Operations-Based Training: Train the Dog, Train the Handler, Train the Team

This class is designed for professional working dog handlers and teams seeking to enhance operational effectiveness through realistic, principle-based training.

Tuesday
,
Aug 25, 2026
1:30 pm
-
3:30 pm
Instructor(s):
Brad Gillespie
View full class scheduleRegister for HITS 2026
Brad Gillespie presenting Operations-Based Training: Train the Dog, Train the Handler, Train the Team at HITS.
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Class overview

This class is designed for professional working dog handlers and teams seeking to enhance operational effectiveness through realistic, principle-based training. Grounded in proven behavioral, tactical, and performance principles, the training emphasizes methods that directly translate to real-world deployments.

Participants will examine the critical relationship between canine and human performance, with a strong focus on how handler decision-making, communication, and environmental context influence operational outcomes. The course integrates current understanding of canine behavior, learning theory, and human performance under stress to inform effective training design.

Emphasis is placed on developing stress-congruent, contextually relevant training that reflects how teams perform under pressure. Attendees will gain practical frameworks to design, implement, and evaluate training that builds operationally ready K9 teams

Participants will leave with a clear, actionable foundation for constructing and advancing operations-based training programs for the dog, the handler, and the team.

This session explains:

  • for professional working dog handlers and teams seeking to enhance operational effectiveness through realistic, principle-based training.
  • Grounded in proven behavioral, tactical, and performance principles, the training emphasizes methods that directly translate to real-world
  • Participants will examine the critical relationship between canine and human performance, with a strong focus on how handler decision-making
  • The course integrates current understanding of canine behavior, learning theory, and human performance under stress to inform effective training
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

Brad Gillespie

Brad Gillespie has trained police and military working dog teams for over 25 years and serves as president of the Canadian Police Canine Association.

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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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