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

by Jen Golbeck

The surprising science that explains how and why your dog thinks and acts from Jen Golbeck, the “internet’s dog mom” behind the popular Golden Ratio Squad online community and the author of the “fascinating” (First for Women) The Purest Bond .

Do dogs’ brains work the same as humans? Are they capable of the same spectrum of emotions as us? Do they have a sense of self? What the heck is wrong with this crazy dog?

Like many of us, Jen Golbeck looked at her rescue golden retrievers and affectionately wondered what exactly was going on in their cute, fuzzy heads. But as a left-brained scientist, Golbeck set out to seek concrete answers—research and data—to back up the hunch that there’s a lot more going on beneath the surface of our pups’ funny looks and adorable, occasionally destructive, behaviors.

What she finds is a surprising relationship between positive psychology and how we might learn to think about how our dogs think in a whole new light. She introduces a mold-breaking concept that shifts our focus from solving problems and scolding “bad behavior” to building on strengths based on qualities like focus, vitality, and curiosity. Through fascinating case studies, real data, and paws-on-the-ground research and with Golbeck’s signature “encouraging” (Library Journal) prose, Think Like a Dog shows how to apply these ideas thoughtfully, consistently, and with compassion, to help our dogs not just behave better, but to truly thrive.

Genres: Nonfiction, Dogs, Animals, Psychology

224 pages, Hardcover

Published September 1, 2026

Reviews

[Donne · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s hard to rate or review a book like this. First and foremost, it’s only going to appeal to a dog person, so there is that. Secondly, there is just so much information in it, I can’t begin to comment on most of it. I chose to read it because I am a long-time dog mama, who is always interested in knowing more about dogs in general and ways in which I can both improve and benefit my own relationship with my own fur baby, Bandit.

Bandit is a rescue whose companionship we have been absolutely blessed with. We have seen so much growth from that ragged, underweight and frightened pup we rescued from a local shelter. He’s come a long way, and has accomplished so much, but he still has his issues challenges and may always too, and that’s ok. We will love and care for him for the rest of his life. That was a vow we made to him the day we adopted him.

Hubby and I both work from home, so we get to spend a lot of time with him, and sometimes his behavior will have us asking ourselves, “what in the heck are you doing/thinking?”. We will sometimes affectionately call him knucklehead because he will just out of the blue do something just totally off the wall and sometimes, kind of stupid. Stuff like eat pebbles (from my garden) or bat at my cactus plants and then whimper when he gets stickers in his paw. Hubby’s favorite is when he barks at himself in the mirror or runs and hides in the laundry room or the bathroom if a fly somehow gets into the house. He can also still be very skittish on daily walks; hates trash trucks and motorcycles and a leaf storm can send him skittering behind our legs. I could go on, but I’m sure every dog owner has stories like this, Dr Jen Golbeck sure does, that she has now filled this book with.

If you’re not already familiar with Golbeck, she is one of the founders of the Golden Ratio Foundation, a non-profit organization that helps pay the medical costs for her and her hubby’s squad of special need, senior, Goldens and supports other Golden Retriever rescues. Dr Golbeck also travels around to check out other types of dog handlers and organizations whose functions depend on understanding how dogs think and how humans need to work with these dogs in order to provide them with the mental and physical activities and stimulation that the dogs need.

With non-fiction, I simply rate the material that was provided and the manner in which it was provided. A lot of great material and she did try and organize it into some kind of semblance and chapters. Once again, it was just a lot of info. I’m looking at an overall rating of a solid 3.9 that I will round up to a 4star review. I want to thank NetGalley and Atria Books for sending me this eARC in exchange for my honest review.

#NetGalley #AtriaBooks #ThinkLikeaDog

[Mary Dykstra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve been a follower of Jen and her dogs for 8+ years and I’m always a fan of whatever she works on. This was an interesting and quick listen, but is definitely way more fun to hear the anecdotes if you’re already a follower who knows and loves her dogs. Parts of it almost read more like a memoir of her going through the process of researching writing the book which I enjoyed.

[Christine · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars
Thank you, Atria Books, for the copy of this book. My review is voluntary and unbiased.

I love dogs and am interested in Psychology, so this seemed like it would be the perfect book for me. There is a lot of good information in the book with many anecdotes and mentions of scientific studies. However, it's a really hard book to read. The chapters are long without a clear division in topics. Shorter chapters or at least some subheadings would have made this easier to read and to go back and find portions to reference again. At least there is an index which helps somewhat.

There are some wonderful parts such as how dogs adapt their play based on the size and age of the dog they're playing with and how dogs can play "pranks" on other dogs and humans. Unfortunately, many of the interesting stories are lost because of the way the book is organized which is disappointing.

