Operational Control: The Skills That Get You to the Dance

Everyone wants to talk about the flashy parts of training — bites, scenarios, and high-drive moments. This class focuses on the skills that actually get you there.

Thursday
,
Aug 27, 2026
1:30 pm
-
3:30 pm
Instructor(s):
Michael Nezbeth
View full class scheduleRegister for HITS 2026
Michael Nezbeth presenting Operational Control: The Skills That Get You to the Dance COPY at HITS.
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Class overview

This lecture breaks down what operational control truly means, the common gaps that prevent dogs from being trusted operationally, why “almost ready” dogs don’t get the call, and how small details in training translate into big outcomes.

Operational control is built on foundational behaviors that are often rushed, skipped, or taken for granted: clarity in obedience, environmental neutrality and handler influence. These overlooked skills are what determine whether a team is trusted for work or sidelined before it starts.

This lecture breaks down what operational control truly means, the common gaps that prevent dogs from being trusted operationally, why “almost ready” dogs don’t get the call, and how small details in training translate into big outcomes.

This session explains:

  • This lecture breaks down what operational control truly means, the common gaps that prevent dogs from being trusted operationally, why “almost ready”
  • Operational control is built on foundational behaviors that are often rushed, skipped, or taken for granted: clarity in obedience, environmental
  • These overlooked skills are what determine whether a team is trusted for work or sidelined before it starts.
  • the common gaps that prevent dogs from being trusted operationally
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About the instructor

Michael Nezbeth

Michael Nezbeth is the Founder and Training Director of Grassroots K9, an internationally recognized canine training company specializing in law enforcement and working dog development. He also serves as the Training Director for K9s United and as a Training Coordinator for the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office. With a background in Psychology and Criminology, Michael brings a science-based perspective to canine training, effectively bridging learning theory with operational application.

A highly sought-after instructor, Michael leads seminars and workshops for law enforcement, military personnel, and civilian handlers across North America and internationally.

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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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