Learn how to train your dog exactly as the U.S. military trains its canine soldiers. This manual is the Department of Defense’s principle source of information on care, conditioning, and training of our nation’s Military Working Dogs – such as “Cairo,” the canine who served in the raid that killed Bin Laden. From basics, such as “HEEL” and “STAY” to negotiating obstacle courses, to tracking, searching, and even attacking . . . this manual shows readers how our military trains their dogs to be the best trained canines in the world. Contents include: * Veterinary Training Priorities * Principles of Conditioning and Behavior Modification * Patrol Dog Training * Clear Signals Training Method * Deferred Final Response * Detector Dog Training Validation * The Military Working Dog (WMD Program) * Facilities and Equipment * And more…

An insider's account of the world of elite Navy SEAL military canines traces the author's international search for eligible dog combat unit candidates with whom SEAL handlers eventually forged close bonds and saved countless lives.

Before there was Max, there was Mike. A true story much like the touching movie, Navy SEAL Dogs explores the incomparable relationship between trainer and military dog. From the author of Team Dog, Trident K9 Warriors gave readers an inside look at the Navy SEAL teams' elite K9 warriors-who they are, how they are trained, and the extreme missions they undertake to save lives. From detecting explosives to eliminating the bad guys, these powerful dogs are also some of the smartest and highest skilled working animals on the planet. Mike Ritland's job is to train them. This special edition re-telling presents the dramatic tale of how Ritland discovered his passion and grew up to become the trainer of the nation's most elite military working dogs. Ritland was a smaller-than-average kid who was often picked-on at school-which led him to spend more time with dogs at a young age. After graduating BUD/S training-the toughest military training in the world-to become a SEAL, he was on combat deployment in Iraq when he saw a military working dog in action and instantly knew he'd found his true calling. Ritland started his own company to train and supply working and protection dogs for the U.S. Government, Department of Defense, and other clients. He also started the Warrior Dog Foundation to help retired Special Operations dogs live long and happy lives after their service. Navy SEAL Dogs is the true story of how Mike Ritland grew from a skinny, bullied child, to a member of our nation's most elite SEAL Teams, to the trainer of the world's most highly skilled K9 warriors.

Twenty-five years of study and experience went into the making of this one-of-a-kind reference. Veterinarians, animal scientists, dog owners, trainers, consultants, and counsellors will find this book a benchmark reference and handbook concerning positive, humane management and control of dogs. Reflecting the author's extensive work with dogs, this book promises thorough explanations of topics, and proven behavioural strategies that have been designed, tested, and used by the author. More than 50 figures and tables illustrate this unique and significant contribution to dog behaviour, training, and learning.

Master service dog training at home with this easy step-by-step guide Service dogs are life-changing for people with a range of physical and mental disabilities. But getting one can be complicated and expensive. The Service Dog Training Guide offers you an easy, step-by-step program for you and your dog to follow at home. Bone up on everything from basic exercises to essential service dog tasks that will guide you and your dog on the best training path. You'll also find an overview of different types of service and support dogs, breeds, and equipment for training. The step-by-step instructions will help you teach your dog everything from retrieving items to reminding someone to take medication. The Service Dog Training Guide includes: A multi-path approach—Weigh crucial factors to determine which type of service dog tasks—psychiatric, medical, or mobility assistance—your dog is best suited for. Easy-to-follow—All exercises are broken down into clear and complete step-by-step instructions and troubleshooting tips to help general readers train their own service dog. The power of positive reinforcement—Learn to communicate effectively with your dog by motivating them to learn faster with praise and rewards. Make a difference in someone's life with this practical approach to training your own service dog.

