bethany, you can go to www.trainingbyconnection.com, or can view her portfolio at www.bethanyrosephoto.com.

Mentioned in this episode:

2026 Decoding Aggression and Reactivity Summit

If you want your dog to truly live well—not just get through the day, but feel safe, regulated, and able to move through their world without constant stress—this is for you. If you’re tired of managing triggers, walking on eggshells, or dreading walks because you don’t know what might set your dog off… you’re not alone. And more importantly, there is a better way. That’s exactly why I’m part of the 2026 Decoding Aggression & Reactivity Summit, created by my friend Ness Jones. She’s brought together more than 10 professionals from around the world (myself included) to help you understand what’s really going on underneath aggression and reactivity—and how to support your dog in a way that actually creates change. It kicks off April 19 (Northern Hemisphere) / April 20 (Southern Hemisphere), and you’ll get access to over 12 hours of education, real-world application, and conversations that go far beyond surface-level training advice. Yes, it’s a paid event—but at $47 USD, it’s a small investment for the depth of information, practical tools, and perspective you’ll walk away with. You’ll also receive a workbook, audio and video access, and a gift from each of the speakers. If you’re ready to start understanding your dog differently—and supporting them in a way that actually makes a difference—you can sign up here: Register HERE!