Netflix’s Inside the Mind of Dog

The ability to understand and share the feelings of another is the reason why everyone should have a dog. Elliott Erwitt (1928-2023)

By Bianca Kapteyn

Recently released on Netflix, ‘Inside the Mind of a Dog’ by filmmaker Andy Mitchell, and narrated by Rob Lowe, delves deep into the fascinating world of Canis lupus familiaris. If you’re new to being a dog parent or simply want to deepen your understanding of your four-legged companion, this documentary is a must-watch.

The film opens with Rob Lowe’s soothing narration, explaining how recent scientific advancements are decoding canine behaviour and uncovering the hidden language of dogs. You’ll meet the Ph.D.’s whose expertise in canine psychology, cognition, and history illuminates why dogs are the way they are—and why their friendliness is key to their survival.

Dr. Brian Hare, Ph.D., Founder of the Duke University Canine Cognition Center, shares compelling insights into the evolution of dogs, who share 99.9% of their DNA with wolves. It’s the remaining 0.1% that has led to the incredible diversity we see in dogs today, from Chihuahuas to Great Danes. A crucial takeaway is Dr. Hare’s emphasis on the concept of “survival of the friendliest,” which challenges the traditional notion of survival of the fittest.

Friendliness wins, again and again in life, Dr. Hare attest.

Dogs take friendliness to an extraordinary level, surpassing that of other animals, even in their interactions with humans. Dr. Hare explains that dogs have a unique adaptation—a muscle that allows them to pull back their eyes, making the whites of their eyes, or sclera, more visible. This mimics the way humans interact, as our brains are wired to recognize and respond to the whites of each other’s eyes, which is one of the ways newborns recognize their mothers. The famous “puppy-dog eyes” exist because dogs intentionally make their sclera more visible to us, forging a deeper emotional connection.

‘Inside the Mind of a Dog’ is an engaging and informative journey for viewers of all ages. The film explores thought-provoking questions, such as how dogs became so deeply intertwined with human life.