Reading the first couple chapters of Mike Ritland’s book, Trident K9 Warriors, I understand that as rigorous the selection and training process it is for the BUD/S, the Navy SEALs, it is equally so for the Belgian Malinois to become Military Working Dogs. The special qualities in temperament, drive, focus, and other characteristics are uniquely in the Belgian Malinois breed suit them for police and military work; however, the rigorous training and selection produces only the best dogs get selected. The drive, controlled aggression, energy, and skills a successful dog must have the author compares to the top athletes like a Michael Jordan or a Michael Phelps. Someone can love their sport and be quite skilled at it yet those at the top of the game have a drive and performance level that few match. That’s the sort of dog that makes it on these SEAL teams.
It’s also why seeing the videos or reading the stories of the Working Dogs that are retired and then reunited with their former handler are so touching. A military working dog is not suited for a family pet, unless that family member has been a dog handler. Even when I read how this one particular dog enjoying postwar retirement with his retired SEAL handler, recognizes the author – I would presume it is the shared history together on the battlefield as it is for the two human warriors.
I will not be sending Dexter to BUD/S training; he’s a lover, not a fighter, and secondly he does not understand French.
It's a Dog's Life 