Understand dog behavior to work with, not against, your K9’s instincts. Learn how to: Recognize and interpret your K9’s expressions, gestures and signals. Use operant conditioning to efficiently and humanely train K9s. Plan and execute effective K9 training programs for search and detection, patrol, remote guided camera, attack, and more. The art and science of training police, military and other service dogs continue to evolve as we learn more about dog behavior. In this revised edition of K9 Behavior Basics, expert dog trainers Dr. Resi Gerritsen, Ruud Haak and Simon Prins share the essentials every trainer needs to know about these advances in K9 training. You’ll learn how to successfully implement or improve your dogs’ training programs using operant conditioning. The authors outline key concepts in dog behavior and communication and provide practical approaches to operant conditioning. They share proven techniques and solid advice from their more than thirty years of specialized K9 experience. Whether you’re just starting out or are a seasoned pro staying up-to-date, K9 Behavior Basics has something for you. Get a free ebook through the Shelfie app with the purchase of a print copy.

Two books in one! The Complete Military Working Dog Manual combines the U.S. Military's Dog Training Handbook and U.S. Army's Guide to Veterinary Care of Military Working Dogs into one book. In the U.S. Military's Dog Training Handbook, you will learn how to train your dog like the U.S. military. This is the official military manual used for training military working dogs (MWD). From teaching basic commands to navigating obstacle courses, tracking, searching, and attacking, this guide will show you how to turn your dog into a canine soldier. You will learn: Veterinary Care Principles of Conditioning and Behavior Modification Patrol Dog Training Clear Signals Training Method Deferred Final Response Detector Dog Training Validation and Legal Considerations The Military Working Dog (MWD) Program Facilities and Equipment Safety and Transportation Operational Employment Contingency Operations And more! In Veterinary Care and Management of the Military Working Dog you will learn how to care for your dog like the U.S. military. This is the official military manual used for training dog handlers on veterinary care of MWDs. From equipment and facilities to dentistry, this guide will educate on K9 well-being and veterinary care. You will learn: Equipment and Facilities Preventive Medicine, Deployment Issues, and Standard Procedures Emergency Medicine Common Medical Problems Diagnostic Imaging Surgery Dentistry Physical Conditioning Behavioral Medicine Disposition Necropsy and Pathology Support And more! This manual consolidates medical information, policies, procedures and regulatory directives specific to the medical management of MWDs into one document. Army Veterinary Corps Officers have researched, extracted, and compiled the material from a variety of references from all services and standards of veterinary practice within the United States. This book will not teach you how to be a veterinarian, but it will help you be a better dog owner.

The thrilling and inspiring story of a U.S. Marine and his dog Rex, a bomb sniffing German Shepard, who forged a bond of trust and loyalty while serving on the war-torn streets of Iraq's most dangerous city. Called "a deeply affecting tale of courage and devotion in the cauldron of war" by Publishers Weekly, Sergeant Mike Dowling's heart-pounding account of an unbreakable bond between man and dog takes us into the searing 130-degree heat, the choking dust, and the ever-present threat of violent attack in Iraq's infamous Triangle of Death. In 2004, Dowling and his military working dog Rex were part of the first Marine Corps military K9 teams sent to the front lines of combat since Vietnam. It was Rex's job to sniff out weapons caches, suicide bombers, and IEDs, the devastating explosives that wreaked havoc on troops and civilians. It was Mike's job to lead Rex into the heart of danger. An extraordinary chronicle of loyalty in the face of terrible adversity, Sergeant Rex is an unforgettable story of sacrifice, courage, and love.

FM 20-20 This 1960 field manual provides a comprehensive overview of the selection, care, and training of dogs for military use as sentry or scout dogs. Detailed methods, equipment, and training instruction specifics are covered at great length such that one could read this book and then train a dog the same way the US Army does. The manual goes in-depth on a variety of topics, such as selection procedures, daily dog care, health matters, feeding/housing, and way to train the dog specific commands for various roles. The techniques presented are both sound and simple to understand. .This manual is a wealth of information for any dog handler or trainer interested in military-style methods.

Offering a unique perspective on dog training, a former Navy SEAL and trainer of military working dogs discusses the science behind gaining a companion dog's trust and achieving desired levels of canine obedience.