The Word of Dog: What Our Canine Companions Can Teach Us About Living a Good Life

by Mark Rowlands

A heartwarming philosophical meditation on how to live a fulfilling life—inspired by the inherent happiness of dogs.


If you have spent any part of your life with a dog, you may have found certain questions popping, unbidden, into your Is my dog living a fulfilled life? Is my dog a good dog? Does my dog love me? Addressing these questions compels you to confront not just your dog’s life but yours as well—to think about what fulfillment, and meaning, in life really is.


In The Word of Dog, philosopher Mark Rowlands explores these questions and suggests that in dogs we can see hints—faint, shrouded, but discernible—of what a better way of living might look like. Perhaps none of us can be happy in the way a dog can, but The Word of Dog shows us we could do a lot better than we’re doing simply by listening to the unspoken wisdom our dogs reveal to us every day of their happy, uncomplicated lives.

Genres: Nonfiction, Animals, Philosophy, Audiobook, Psychology, Self Help

256 pages, Hardcover

Published January 28, 2025

About the author

Mark Rowlands was born in Newport, Wales and began his undergraduate degree at Manchester University in engineering before changing to philosophy. He took his doctorate in philosophy from Oxford University and has held various academic positions in philosophy in universities in Britain, Ireland and the US.

His best known work is the book The Philosopher and the Wolf about a decade of his life he spent living and travelling with a wolf. As The Guardian described it in its review, "it is perhaps best described as the autobiography of an idea, or rather a set of related ideas, about the relationship between human and non-human animals." Reviews were very positive, the Financial Times said it was "a remarkable portrait of the bond that can exist between a human being and a beast,". Mark Vernon writing in The Times Literary Supplement "found the lessons on consciousness, animals and knowledge as engaging as the main current of the memoir," and added that it "could become a philosophical cult classic", while John Gray in the Literary Review thought it "a powerfully subversive critique of the unexamined assumptions that shape the way most philosophers - along with most people - think about animals and themselves." However, Alexander Fiske-Harrison for Prospect warned that "if you combine misanthropy and lycophilia, the resulting hybrid, lycanthropy, is indeed interesting, but philosophically quite sterile" and that, although Rowlands "acknowledges at the beginning of the book that he cannot think like a wolf... for such a capable philosopher and readable author not to have made the attempt is indeed an opportunity missed."

As a professional philosopher, Rowlands is known as one of the principal architects of the view known as vehicle externalism or the extended mind, and also for his work on the moral status of animals.

Reviews

[Kathrynwga · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for the audiobook ARC of The Word of Dog. This thoughtful and engaging work offers a unique philosophical meditation on existence through the eyes of our canine companions. Rowland blends endearing anecdotes from his own life with dogs, general reflections on the nature of our relationships with them, and deeper philosophical musings on the meaning of life.

Rowland’s writing is insightful yet approachable, making this a perfect read (or listen) for anyone interested in exploring the profound mysteries of existence while considering the important role dogs play in our lives. This book offers both intellectual stimulation and emotional warmth for canine lovers everywhere.

Additionally, the audiobook format provides a perfect companion for your daily dog walks!

[Adam Megahed · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is an interesting comparison between how dogs view the world and their lives versus how we do as humans. I don't think it will be anything shocking but if you enjoy anecdotal stories of how dogs maximize their time here on Earth, it is definitely something you should read. WARNING ⚠️: the chapter "Just Dogs With the Yips" may bring some tears to your eyes.

This was the first audiobook I've ever listened to. I definitely prefer reading rather than listening but it was a pleasant surprise how much I enjoyed the format.

[Krissi · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for providing a free audio arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This was not what I was expecting. It is a highly analytical and philosophical book about how dogs have helped the author grow as a person and help explain some behaviors of dogs and the fallible thought process that humans can have with assigning human-like behavior to dogs.

If you like a more philosophical kind of book, this would be for you. For me, I just could not get into it, but it's not a bad book.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Made me say “wish I was a dog”; then made me cry!
Good book. Just read it.

