New Book Explores How Dogs Think, Learn, and Form Deep Bonds with Humans
Dogs have captivated human hearts for millennia, but what makes them such loyal companions? A new book, The Mind of a Dog. Science Meets Comics, sheds light on the fascinating psychology of dogs, revealing that their minds function much like those of wolf pups rather than adult wolves. This insight, among many others, helps dog owners better understand their pets and strengthen their bond with them.
The Puppy-Like Mind of Dogs
When a dog greets its owner with an enthusiastic tail wag, face lick, or joyful bounce, it is mirroring the instinctive behaviour of young wolf cubs welcoming their parents home from a hunt. This is no coincidence.
“Scientific research has shown that a dog’s brain resembles that of a four-month-old wolf pup,” explains Dr Helena Telkanranta, an expert in animal behaviour and author of several popular science books. “While dogs mature in ways that allow them to reproduce, their social behaviours remain largely juvenile. They seek guidance from trusted figures and are eager to participate in activities that bring positive experiences.”
A Unique Approach to Understanding Dogs
The Mind of a Dog. Science Meets Comics is an 80-page illustrated book that explores dog psychology, training, health, and well-being in an engaging and accessible way. Following the success of their previous book on horse behaviour, Dr Telkanranta and her team have applied the same science-meets-storytelling approach, combining expert knowledge with relatable comic-style illustrations by Maija Karala and Ville Sinkkonen.
This innovative format presents key scientific insights as a comic-book narrative while also providing deeper explanations and exclusive online content for readers who want to explore further. Designed for a broad audience including first-time pet owners, experienced dog handlers, and professionals working with dogs—the book appeals to both teenagers and adults. Younger readers can also enjoy the illustrations and simplified explanations.
Training for a Happy, Well-Behaved Dog
Dogs’ natural social behaviours don’t always align with human expectations. For example, while licking faces and jumping up are instinctive greetings, many owners prefer calmer interactions. Dr Telkanranta explains how these behaviours can be gently redirected using positive reinforcement.
“Rewarding a dog for keeping its paws on the ground, rather than punishing it for jumping, leads to a more confident and happy pet,” she says. “Research shows that positive reinforcement training not only improves a dog’s well-being but also leads to faster learning and more reliable results than punishment-based methods.”
Even working dogs in police and customs departments are increasingly trained using positive reinforcement techniques, replacing older, coercive methods.
Rethinking Canine Social Hierarchies
One of the book’s key revelations challenges long-held misconceptions about dominance and hierarchy in dog training. Many traditional training approaches were based on outdated studies of captive wolves in overcrowded enclosures, where competition led to aggressive displays. In reality, wild wolf packs function as family units, with older wolves acting as nurturing leaders rather than authoritarian figures.
“The ‘alpha wolf’ concept is largely a myth,” says Dr Telkanranta. “Wolves in the wild follow their parents’ example, not because of fear, but because experience has taught them that joining in leads to good outcomes.” This insight helps dog owners understand their pets’ social needs and train them in a way that builds trust rather than fear.
The Evolution of Dogs: From Wolves to Companions
The origins of domestic dogs have long been debated, but archaeological evidence has debunked the idea that humans tamed wolves simply by raising their pups. Instead, early domesticated dogs already had smaller brains and teeth than their wild ancestors, suggesting that they were selectively bred for traits that made them more cooperative and less aggressive.
Rather than being trained as hunting partners from the outset, early dogs likely scavenged near human settlements, benefiting from food scraps and providing security in return. Over time, this mutual relationship led to the vast variety of dog breeds we see today.
Balancing Canine Health with Aesthetic Preferences
While selective breeding has given rise to a remarkable diversity of dog breeds, some modern breeding practices prioritise appearance over health.
“Certain breeds with extremely short noses or elongated spines suffer from chronic health problems,” Dr Telkanranta warns. “These traits were initially bred without understanding their long-term consequences. Today, we have the knowledge to make more informed breeding decisions that prioritise dogs’ well-being.”
The book provides guidance on recognising and addressing common health concerns, helping owners ensure their pets lead comfortable, pain-free lives.
Pre-Orders and Special Perks
The Mind of a Dog. Science Meets Comics is set for release in September 2025, with pre-orders already open. Those who pre-order will receive exclusive benefits, including free worldwide shipping and a digital guide to interpreting dog facial expressions. Bulk orders are also available for pet stores, veterinary clinics, and dog training schools.
The enthusiasm for this upcoming book follows the success of the team’s previous work, The Mind of a Horse. Science Meets Comics, which earned high praise from readers and recognition from platforms such as Psychology Today and Goodreads.
By blending scientific knowledge with engaging storytelling, The Mind of a Dog aims to revolutionise how people understand and interact with their canine companions—leading to happier, healthier relationships between dogs and their humans.