Saving Lives on Four Legs

By Kelli Arsenault

Being a Navy SEAL takes a lot of training. Not only do you get to learn about the humans training, but you get to learn about the training required to become a Navy SEAL dog in Navy Seal Dogs. Author Mike Ritland shares his stories about breeding and training Belgian Malinois for the Navy.

Ritland is very detailed about the training done with the dogs, but he sometimes repeats himself. He tries making sure it's clear, but sometimes he tries too hard. It is interesting learning about the different teaching techniques and how sometimes the dogs get upset so they have to be careful.

Ritland also talks about the relationship between each handler and dog. When working with dogs was first introduced to Navy SEAL team 6, each handler was assigned a dog and went to pick them up. Some dogs are crazy, while others are relaxed. Each trainer must form a close relationship with the dogs throughout the training.

   The pacing in this book changed throughout the story. Sometimes things were explained too fast, sometimes he spent too much time explaining. Ritland tried making sure everything was clear and explained, but sometimes he dragged it on. Other than that, this is a great story for reading if you are interested in working dogs and the navy, and I hope you check it out.