[Kathleen Rottier · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a scholarly examination of the behavior and mind of dogs. At times the author, a philosopher, goes pretty deep into the details of scientific studies about our canine friends. Nevertheless, my takeaway is a better appreciation of who we are to our pets and the meaning only we can give to their lives. The author's anecdotes of his life with dogs both made me laugh and cry.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was not what I expected so at first I sort of had to recalibrate my thinking as I approached the topic. I expected the usual pet memoir but, no, this was an exploration of philosophy using a dog’s life experiences to weigh different approaches to understanding thought and values. It took me a bit to understand this as I don’t have a background in philosophy. I had to read several passages twice to fully understand what was being discussed but once I was on the same wavelength I enjoyed the book. His dog, Shadow, was a joyful fellow who unabashedly ran through a line of iguanas on the beach every morning to see a line of them jump into the water in quick succession as he ran toward them, much like the bathing beauties in Esther Williams movies. I know those movies and in my mind’s eye, saw this water dance as if watching a dog and iguana version of Fantasia. People who enjoy pet memoirs may find this book a lot work as I did at first, but it was worth it just for those unexpected mind pictures that play out in your consciousness, perhaps in flashbacks to life with your own pets. For me it was my lab, Roxie and her startling ability to hunt down a kill armadillos in our yard. Not my cup of tea but she enjoyed immensely and was very proud of her accomplishments. And I would say, yes, it gave her a great sense of accomplishment and purpose and I believe hers was a life well lived and so was that of each of my dogs and a few cats, as well as the four dogs we have now. For sparking those memories, and for assessing my life so far, I appreciate this book enormously!

[Judy Frabotta · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who shares the author's love of and respect for dogs, and who fondly remembers her infatuation with existentialist writing in college, I just loved this book. It hit all my sweet spots. Plus the author has a disarming, gently humorous narrative style -- not at all the stuffy, wordy, intellectual approach you almost expect of philosophers. I think this would be a good read for someone who wonders what the big deal is about existentialism and wants to dip a toe in that water.

[Joelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

A crash course in philosophy through the lens of dogs. Can dogs reflect? Do dogs love their lives more than we love our lives? Can dogs make moral choices? Loved the personal stories of the author’s dogs - Shadow and the iguanas made me laugh and Hugo’s last day of course made me cry.

[Shannon Wold · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't think I've ever read anything about philosophy and I don't know a lot about it. This book kinda broke my brain 😬 I liked it, though.

[June Price · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was alternately bemused, bewildered, lost, and fascinated, sometimes all on the same page, with this one. This wasn't the book I was expecting, to be honest. I was figuring on a light, happy read about the authors dogs and how they'd helped him be a better person. Don't get me wrong. There's lots of stories within about his many beloved dogs but this definitely wasn't a light read. That said, it still had lots to offer and ponder. In fact, I'm not even sure this wasn't about as much the human condition as it was a study of dogs' happiness and place in the world as the author discusses such weighty things as do dogs reflect on their behavior and status, do they recognize themselves in mirrors, do they think about what they're about to do before they do it (I lean toward not a chance), and more, such as do they reflect on things. You know, like humans. Do they overthink things?

As such, I'll note that you'll be more comfortable with this one if you have at least a moderate knowledge of philosophy. Unfortunately, although I did recognize many of the personalities mentioned and even the theories, my background is obviously sorely lacking. Knowing who the likes of Socrates, Kant, and even the mythical story of Sisyphus doesn't mean one comprehends the deeper meanings. Not that it's actually necessary as it did make me think and contemplate what was said, whether I fully grasped it or not. But, let's just say, my brain isn't wired to do such philosophical deep dives, especially when it was expecting fun dog stories. I mean, I knew I was in over my head when the early stories of dog Shadow and his fixation on chasing iguanas moved into a discussion of Sisyphus, even though I grasped the author's main intent. So, this one is obviously one where the reader's mind and background plays a role. Maybe that's as it should be. After all, aren't we humans wired to overthink things whereas our dogs just, well, react by instinct? Maybe. Maybe not. You'll form your own opinions as you read, I'm sure.