[LibraryNinja_Beritk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Think Like a Dog, from the internet’s favorite “dog mom” and scholar Dr. Jen Golbeck, tackles the most pressing questions dog owners have: How does my dog think? As a member of GOF and FOTS (iykyk), I was apprehensive that I wouldn’t be able to follow the logic and argument set forth, since Jen Golbeck is absolutely the most educated and deep-thinking person. Boy, was I wrong. This was a pleasure to read, full of good things, all written in a way I could understand as a non-scientific person. It read like a conversation between friends, and I learned so much.

“As we deepen our bond with dogs, not simply as pets but almost as emotional partners, it soon becomes clear that their well-being is closely tied to our own.” – Dr. Jen Golbeck

Golbeck, like any good scientist, gives us an in-depth look at how humanistic positive psychology applies to how our dogs matriculate into our lives. She lays out, in a well-written and easy-to-understand form, that by implementing her own scientific study into the Golden Ratio Squad’s life, they’re enhancing the dogs’ lives by focusing on well-being, happiness, and life satisfaction. Positive Psychology includes 24 traits; 7 are focused on in the book, and Dr. Golbeck breaks them down in chapter format, utilizing not only science but also the real-world examples from her dogs and others that have been shared with her.

Like everyone else in the world, I’m guilty of anthropomorphizing my dog, Luna. Think Like a Dog gives me the tools and knowledge I need to balance her well-being and happiness without forsaking the diligence the breed is known for (Border Collie Rescue). Thank goodness for the relatable stories and tips that enhance my knowledge and better serve my dog. What I wouldn’t give to come back in this next life as a member of the GR squad, or better, as a pet owned by me.

(on Voodoo aka Voods) “But he loved getting a rise out of Ingo, and I, and he would look gently amused whenever we caught him in the act. Even when he started eating whole rolls of toilet paper like they were apples or unraveling the rolls hanging on the holder, then dragging them all around the house, we struggled to feel annoyed.” Jen goes on to write, “His character strengths and fun-loving spirit cast a positive light onto every aspect of our relationship. He wasn’t being bad but rather putting on a comedy skit in our own living room. Infuriatingly, it worked.”

Tour links and preorders: Pre-order this book for your Labor Day or as a holiday gift for dog lovers! Support your local bookstores! Amazon has preorders as well- use your credits to preorder!

#goldenratio4 #jengolbeck #thinklikeadog #voods #NYTimes #atriapublishing #libraryninja📚

[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?

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dogs are running in a far slicker and more sophisticated operation than we usually give them credit for. from Think Like a Dog

Last year we brought home our seventh dog, fifth Shiba Inu, and fourth rescue dog. Tessa’s owner had died and she spent three months in two shelters before we adopted her.

A typical Shiba, she likes to do things her way. Her favorite toy is a squeaky ball. She likes me to chase her for it, then when she is ready, she drops it so I can toss it again. After which, we play keep away until she is ready to drop it again.

I knew it was a fun game. But I never considered it as Tessa showing a sense of humor until I read Think Like a Dog. Jen Goldbeck quotes Charles Darwin who wrote that dogs show a sense of humor, distinct from mere play.

Humor is one of the many attributes Goldbeck discusses, each seen through the lens of human Positive Psychology. She sets forth a positive approach to training by focusing on a dog’s strengths, not punishing them or employing the unfortunate, mistaken, ‘alpha’ method.

Goldbeck draws from her experience with her pack of Golden Labs, science, psychology, and experts. She corrects misconceptions and outdated understandings, sharing the latest research.

Dogs need stimulation. I liked the idea of hiding stinky treats for the dogs to find. Teaching them to wait and then find the hidden treat boosts their optimism and offers mental stimulation.

Each chapter has a subject: Focus, vitality, fairness, curiosity, kindness, persistence, and humor.

There is a lot of information to digest in this book, which would be a great reference book on a dog lover’s shelf.

Thanks to Atria Books for a free book through NetGalley.

[Victoria Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

How could I possibly resist a book with a golden on the cover, written by someone with SIX goldens? Not possible. It was just as charming and informative as I'd hoped. As someone who's had goldens my whole life, it's been interesting to see the change in training philosophies since the 1980s. Back then we were past hitting dogs, but we were telling them No and squirting lemon juice in their mouths when they did something wrong. Ugh, I cringe to think of it. With my first dog as an adult, we were past the lemon juice part, thankfully but we were told to come up with another word for No because we would be using that a lot. Finally, with my fourth golden, we moved to only positive training--treats, excitement, and distraction. I still haven't been able to walk any of them, without them lunging to make new friends. Sigh. In any event, I'm happy to see the focus on positive psychology, and how focusing on each dog's strengths can make them more resilient and happy!

