Midday Fix – THINK LIKE A DOG: How Positive Psychology Can Help Your Dog Thrive

August 28, 2026 - 00:30

Dog owners often focus on correcting bad behavior, but a new book suggests flipping that script entirely. Jen Golbeck, PhD, is set to release "Think Like a Dog: How Positive Psychology Can Help Your Dog Thrive" on September 1, 2026. The book applies the principles of human positive psychology to canine companionship, arguing that building on a dog's natural strengths is far more effective than punishing its flaws.

Golbeck, a well-known expert in the field, will host a virtual event on Tuesday, September 8, to discuss the core ideas behind her work. During the session, she plans to walk attendees through practical ways to identify what makes their individual dog unique and how to use those traits to create a happier, more cooperative household. Instead of focusing on what a dog does wrong, the approach encourages owners to ask what their dog does right and how to amplify that behavior.

The timing of the book feels relevant, as more people treat pets as family members and seek humane, science-backed training methods. Golbeck's work bridges a gap between animal behavior and human mental health practices, offering a fresh framework for the human-animal bond. The virtual event is expected to be a deep dive into these concepts, giving early readers and curious pet parents a chance to engage with the material before the official release.