LibraryNinja Book Reviews

published 9/1/26

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.”

Thanks to TheGoldenRatio4, Jen, and Ingo for the ARC. As a fan, you’ll find great dog advice and enjoy TheGoldenRatio’s antics. Tour links and preorders: Pre-order this book for your Labor Day or as a holiday gift for dog lovers! Support your local bookstores!

Here’s the Amazon link as well- use your credits to preorder!

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