I had heard the bit about dogs not actually feeling guilty even though they can look SO guilty when you catch them in the garbage, etc.! Interesting to hear that different parts of the brain light up, outside of the "guilt region." I would love to have heard more information about her assertion that dogs are actually measuring the amount of their owner's scent that's left in the air to know when they'll be home. Yes, they are great sniffers, but this didn't seem more likely to me than them following daily routines. Otherwise, I loved all the cute stories, and I will definitely be following the author's Golden Ratio social media accounts!

Thanks to Atria Books, via Netgalley, for the ARC!

[Barbara Boyd · Rating 4 out of 5]

In "Think Like a Dog" Jen Golbeck, professor, writer, and dog rescuer, presents the hypothesis that dogs live and behave by seven of the tenets of positive psychology. Initially, I thought the book would show me how thinking like a dog would make me a better human. Instead, each chapter looks at an aspect of positive psychology, such as focus, fairness, kindness, and humor and tests the idea that dogs embody that trait. Golbeck combines conversations with researchers worldwide, stories from dog owners, and first-hand experience with her own tribe of Golden Retrievers. Her writing style is accessible and precise.

Her rigorous research and reporting offer insight for dog lovers and pet professionals. The science, while slightly dense at times, proves what most dog lovers know about their beloved pets: that dogs are intelligent, feeling, even moral creatures. I found myself nodding at many of the examples that made me think of my own two dogs. For example, I've seen kindness first hand when the two-year old opens the door for the blind, deaf fourteen-year old. While there aren’t specific training skills to try with our furry friends, the overall idea is to observe their behavior, then encourage and reward good behavior rather than punish “bad” behavior.

For those interested in understanding their dog and building a better relationship, "Think Like a Dog” may be a good choice to gain knowledge about the psychology of dogs.

Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

#netgalley #thinklikeadog

[Paul Goble · Rating 4 out of 5]

Think Like a Dog didn't revolutionize my understanding of dogs. That honor belongs to The Other End of the Leash by Patricia McConnell and to the work of Temple Grandin. Instead, Think Like a Dog was a valuable and highly readable survey of recent research which supports and extends the ideas I learned from those two authors.

In the words of the author, the book seeks to answer the question, "What if we stopped trying to fix what our dogs are 'doing wrong,' and started asking what they need to flourish?" The book takes the human field of Positive Psychology and asks "deeper questions about how to improve our dogs' lives." I strongly recommend that readers look up a chart showing how the 24 strengths of Peterson and Seligman's Positive Psychology fall under 6 virtues.

The book does a good job of evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of the numerous studies it mentions. On the other hand, like much of Positive Psychology, the list of strengths is accepted ipse dixit (as a given).

As you can tell from the way I've written this review, Think Like a Dog is about ideas and a general approach to living with our canine companions. There's little in the way of specific advice.On the other hand, there is a ton of short anecdotes about pups demonstrating the ideas.

Recommended for: friends of the Golden Ratio squad, people interested in how researchers are trying to figure out what goes on inside pups' heads, and dog parents who want to extend their understanding of how to provide an enriching home.

[Anne Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got the advance of this book just as my family and I were adopting a new dog and I thought the timing would be perfect- I'd learn about the latest in dog psychology and how to make sure our new dog could thrive in her new environment.

Golbeck combines her personal obervations (she rescues and fosters Goldens), social media observations, and scientific studies to look at 7 aspects of Positive Psychology for dogs, including empathy, kindness, persistence, and humor. The scientific studies I found interesting- dogs have been taught to lie down in functioning MRIs so we can actually see what is going on in their brains while they are thinking (proving they aren't actually, for example, feeling guilty when we catch them doing things they know they shouldn't do). I very much appreciated the relaxed, conversational style of writing throughout the book- I didn't need to be a scientist to understand what Golbeck was talking about!

Sometimes a few of the anecdotes seemed to wander off the subject than other times, and I was hoping for more ideas in practical solutions to coming up with engagement and problem solving puzzles (we adopted a Malinois, I'm always looking for those ideas), but there were interesting facts, and it was a fast and fun read.

Everyone who lives with dogs should definitely read Think Like A Dog!

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review

[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.


[Monsi A. · Rating 3.5 out of 5]

As a dog mama, Think Like A Dog was a heart warming book to read. Both a study of dogs and how they think, and also stories that the author Dr. Jen Golbeck has heard through her journey as the founder of the Golden Ratio Foundation.

Jen divides the book into seven different parts: Focus, Vitality, Fairness, Curiosity, Kindness, Persistence, and Humor. With each chapter having examples of dog behaviors that correlates with each one and she also gives advice on how we can enrich each of those with our own pets. She also shares stories that’s she’s heard of the years, while also sharing some of her experiences with the elder Golden retrievers she fosters.

There were something’s I was learning first hand, with other things being part of my observations of a dog owner. Still, it was really interesting learning about Jen’s different experiences and what she’s learned. I think I just wished there had been more stories!

Thank you so much to Atria for a gifted physical copy in exchange for an honest review!

