Inside the Mind of a Dog review: Rob Lowe's intriguing canine documentary hits all the right notes 

The newly released Netflix documentary Inside the Mind of a Dog takes a close look at the minds of our furry friends. The documentary film released on August 9, 2024, has hit the ground running with a perfect mix of cuteness and information.

Inside the Mind of a Dog is not only a documentary for dog lovers but also for viewers who enjoy a good and informative documentary. The trailer which was released on July 12, 2024, already provided a sneak peek into the informative documentary film. The documentary film has been directed by Andy Mitchell and includes inputs from various researchers at Duke University.

While the gorgeous puppies and adult canines provide a boost of serotonin for viewers, narrator Rob Lowe (known for Parks and Recreation, The Outsiders, and The West Wing) keeps them gripped with his compelling narration. Inside the Mind of a Dog on Netflix emerges as one of the best and most informed documentaries on dogs in contemporary times.

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Inside the Mind of a Dog explains the inner machinations of a canine's mind while the onscreen dogs steal hearts

"So how did dogs and humans get so intertwined?" Rob Lowe asks this question before he goes on to explain how wolves slowly became attracted to humans in prehistoric times (due to their food!). He goes on to narrate how "survival of the friendliest" is one of the main reasons why dogs are the way they are with humans currently.

The above was one of the hundreds of snippets of information about the workings of a canine mind that viewers can expect from Netflix's Inside the Mind of a Dog. Rob Lowe's smooth narration eases the viewers in for a very enlightening journey. One of the focal faces in the documentary is Dr. Vanessa Woods, who is the director of the Puppy Kindergarten at Duke University.

She explains various scientific reasons behind the behavior of dogs and even uses fun cognitive exercises to help viewers understand their behavior. The documentary is a treat for dog owners as they get to understand various behavioral aspects of their beloved pets and even learn tips and tricks to help improve their bond.

One of the most intriguing facts from the documentary is how eye contact between canines and humans releases a rush of oxytocin (often referred to as the love hormone). Canines over the years have understood this feeling and long eye contact with humans is just like hugs for them.

A still from the documentary (image via Netflix)

Coming to the stars of the series, the puppies at the Puppy Kindergarten at Duke University are the first ones who might steal the hearts of viewers with their adorable antics, and their awe-inducing looks. The dogs also help viewers understand shocking things about canine cognition as they take part in activities and tests, which is one of the reasons why Inside the Mind of a Dog is very engaging.

Lowe even takes the opportunity to showcase his own dogs in the documentary, which explains his enthusiasm while narrating it. The documentary film is very easy to watch and captures the evolution in the field of canine studies with a simplified approach.

At the core of the documentary, it establishes how dogs and humans are "hopelessly intertwined". It explains how humans and their canine buddies are indeed very similar in aspects like developmental traits, body language, and maternal relations. Inside the Mind of a Dog is an informative and fun journey for any viewer and it leaves people wanting to learn more about our dewey-eyed canine buddies.

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The documentary was released on Netflix on August 9, 2024, and is currently available for streaming.