We all know dogs are descended from wolves, but dogs have been the helpers of humans for so long sometimes we forget. Bryan Bailey explains that EMBRACING THE WILD IN YOUR DOG can be helpful to both dog and owner. If we understand how dogs communicate, how they interact and how they see us, we can build a better relationship.

Observing wolves was part of Bailey's Alaska upbringing, trained in wilderness survival skills by a mentor who was a US Army Green Beret. He recounts tales of tracking wolves through snow country and learning how they behaved. His own sled dogs provided further lessons; these working dogs are still close to the wolf and not pampered like house dogs. But most pet owners, he states, fear wolves, treat pets like family members and hear how training with kindness is the only way and there are no savage dogs, just bad owners. A dog will possibly bite a child - some breeds more than others, but no dog is safe to be left with a small child.

Not surprisingly to an animal owner like me, Bailey reflects that the American pet industry is a multi-billion dollar earner, and households in a recession will keep buying pet food by choosing not to eat out. He believes many pet products satisfy the owner's whims but not the animal's natural needs. They can turn the dog into a cute little person in the owner's mind. But anthropomorphism means owners can't prevent a dog from chasing a squirrel across a road. Dogs need to be trained to accept the owner as leader and to obey. Dogs working with the police or service dogs need to be trained for obedience.

Bailey, a professional dog trainer and former police K-9 officer, comes across as sceptical of the pet products industry. Well, I agree that any business is out to make money, but pet food improvements are one reason why pets live longer today. Bailey also says he was unusual as a child in preferring to read 'Call of the Wild' and 'White Fang' rather than comics. Everyone I knew read both novels...and we read comics.

If you've had the issues that many dog owners Bailey describes - with jumping up, digging, separation anxiety or not coming when called - you may get a lot out of EMBRACING THE WILD IN YOUR DOG. The accounts given will be of interest to dog-lovers and wolf-lovers everywhere. There are also nature quotes ahead of each chapter from sages like Black Elk and Chief Dan George. I enjoyed this read and would give the book to any dog owner... but I warn there are some distressing stories, like one about a Pit Bull rescued from a fighting ring and erroneously adopted to an unsuitable home. The wolf will out, says Bryan Bailey.