As noted, I persisted and I'm glad I did. Even though I certainly didn't grasp all the nuances of the text, it was an interesting one to ponder. I'd be lost one moment and suddenly something would click and I'd go "Yes!" before realizing a bit later that my eyes had glazed over again and I had no clue what I'd just read. Yep, one of those books. Needless to say, the sections where there was nothing but dog talk were my favorites, the ones where the author's own dogs were the stars, not some long dead philosopher.

While I won't even attempt to summarize the content (pretty obvious why, I'm sure), I came away wondering if my dog perhaps wasn't the lucky one. We humans are way, way too complicated and in our heads. My own dog spent much of my reading time sprawled against or beside me, seemingly happy to simply be there, or just "be", while I pondered and tried to think through the ideas generated by my reading. Tried to view them in relation to her. She's currently sprawled out nearby in one of those impossible positions dogs get in that we just can't imagine are comfortable but, well, she's happy. I saw her paws moving earlier and wondered if she was lost in a dream of chasing that rascally squirrel. Is she happy? I think so. At least content.

Bottom line, while I probably wasn't a perfect reader for this type of book, it, gasp, made me think, even after I'd long since stopped reading for the moment. That's always a strong indicator to me that the book, much as I feel I struggled at times with it, was worth the time and effort. I already envied my dog the ability to find joy and simply be, so it was interesting to see how deeply others have thought about this same concept. Yep, we humans do tend to overthink things, don't we? Dogs just are. They are love, love till their last moments. One of the memories that stuck with me was near the end. The author is talking about having to put down a beloved family pet. Done at home, as it neared its last breath, one ear pricked up suddenly at a noise from its child humans. "Are they okay?" certainly had to be its last thought. Dogs are definitely love. My thanks to #WWNortonCompany - #Liveright for allowing me an early read of this reflection on how dogs think, react, and, yes, love. As bemused as I was at times, that aspect was never far from my mind or the author's.

[J Kromrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

Mark Rowlands’ The Word of Dog is a heartwarming and thought-provoking exploration of the profound lessons our canine companions can teach us about living a fulfilling life. Drawing from his background as a philosopher, Rowlands delves into the inherent wisdom of dogs, offering readers a unique perspective on happiness, fulfillment, and the human condition.

This book is structured around a series of philosophical meditations inspired by the author’s observations of his own dogs. Rowlands poses fundamental questions about life, such as what it means to live well and how to find true happiness.

The Word of Dog explores several key themes, including the nature of happiness, the importance of living in the present moment, and the value of unconditional love. Rowlands argues that dogs exemplify these qualities naturally, and by observing and emulating them, humans can learn to lead richer, more satisfying lives. The book also touches on the philosophical implications of our relationships with animals and what they reveal about our own humanity.

Rowlands’ writing is both accessible and profound, blending philosophical inquiry with personal anecdotes and observations. His style is engaging and often humorous, making complex ideas relatable and easy to understand. The narrative flows smoothly, with each chapter building on the last to create a cohesive and enlightening reading experience.

While the book is non-fiction, the dogs featured in Rowlands’ reflections are vividly portrayed, each with their own distinct personalities and quirks. These canine characters serve as the heart of the book, their behaviors and interactions providing the foundation for Rowlands’ philosophical musings.

The Word of Dog is a delightful and insightful read that offers a fresh perspective on how to live a good life. Rowlands’ ability to draw deep philosophical lessons from the simple, joyful existence of dogs is both inspiring and thought-provoking. This book is a testament to the profound impact that our furry friends can have on our lives and our understanding of what it means to be truly happy.

Highly recommended for dog lovers, philosophy enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of happiness and fulfillment. The Word of Dog is a must-read for those looking to find wisdom in the everyday moments shared with their canine companions.

