Engagement Unleashed: Fixing Hesitation and Drive Issues in Patrol Dogs

This class is a high-impact, solutions-focused course designed to tackle one of the most frustrating problems in modern K9 deployments—dogs that hesitate or lack clarity in real-world engagements.

Thursday
,
Aug 28, 2025
9:00 am
-
11:00 am
Instructor(s):
Zach Pfannenstiel
View full class scheduleRegister for HITS 2026
Zach Pfannenstiel presenting Engagement Unleashed: Fixing Hesitation and Drive Issues in Patrol Dogs at HITS.
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Class overview

This class is a high-impact, solutions-focused course designed to tackle one of the most frustrating problems in modern K9 deployments—dogs that hesitate or lack clarity in real-world engagements. This course dives into practical strategies to identify and correct drive deficiencies, build engagement confidence, and reinforce decision-making under pressure. This class will utilize body-worn camera (BWC) footage to analyze real K9 deployments, allowing attendees to break down and troubleshoot engagement issues with a focus on improving clarity, commitment, and decision-making in the dog.

This session explains:

  • This course dives into practical strategies to identify and correct drive deficiencies, build engagement confidence, and reinforce decision-making
  • This class is a high-impact
  • build engagement confidence
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About the instructor

Zach Pfannenstiel

Zach brings over 18 years of law enforcement experience, including more than 12 years in canine operations. His background includes extensive expertise in training, leadership, management, and tactical deployments. He currently serves as the Training Sergeant assigned to the Canine Unit, where he leads instruction in areas such as canine academies, E-collar use, SWAT/K9 integration, and problem-solving. Zach manages a large canine program consisting of over 40 working teams and developed a Field Training Officer (FTO) program specifically for K9 handlers. He is a recognized, court-certified expert in animal behavior, police canine handling, and use of force. He is the CEO of Echelon K9, where he oversees all operations related to the training of law enforcement and military canine teams.

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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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