Drive Engineering: Apply Behavior Science to Build Reliable Combat-Ready K9s Under Stress

Effective K9 performance is not defined by drive alone, but by the ability to control,channel, and sustain that drive under real operational stress.

Wednesday
,
Aug 26, 2026
4:00 pm
-
6:00 pm
Instructor(s):
Shay Maimoni
View full class scheduleRegister for HITS 2026
Shay Maimoni presenting Drive Engineering: Apply Behavior Science to Build Reliable Combat -Ready K9s Under Stress (2026) at HITS.
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Class overview

Effective K9 performance is not defined by drive alone, but by the ability to control, channel, and sustain that drive under real operational stress.
This course focuses on the practical application of canine behavioral science to develop clear-headed, reliable, and operationally effective K9s in high-pressure environments.  Moving beyond basic drive theory, this class provides a structured approach to engineering behavior that holds up in real deployments, not just in training scenarios.

Special emphasis is placed on bridging the gap between training field behavior andreal-world deployment performance, ensuring K9s remain functional, controlled, andeffective when exposed to pressure, unpredictability, and operational stressors.

This course is ideal for agencies and trainers looking to elevate their programs andproduce K9s that operate with consistency, control, and intent in real-world conditions.

This session explains:

  • Effective K9 performance is not defined by drive alone, but by the ability to control, channel, and sustain that drive under real operational stress.
  • the practical application of canine behavioral science to develop clear-headed, reliable, and operationally effective K9s in high-pressure
  • Special emphasis is placed on bridging the gap between training field behavior andreal-world deployment performance, ensuring K9s remain functional
  • Effective K9 performance is not defined by drive alone
Light beige paper texture background with subtle fibers and creases.Light beige paper texture background with subtle fibers and creases.Light beige paper texture background with subtle fibers and creases.Light beige paper texture background with subtle fibers and creases.Light beige paper texture background with subtle fibers and creases.
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About the instructor

Shay Maimoni

Shay Maimoni is the founder and lead trainer at Israeli Special Tactics K9 and director of training at WooF Dogs in Palm Beach County, Florida. He has over 25 years of K9 training experience starting with the IDF Air Force and has trained with numerous counter-terrorism K9 units worldwide.

He developed a unique muzzle fighting system applied successfully around the world, instructing agencies on dog language, decoy development, tactical obedience with live fire, and drive engineering under operational stress.

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What past attendees say

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Go to HITS. It's a great class. Great conference. This is the third one that I've been to. I try and go every time. They change up the classes. It's offered for detection and apprehension or patrol canines. All the classes are great. You should definitely check it out. I'm going to try and come back next year.

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Greg Edlund
Broward Sheriff Office

Hi, this is Brian Laas. I'm from Arvada, Colorado. This is about my second or third time with HITS, and I've enjoyed it greatly. I like the vast amount of instructors' backgrounds, so even though I've come once or twice before, I'm always gaining a lot of knowledge. This is a great seminar for both the new and the old handlers. I think you can't go wrong coming here. It's a good time and well-spent money for your department.

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Brian Laas
Arvada Police Department

Hi, my name is Neil with U.S. Park Police. This is the first time I ever attend HITS and it's great training. A lot of different courses that definitely benefit my career. I've been a handler for 14 years now. I'm still learning and I recommend people to come down here and learn something.

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Neil
US Park Police

Been to hits a couple times, keeps getting better every time. This year it's been amazing, a lot of people, a lot of great classes, great camaraderie between all the agencies here. It's a good time, I highly recommend it.

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Unknown Attendee

Hi, Mark with BCBK9 here at HITS 2017, lets you know what a success it was. Tons of handlers, tons of great classes. We're really glad that we drove all the way out from Missouri and we're looking forward to 2018 being in DC and we hope to see you all there.

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Mark
BCB K9

Yeah, this is my first time it hits. It was a great time. Actually, I've been to a lot of conferences before. This is definitely the best.

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Attendee
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Secure your seat at HITS 2026

Legal defensibility is not theoretical. It is tested in court.

This class helps handlers and agencies prepare before that moment arrives.

Register for HITS 2026
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Explore other HITS classes

The Drug Canine Legal Update is one part of a broader HITS program designed to strengthen deployment judgment, detection reliability, and operational decision-making in the field. Additional sessions expand that learning across tracking, behavior, detection science, and tactical leadership.

View full class schedule
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