Navy SEAL Dogs: My Tale of Training Canines for Combat

This is an excellent book on the selection, training and operations of Navy Seal Dogs. The author describes his love of dogs, his entry into the Navy and his eventual ascension to the SEALS. He found his calling training SEAL Dogs and their handlers for combat. The author describes the training in detection, tracking and apprehension and how soldiers lives have been saved by the actions of these highly trained dogs. There are numerous stories of canines and their handlers in combat and throughout the emphasis is on the bond that develops between the handler and his/her dog. There is an appendix at the end of the book on the use of dogs in the military from WW1 to present times, this section was eye opening and informative. The author is now involved with Military Working Dogs that are retired from active combat and helping them adjust to this stage of their life. If you are a Dog lover and a NAVY SEAL admirer you are in for an informative, action filled read about mans best friend and their importance in todays world involving dangerous operations. Recommended.

I read the 'adult' version of this book, and was very impressed with how the author presented the material. I was thrilled when I learned a youth version was being written, so I preordered this book for my son (under the age of 12). He's an avid reader, dog lover and tremendous fan of our Military and Navy SEALs, so it's really right up his alley. We received it from Amazon yesterday, and my son had a hard time putting this down last night (we had an issue with flashlights and reading under the covers), and started reading when he woke up for school this morning.I'm happy he enjoys it - the book is well written, easy for children to comprehend but complex to retain interest for advanced readers, and the topic is interesting. The underlying message is one of dedication and strength, of setting goals and pursuing them, and of the value of being part of a team. My son is also somewhat familiar with the military and our war in Afghanistan (we have a Navy family member who just returned home) and I think this book has helped him get more of an understanding of what we're fighting and why.It's a great teaching tool for parents, and I am happy to be able to use it to help my child understand better the bravery, fortitude and honor of the members of our Armed Services (man and beast alike). We're very grateful for the service of our men, women and pups in uniform.

This book was an excellent read. 1st off: Thanks to Mr. Ritland and all the SEALS, all military personnel, handlers, trainers, 1st responders, and to all the Warrior Dogs out there for your service!!I just obtained my 1st Belgian Malinois "Axe" (named in honor of Matthew Axelson- SEAL in Operation Red Wings). I am seeking the mindset and knowledge needed to properly train him for Search and Rescue for Campbellsville, KY Fire Dept Special Operations Division. Axe will be with me on high angle rappelling/rescue, swift water rescue, River Boats, SCUBA, land search, etc...Without access to this elite training, I am seeking out information to train myself and Axe in the SEAL mentality and as close to the physical training as possible so no victim suffers due to a lack of training. This book has started me off on the right foot that we needed as we build our team with his brother "Murph" (named in honor of Mike Murphy SEAL-Operation Red Wings).Thanks again for this book and for your service! "1st in.. Last out"- Campbellsville Fire Dept Special Operations Division and US Civil Corps, LLC.Eric Townsend

Started a little slow and it seemed the author was searching for material to fill out the book. However about 1/3rd of the way through it got very interesting especially with the stories of actual dogs in real-life situations. Needless to say, I was impressed with how well the dogs were trained and how useful they proved themselves.I'd recommend the book to anyone who is a dog lover or who enjoys reading about the exploits of Navy SEALs. I'd especially recommend the book to anyone who owns a guard-type or protection dog. But these dogs are in a totally different category than your run of the mill family pet who happens to be a certain breed. These pups are something else!

Mike Ritland has made a life and carrier breeding and training very special dogs for difficult work. His emphasis on positive reinforcement vs. negative consequences in training a dog is correct path and example for all of us who have and love our dogs.A good read for all dog lovers.

“NAVY SEAL DOGS” By Mike Ritland is an amazing story on how he wanted to train dogs since he was a boy to help people in almost every situation possible. He was able to take his passion for training dogs to help the military. I loved this book I read it 13 times over and over in five days. These Military dogs get trained while they are pups. This is the easiest time for their trainer to find their strengths & weaknesses. There is a 75% fail chance for people at the BUD/S training (Basic Underwater Demolition/Seal) versus the 50% chance of a fail for a Navy Seal Dog. At the training grounds they blindfold the dog at first to have the dog actually look for the trainer by the use of the dog nose in the darkness or during anytime to find hidden enemies while training to sniff out bombs. The dogs are also taught to follow silent commands as well as in foreign languages. These dogs also train with three different units and owners. One of the best parts was when the author described what the dog and the owner does, which dogs they used, they also included pictures of them after it had been finished. What I least enjoyed about this book was how they told about the owners and the dogs training before they told the background of the owner. I think anybody who is interested in training dogs for the military or wants to work with dogs for a living should read this book. The Navy Seal Dog trainers send 75% of their best dogs to the seals and the other 25% to the regular military. This is an amazing story about how Mike Ritland started off training dogs, and changed it into special training for the military. I give it a 5/5.

EXCELENTE PRODUTO.

Sapevo che esistevano, leggere le loro storie, però è tutta un'altra emozione.Interessante, avvincente e utile anche per chi ha cani "normali"

What an interesting read, some nice stories of human / canine working together. Great training ideas/ tips / theories threaded throughout.

Tengo algún libro más del Ritland, su experiencia con perros de trabajo y militares se nota a cada parte del libro. Es muy fácil de leer, a pesar de estar en inglés. Muy recomendable

A great book! My son loves it! It was recommended by his buddy.