Mike Ritland is a renowned dog trainer specializing in military, police, and service dogs. He is the founder of Trikos International, a company dedicated to training working dogs, and is esteemed for his expertise in canine behavior, obedience, and protection training. Ritland is also an author of books on dog training and behavior and has appeared in various media outlets to share his insights.

Here are some of his notable accomplishments and achievements:

Military and Special Forces Experience

Ritland served in the U.S. Navy SEALs, where he gained invaluable experience working with military dogs in high-pressure environments.

• He was a member of SEAL Team 1 and utilized his knowledge of canine behavior to train and handle working dogs during his service.

Founder of Trikos International

• Ritland established Trikos International, a company that trains working dogs for military, law enforcement, and private security.
• Trikos also specializes in training personal protection dogs, search-and-rescue dogs, and other highly skilled working dogs.

Author of Dog Training Books

Public Speaking and Media Appearances

• Ritland has appeared on various talk shows and media outlets, including The Joe Rogan Experience, where he shared his insights on dog training, the psychology of dogs, and his work with military dogs.
• He hosts the “Mike Ritland Podcast,” discussing topics related to dogs, dog training, and personal experiences.

Trainer for Military and Police Dogs

• After leaving the Navy SEALs, Ritland continued working with military and law enforcement agencies, training dogs for special operations and detection work.
• He is highly respected in the canine training community for his ability to work with high-performance dogs, particularly in tactical and protection scenarios.

Recognition in the Dog Training Community

• Ritland is recognized as a top expert in dog behavior and training, especially for his work with large, high-drive breeds like the German Shepherd and Belgian Malinois, as well as breeds like the Doberman Pinscher.

Advocate for Dog Welfare and Ethical Training

• He advocates for positive, balanced training methods and emphasizes building trust and respect between dogs and their handlers.
• Ritland’s training philosophy aims to prevent fear-based techniques, encouraging a clear understanding of dog behavior, using methods that are effective and humane.

Real-World Impact

• Beyond private training, his expertise has been instrumental in preparing dogs for challenging tasks like bomb detection, tracking, and personal protection, significantly impacting security operations and safety measures.

Mike Ritland’s contributions have influenced how both professional handlers and pet owners approach dog training, particularly in establishing clear communication, discipline, and building a relationship of trust with their dogs.

Mike Ritland has shared insights about Doberman Pinschers, focusing on their training and behavior.

Mike Ritland provides valuable insights into Doberman Pinschers, focusing on their training and behavior:

• High Energy and Intelligence: Dobermans possess high energy levels and intelligence, requiring ample mental and physical stimulation to remain well-behaved.
• Training with Consistency: Consistency is crucial when training Dobermans. They respond well to clear, consistent commands and reinforcement.
• Socialization: Early and ongoing socialization is vital for Dobermans to be well-adjusted and comfortable around other animals and people.
• Positive Reinforcement: Employing positive reinforcement techniques, like treats and praise, proves highly effective in training Dobermans.
• Exercise Needs: Due to their high energy, Dobermans need regular exercise to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.
• Behavioral Issues: Addressing behavioral issues early is important. For instance, if a Doberman develops a habit of crotch sniffing, it can be managed with proper training and redirection.