[Rachel Roberson · Rating 3 out of 5]

More a 3.5 but rounding down for a somewhat jumbled mishmash of life-with-dog memoir and Western philosophy (tilted heavily toward Camus and early Sartre with a big swing through the ancient Greeks). I never read philosophy, and this was a decent treatment. I appreciated the chance to learn something new. But despite the solid rating, this book is not for everyone, even the diehard dog lover. The whole premise was wonky and bit of a stretch. Rowlands clearly loves dogs, loves Shadow, his troubled dog-at-the-time-of-writing and all his legacy dogs. He works hard to leverage luminaries of his chosen field to further elevate and appreciate these close companions and family members (Rowlands mentions all of his dogs, past and present, by name. His sons are mentioned but not named. His wife appears vanishingly rarely. This might be for privacy reasons, but it's noticeable.) Most of the time, the reader learns about philosophical principles that I'm sure don't go much beyond entry level, which was fine with me! But then too infrequently, Rowlands attempts to apply any given principle to the life of dogs, usually to reinforce how dogs are better, freer and happier than human beings. Not exactly a news flash to anyone who lives with a dog. The most interesting parts, frankly, were when he unpacked the research of others, such as Alexandra Horowitz, an animal researcher whose books I enthusiastically recommend. While it's touching to hear of Rowlands' absolute dedication to his canine family members over the years, this was a book that should have come down firmer one way or the other. Either make it a memoir with a sprinkle of philosophy, or a philosophy book that goes deep into a few principles with stronger connections to canine life.

[Tina Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! My husband got it for me after he heard about it on a podcast. It’s a philosophy book first, and a book about dogs second. The author does a wonderful job breaking down philosophical views on freedom, self-reflection, happiness, morality, and the meaning in life, all while sprinkling in stories of his own dogs. At various points I held my dog close (also, fittingly, a German shepherd) and sobbed while reading this book.

[Barbara Stewart · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love this author and I really loved his book about Brenin! This book is excellent if you want to learn/understand philosophy however in my view it is way too light on the part about dogs. I bought the book because I want to better understand dogs - I did get a couple of interesting tidbits but I'm afraid I spent quite a bit of time skimming through to get to the dog parts.

[Cuauhtémoc Kish]

"The Word of Dog" was a book I was eager to read, but was clearly disappointed as the author spent so much time philosophers from days gone by, who had little to say about the philosophy of dogs.

I made several attempts to finish reading it, but was unable to trn the final 50 pages.

Don't waste your time.

[Jenny · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a dog lover, I enjoy the author's premise that dog's love their lives and manipulate us into doing everything for them and thus they are geniuses. However, I was often lost at times as a novice when it comes to philosophy. I also found the text a bit repetitive at times.

[Clark Day · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lot heavier on the philosophical side than I was expecting. Guess I was expecting more of light-heighted anecdotal accounts of his experiences with dogs. The book does get to think and reflect on things - which does make us different than dogs. Oh to be more like a dog!

[C.M. Stenquist · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating-good reading

[Polly Callahan]

recommended by Marc Elias Democracy Docket

[Edwin Tait · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a brilliant and moving book working from philosophical premises I strongly disagree with at times. Which is to say it's one of the best kinds of books possible. I strongly recommend it.

[Dav Paulsen · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted more dog

His dogs were the foil for his reflections on the psychology of a meaningful life. But I felt they had only a minor and repetitive role.

[lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like what he’s trying to do here. For me it was overly philosophical when I didn’t want it to be, and not enough when I wanted more. Also a bit rambling, like a chicken pecking around a courtyard.

[Ryan Maloney · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting book about happiness/philosophy. I found it interesting just a little hard to get into as it was highly analytical and dove deep into philosophy.

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to the author and Goodreads for my copy.

[Angie G. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a comparison of a dog’s life versus a human’s life, and yes it made me want live the life of a dog. I did the audio version which I really enjoyed. The book itself brought a few tears to my eyes, but overall I enjoyed the wisdom of the various short stories.