[Stephanie Tresner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Think Like a Dog offers a distinctive perspective on canine care by connecting positive psychology with the science of dog cognition and behavior. Rather than treating dogs primarily as animals whose unwanted behaviors need correction, Jen Golbeck encourages readers to consider their emotional lives, individual strengths, and capacity to flourish. Her background as a scientist, combined with her experience caring for rescue golden retrievers, gives the book a personal and research-oriented foundation.

A major strength of the book is its emphasis on practical application. By exploring qualities such as focus, vitality, and curiosity, Golbeck gives readers an alternative framework for understanding their dogs and supporting their development. The use of research, case studies, and real-world observations can appeal to readers who appreciate evidence-based guidance but also want advice they can incorporate into everyday life.

[Sam Aylward]

Think Like a Dog is an engaging exploration of dogs and positive psychology. Through her research and writing of this book, Jen Golbeck explores the science that explains how your dog thinks and acts - why they do what they do.

As someone with a still young dog, I picked up this book thinking it would be more instructional for tips on how to teach your dog based on how they learn, so I was a bit disappointed. The explanations of the behaviour dogs exhibit was definitely interesting in understanding how the psychology of dogs can be so closely related to character strengths of positive psychology studies.

If you have dogs, it's worth a read.

I received this ARC from NetGalley for an honest review.

[Sharyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second dog book I have reviewed recently, and I am happy the publisher sent me an actual book for easy reference. This book is so interesting, looking at dog behavior from the point of view of Positive psychology. There are many stories from dog owners, some made me laugh and some made me cry, and they all made me want to get another dog!
If you plan on getting a new dog, or simply want to better understand your dog, this book gives great insights.The author has six rescue goldens and has a charity, Golden Ratio, that supports her dogs and other goldens.
Thanks to Atria books for my copy. I am definitely recommending it to all my dog people!

[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.

[Savvy_ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Think Like a Dog: How Positive Psychology Can Help Your Dog Thrive by Dr. Jen Golbeck. This is a fun read for those who like psychology studies and love their pets. The author offers both scientific data as well as plenty of humorous and touching stories about her own dogs and those contributors to her Golden Ratio community. I learned more about pets and people reading this book.

I am thankful to Net Galley and Atria publishers for the opportunity to read an ARC of this book.

[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..

[Teresa Starrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Golbeck has done it. This book is packed with ways in which can better understand the dogs in our lives. As the proud pup parent of three, I was able to extract information that will help me with each of them- from the six-month-old to our more mature matriarch. If you have ever wondered what is going on behind your dogs’ sweet eyes, this book provides a glimpse. Many thanks to NetGalley and Atria books for the advance copy. All opinions are my own.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having had dogs before and since we’re getting a new puppy in a couple of weeks, I couldn’t wait to read this book! I have done a lot of research on dogs and dog training in the past, so I have to say that not a lot of this was new info for me, but it might be for you. It did reinforce a lot of the things I already know about how dogs view the world and what things work better than others in terms of training and how dogs think. There is some new research though, like the discovery that dogs tend to wag their tails to the right for positive stimulus and to the left for negative stimulus. I also just enjoy hearing about other people’s experiences and fun stories about their dogs. The author personally has a bunch of golden retrievers and also takes in older goldens and cares for them in their hospice days. So she had a lot of wonderful, heartfelt anecdotes and examples of dog behavior.

I listened to a lot of this book via the audiobook, which is narrated by the author, and she did a terrific job. She was very clear and easy to listen to, and seeing how a lot of her stories were personal, her narration was a nice touch.

Thank you, @jengolbeck and @atriabooks, for my free copy of the book.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought going in this might be full of studies. But instead, the author starts out each chapter with a fun anecdote and then discusses the science around what makes our dogs tick. I can apply some of it to my own Golden and often found myself nodding along at spot on behaviors. Good starting book to jump into dog psychology.

[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.

[Bri's Haunted Stacks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Atria for my copy in exchange for my review.

Im not a reader who grabs a nonfiction. I just prefer to escape and read a fiction book. But for some reason, being a dog mom, this book called to me. I really enjoyed my time with it!

[Kaylee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC!

I loved this book. As a scientist myself I really appreciated the approach Golbeck took to go into the psychology of dogs while still keeping this light and fun.

[Margaret · Rating 3 out of 5]

Could have used editing - just anecdote after anecdote- no breaks or changes or recommendations- almost stream of consciousness about all things author explored. I did not find it very readable or useful.

[Lucy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun dive into positive psychology with dogs!

[Onceinabluemoon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Have had border collies through my long life, author is golden based and just ended up timing out and losing interest. Liked tidbits here and there, but not enough to enjoy this.

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 Libby

[Hannah Schorr · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was charming, informative, and wholesome. I loved reading about the squad and have some great takeaways for implementing with my own pup now!