Meet and Greet with Dr. Jen Golbeck — Think Like a Dog
Meet Dr. Jen Golbeck and celebrate her book *Think Like a Dog*, which explores the science of canine behavior, cognition, and emotion. The book asks what dogs understand, whether they experience emotions and self-awareness like humans do, and how examining their strengths can help people support dogs’ well-being rather than focusing only on correcting unwanted behavior.
This is a photo-line-only event, with no seated discussion or conversation. Attendees will have an opportunity to meet Dr. Golbeck and may take a photo with members of her Golden Ratio dog squad. The dogs’ appearances may vary from photo to photo, since their rest and comfort will take priority.
When: Friday, September 4, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.
Venue: Politics and Prose, 5015 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008.
Format: Ticketed photo line only. There will not be a sit-down talk.
Tickets: Tickets include a copy of *Think Like a Dog*. The ticket price is not listed.
Book: *Think Like a Dog* presents research, data, case studies, and practical ideas informed by positive psychology. It considers canine thought and behavior through qualities such as curiosity, vitality, and focus, with an emphasis on helping dogs thrive through compassionate and consistent care.
Featured Guest: Jen Golbeck is a professor at the University of Maryland’s College of Information Studies, a science communicator, and the creator of the @TheGoldenRatio4 online community. Known as the “internet’s dog mom,” she studies social media and dogs, has delivered widely viewed TED Talks, and has appeared on NPR and *The 11th Hour*. Her writing has been published in *Slate*, *The Atlantic*, *Psychology Today*, and *Wired*. She and her husband rescue senior golden retrievers and dogs with special medical needs.
Dog Guests: The Golden Ratio dog squad is scheduled to attend the photo line. The organizers cannot promise which dog or dogs will be present for any particular photograph.
Important Note: For safety reasons, attendees should not bring their own dogs.
Accessibility: Requests for accommodations and accessibility questions should be sent to events@politics-prose.com, preferably at least one week before the event. The organizers will try to accommodate requests made closer to the event as well.