Mike Ritland’s life story is a testament to dedication, service, and an unwavering commitment to our canine companions. His journey, from the rigorous training grounds of a Navy SEAL to becoming a leading figure in dog training and nutrition, is one of profound impact and innovation. This narrative explores his transition from military service to establishing Trikos International, the impactful Warrior Dog Foundation, and ultimately, TeamDog.pet and TeamDog.shop, all stemming from a deep understanding of working dogs and the desire to share that expertise with everyday pet owners.
The SEAL Foundation: Integrity and Service
Born in Waterloo, Iowa, Mike Ritland was raised with a strong moral compass, emphasizing integrity, compassion, and hard work. These values shaped his early life and guided him toward a pivotal decision after graduation: to serve his country as a Navy SEAL. This demanding path tested his limits and honed his skills in one of the most elite special operations communities in the world.
A Canine Awakening in the Field
During a deployment in Iraq, alongside a group of Marines and their combat K9, Mike witnessed firsthand the extraordinary capabilities of these highly trained animals. When a combat dog heroically saved the lives of the Marines during a perilous operation, it sparked a realization in Mike – a “light switch” moment that would profoundly alter his career trajectory. This encounter highlighted the immense value and potential of working dogs.
Founding Trikos International: A Legacy of Excellence
Leveraging the discipline and experience gained as a SEAL, coupled with his burgeoning knowledge of elite canine operations, Mike departed the military in 2008 to establish Trikos International. The company rapidly built a reputation for excellence, mirroring the integrity and rigor of Mike’s own military career. Trikos secured significant government contracts, providing services to agencies such as DHS, DOD, TSA, and Customs & Border Protection. By 2010, Mike Ritland and Trikos International were entrusted with training K9s for the West Coast SEAL Canine Program, reuniting him with former teammates and further solidifying Trikos as a premier dog training and procurement company. Their expertise catered to a diverse clientele, including celebrities, private individuals, and government agencies, supplying highly capable working K9s.
Training K9s: Invaluable Real-World Insights
Mike’s work with K9s proved to be an invaluable source of practical knowledge. He gained direct, real-world feedback on the effectiveness of training methodologies, nutrition plans, and conditioning protocols. Collaborating with top-tier dogs and operators provided tried-and-true information that began to translate into various aspects of dog training and canine nutrition.
The Warrior Dog Foundation: A Mission of Compassion
A significant realization struck Mike while working on the West Coast: many highly capable working dogs were facing euthanasia upon retirement, despite their continued potential. These dogs often carried psychological scars from chaotic and traumatic experiences endured during their service. Physically depleted after years of operating in challenging environments, some exhibited aggressive tendencies. Recognizing this critical need, Mike founded the Warrior Dog Foundation. This organization is dedicated to preventing the euthanasia of retired working dogs and providing them with the care and dignity they deserve after their service. The foundation strives to rehabilitate and rehome these dogs whenever possible, and for those who require it, the primary goal is to ensure their comfort and well-being as they recover.
TeamDog.pet: Empowering Everyday Owners
The experiences within the SEAL Teams, Trikos International, and the Warrior Dog Foundation equipped Mike with comprehensive knowledge to help dog owners maximize their relationship with their canine partners. Driven by a desire to empower everyday dog owners, Mike developed an accessible and practical online training program called TeamDog.pet. This program, based on his best-selling book, “Team Dog; Train the Navy SEAL Way,” utilizes the same training methods and care strategies he refined with high-level working dogs. Team Dog has successfully assisted tens of thousands of family dog owners in achieving better behavior and a stronger bond with their pets. The platform offers extensive training videos covering everything from puppy development and basic obedience to advanced K9 CPR and First Aid.
TeamDog.shop: Premium Products for Optimal Health
Through two decades of hands-on training experience and consultations with thousands of online subscribers, Mike has identified fundamental principles crucial for all dogs to perform at their peak and maintain optimal health. This extensive experience led to the creation of Team Dog products, conceived from the realities of the battlefield rather than the corporate boardroom. From training gear available in the Team Dog Store to Team Dog Premium Dog Food and Treats, Mike provides owners with the essential tools to ensure their dogs lead active and fulfilling lives.