Think Like a Dog: How Positive Psychology Can Help Your Dog Thrive

by Jen Golbeck

A engaging exploration of dogs and positive pyschology, this book reveals the surprising science that explains how your dog thinks and acts from Jen Golbeck, the “internet’s dog mom” behind the massive social media platform The Golden Ratio and the author of The Purest Bond.

Genres: Nonfiction

Kindle Edition

Expected publication September 1, 2026

Reviews

[Cassie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Positive Psychology mindset makes us look for the very best in our dogs, not the worst. From nurturing their curiosity, to helping them bounce back physically and emotionally, to supporting their self-regulation in a world full of noisy and deliciously stinky distractions. It gives us a practical, evidence-based, and compassionate pathway to transform the lives of our dogs. Just as important as what we can nurture in them through studying Positive Psychology is what they can teach us.

In my enduring quest to give my dog the best, longest, happiest life possible, I was excited to read Think Like a Dog, which uses the tenets of Positive Psychology, designed with the purpose of studying human nature, as a way to help dog owners understand our furry friends on a deeper level. Call it “Pawsitive Psychology”! (Why didn’t you, Jen?! What a missed opportunity!)

Jen Golbeck picks seven character strengths of Positive Psychology to relate to dogs – focus, vitality, fairness, curiosity, kindness, persistence, and humor – and shares ways we can foster these traits in our pets, enriching our lives and theirs. She meets several good boys and good girls in her research: from her own, a pack of Golden Retrievers in the Florida Keys, to a group of goofy yet disciplined sled dogs in the northern Wisconsin wilderness, to scruffy competition veterans and show dogs.

I think most of us are guilty of anthropomorphizing our pets and ascribing human emotions to them. Golbeck’s book, then, is so valuable, because it uses a method of understanding humans to help us understand our dogs – while also being very clear about the differences in our behaviors and thought processes and theirs. It’s about building on their innate strengths, not just correcting the things they get wrong. Once we fully understand the science behind how our dogs think and act, we can engage with them in ways that truly help them thrive. And what pet parent doesn’t want the happiest, healthiest, friendliest doggo in the world?

[Marsha Dixon]

I enjoyed this book. Jen tries to figure out what’s going on in the minds of dogs. She uses her own pack of Golden Retrievers for some of her research. She also meets dogs who perform, dogs who compete, dogs at an animal rescue and rehab clinic, and even her social media account to get the information she needs for her research. She uses positive psychology; concentrating on focus, vitality, fairness, curiosity, kindness, persistence and humor. She finds that instead of getting upset over problems or issues that make the dogs misbehave, she focuses on the qualities the dogs have that make them so unique. This in turn helps the dogs to channel their ‘misbehavior’ into something positive and even helpful.
Seeing things through the dog’s eyes rather than through our human eyes is so important.
I love her attitude and compassion for our furry friends. I hope that this book can help others understand more about their own pets feelings.
I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.


[Ro · Rating 5 out of 5]

I went into Think Like a Dog expecting a straightforward, step‑by‑step guide on how to ‘think like a dog’ in my own life, so I was a bit thrown by what the book actually is. Instead of a structured self‑help manual, this reads more like an exploration of the science behind how dogs think and act, and what positive psychology can teach us about helping our dogs thrive. Readers who enjoy learning about canine behavior, the human-dog bond, and the idea of building on your dog’s strengths rather than just correcting ‘bad’ behavior will likely find a lot to appreciate in this book.

[Suzan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was drawn to this book by three things. 1. The adorable cover. 2. The author and 3. The concept of Positive Psychology for dogs. Well, the book delivered on all of these. I had read Dr Jen Golbeck's book The Purest Bond and loved it. I love the idea of using positive psychology for dogs. This book gives an explanation of the science of how dogs think and act. Just like her previous book, she gives detailed scientific studies and facts to support her thoughts and ideas.
Thank you, Netgalley and Atria Publishing, for the ARC. This review is my unbiased opinion.

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an interesting book.
It is not like a self-help novel, but it explains different behaviors of our best -buds and how we can help to correct them once we understand them.
I really enjoyed it as it was very relatable to almost every single pup that I have had and still have.
I think anyone who has a dog will truly benefit and enjoy "Think Like a Dog:!

Thank you to @NetGalley and to @Atria Books for this ARC and for the privilege of reading and providing my own review..

[Heather McEndree · Rating 3 out of 5]

❤️ This book is full of great stories featuring dogs and how their brains work. For anyone who lives with and loves dogs, you’ll see your furry friends on these pages.
💔 I found the constant references to her social media pages repetitive and distracting.

[Bella]

This was such a unique and fun read. I love my digs and I often strive to understand what's on their minds. However, I never thought about comparing the psychology of dogs to positive psychology. I guess it makes sense though since dogs are known to be loyal and love their owners unconditionally. This book left me with a lot to think about and that's why I would recommend it to others.