Personal Reflections of a Navy SEAL – Pursuing a Life of Excellence
It is said that the Military still cannot predict who will be the only two candidates in every ten that make it through the brutal Selection process known as BUD/s, to the Elite ranks of the SEAL Teams. What is certain, is that the special few who Never Quit, are changed forever, through a carefully orchestrated process that strips them of every notion about what they are capable of and remakes them.

Mike Ritland has rare insights into the process and the Psychology behind creating elite warriors – both two-legged and four-legged. As a past member of Seal Team 3, past instructor at both BUD/s and SQT (Seal Qualification Training), and a Trainer of Elite Special Operations K-9s he shares his story and expertise with humor and openness that keeps his audience engaged from beginning to end.

An inspirational talk for about setting and achieving goals and what happens when life intervenes. Mike talks about living life with purpose – whether as a Warrior in service to country, staying fit, having a plan to change society to ensure no dogs are unwanted, or making smaller things matter – such as Music, Bourbon and BBQ.

Trident K-9 Warriors: My Tale from the Training Ground to the Battlefield with Elite Navy Seal K-9s
Adults and young adults alike will enjoy Mike Ritland’s talk about growing up in Iowa, falling in love with dogs and joining the Navy and the elite SEAL teams. The talk includes: the story of Mike’s entry to the military at age 17, how he became an expert in breeding, sourcing and training the exceptional K-9s for Special Operations Forces (SOF), Police and Personal Protection, stories from the front lines of some of the SOF K-9’s he trained and their handlers, and stories about some of the retired K-9s that have been rescued by Warrior Dog Foundation.

The World of Working Dogs (K-9s)
Dogs are contributing to Western societies and helping people in unprecedented ways – the public’s fascination with dogs is at an all-time high. In a talk suited to audiences both young and old, Mike gets down to basics for laypeople who want to understand the Working Dog World. Topics covered include: The human-dog bond, differences between Working Dogs (Multi-Purpose and Single Purpose), Service Dogs & Therapy Dogs, stories of dogs and their handlers, society’s responsibility to these animals.

Transitioning From the Military to the Civilian World– How to keep your SH*T Together and Succeed in Life After Separation
Mike shares his inspiring experience and lessons in leaving the Military after experiencing a lung infection that ended his long-time goal of serving on DEVGRU, challenges and successes in becoming an entrepreneur, inventor and author, starting an internet business and becoming a social media personality. This talk can be tailored for Military/Veteran or Civilian audiences (mature audiences).

Team Dog: Training your Dog the Navy Seal Way
This presentation includes: General Dog Training – Building a bond with your dog as strong as the Warrior Bond- for dog lovers of any age, working dog handler education, delivered in conference format or hands-on workshops

“Inside the Team Room: Navy SEAL Mike Ritland Explains Why it is Best To Stay in the Boat and Off the Rocks at BUD/S”

“How military K9s are trained to fight terrorism and take down targets”

“The Dogs of War”

“Sniffing For Bombs: Meet America’s most elite dogs”

“Want Your Dog to Behave? Train it Like a Navy SEAL”

“Dogs of war: What roles do military working dogs play?”

“How to train your dog the Navy SEAL way”

“How a Former Navy Seal Turns an Attack Dog Into Your $100,000 New Best Friend”

“Mike Ritland former U.S. Navy SEAL: On Protection Dogs, Navy SEAL Dogs, and Dogs for Law Enforcement”

“4 ways to train your dog like a Navy SEAL”

“Warrior Dog Foundation Helps Animals Heal”

Discover Trikos, Mike Ritland’s expert personal-protection dog training business.

Check out the Warrior Dog Foundation warriordogfoundation.

Learn more about Mike Ritland on his website mikeritland, and follow him and his dogs on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

“Mike did an excellent job! I was particularly impressed with his prep work at the event. He made an effort to connect with some of our students ahead of time and ask about what happened at our event so far. His presentation mirrored our audience (which I believe involved some personal editing for Mike) and also tied together the event’s themes in a way that neatly connected the entire week.”

“After researching for many months to find a local Military Veteran Foundation in Texas to present at our yearly McAfee Veterans Day event, I was lucky enough to come across Mike Ritland and the Warrior Dog Foundation. When first meeting Mr. Ritland, he was very humble, down to earth and took the time to talk to you.

When Mr. Ritland started his presentation, you could feel the respect and attention from the crowd as he explained his military career as well as what he does now for The Warrior Dog Foundation. From the pictures, to the facts, and to The Warrior Dog Foundation’s video, it will leave you wanting to know more and more about him and this exceptional foundation. With that being said, the passion, knowledge, and drive that Mr. Ritland and the Warrior Dog Foundation have provided to our Veteran K-9s is something that everyone should learn about as this experience has left many with an awareness and drive to help this facet of the Military Veteran community.”

“After hearing Mike speak at the McAfee Veteran’s Day dedication, I realized on a personal level the importance of The Warrior Dog Foundation and all that Mike has accomplished. He is training not only young dogs to protect the people of the United States but also helping the Veterans and Veteran K-9s to fulfill their life after their service in the military with the happiness and peace they deserve. I lost two family members in the July 14, 2016, Nice, France, terrorist attack. I know that what Mike does on a day-to-day basis is to help protect us from these cruel acts from occurring in the future.”

“Mike very quickly won over our tough audience with his warmth, honesty, and fresh, first-hand accounts of his days as a SEAL, an instructor, and entrepreneur. His insights into both Human and Animal Psychology and Creating Excellence were thought-provoking, and the time passed far too fast. We wanted more of both Mike and his incredible dog Enzo. I would highly recommend Mike to anyone looking for a candid speaker with unique stories to tell and lessons to share.”

“Mike Ritland’s presentation was the highlight of the event for me. An incredible story of how dogs play a part in war and help save lives. Mike even brought a dog for a live exhibition! Has to be a first. He also received a 5-minute standing ovation, and at an investment conference (I’ve hosted many), that doesn’t happen too often.”

“Mike was fantastic!! Our group loved him. He did a great job of sharing his information that kept everyone interested. At lunch, when the Steering Committee could ask questions, there seemed no end to the questions and our interest in him and his passion. Mike answered all the questions without cutting anyone off! He did a great job. We are very pleased and it was a great start to this year’s lecture series!”

“Mike was absolutely incredible. Everyone loved his presentation and visiting with the dogs.”

Praise for Navy SEAL Dogs

“Special force SEALs are elite enough, but SEAL dogs are a breed apart. Fascinating . . . About time these heroes got the attention they deserved for a young audience.”

“Navy SEAL Dogs gives a unique insider account of the training and deployment of these special animals and their handlers. Ritland does a superb job of detailing these dogs in combat, as well as the bond between operator and K-9. Readers are sure to be surprised by the different levels of service and skill that go into making an elite team of two legged and four legged SEALs.”

“After a stellar career in the Teams, Mike Ritland has gone on to train working K9’s for some of the most elite units in the U.S. Special Operations community. These dogs are integrated into Special Operations at all levels of mission planning. They HALO parachute from high altitude, chase enemy squirters, and detect explosive booby traps, to name just a few tasks. If you want to learn about these amazing animals, the sacrifices they’ve made, and their effectiveness in combat, then read Navy SEAL Dogs.”