IAmA former Navy SEAL and SEAL K9 Trainer. I train elite canine warriors—the world's smartest, most powerful, highly skilled animals. AMA!

Are the dogs just as loving when they are not in elite combat mode?

yes very much so

Do you notice any differences between American and European bred dogs, Malinois in particular? Do you prefer to start with a titled dog or a green one?

I prefer a green dog, and we've sourced dogs from both europe and the states. Good dogs are good dogs, though the percentages of european dogs are higher.

What type of breeds are the most common in the military? What's your favorite breed? What breed do you find to be the all out best?

Also, thanks for serving!

Good dogs are good dogs- but I like malinois and bully breeds

How frequently are dogs used in SEAL operations? What sort of roles do they fulfill?

frequently, and they do explosive detection and suspect apprehension

Can you train my oldest male to not lay around all day and pass gas?

Probably better that you do that :)

god damnit. On a serious note, I do have a question. I know you more specialize and work related training but any ideas on how to get my younger mastiff to not literally shit himself when a stranger comes in the door? He's scared of everyone.

Try to use whatever motivates him to reward him for being good. Try taking him to environmentally challenging areas and use rewards to relieve stress and make him comfortable

Thanks to all for the support and great questions- I sincerely appreciate it. Take care and talk to everyone soon.

Mike

Are these dogs euthanized after their service is over?

Not typically, they are either adopted out to families or sent to places like the warrior dog foundation to live out their lives in our sanctuary

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Very, I can't imagine doing anything else

How many years is a dog's service?

It just depends, but on average i would say 5-8 years

Have you ever worked with a dog that you wanted to keep as your own?

Most of them, yes

Nifty. So do they make scuba gear for dogs or what? :D

Ok, so that should entertain the peanut gallery. What do you think of the publishing industry so far? Are you self publishing, working with a publisher, doing print on demand, create space?

No scuba gear as of yet, I am enjoying the publishing process thus far. I am working with a couple different publishers

Thank you for your service!

My pleasure, thank you

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dogs and K9s are the same thing. Dolphins can go with us on land...

Thanks - sorry for this inconvenience - would you post your comment to this section: http://redd.it/1ph61l I started the AmA in the books section instead of here. Thanks