The Silent Career Killers: Early Recognition and Management of Over-Use Injuries in Working K9's

Many career-limiting injuries in working K9s develop gradually from repetitive micro-trauma associated with patrol and operational work.

Tuesday
,
Aug 25, 2026
10:30 am
-
12:30 pm
Instructor(s):
Dr. John Waterhouse
View full class scheduleRegister for HITS 2026
Dr. John Waterhouse presenting The Silent Career Killers: Early Recognition and Management of Over-Use Injuries in Working K9's at HITS.
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Class overview

Many career-limiting injuries in working K9s develop gradually from repetitive micro-trauma associated with patrol and operational work. Activities such as repeated vehicle exits, high-speed deployments, slick-floor searches, and apprehension work places continuous stress on joints and soft tissues, leading to subtle injuries that are often mistaken for training issues, behavioral changes, or reduced drive. This presentation examines the most common over-use injuries affecting working dogs—including iliopsoas strain, tarsal instability, shoulder injuries, and lumbosacral disease—and how they impact operational performance. Using real-world case examples and diagnostic imaging, the session will help handlers and trainers recognize early performance changes that may signal underlying physical limitations. By improving early recognition and communication with veterinary professionals, attendees will gain practical strategies to address minor injuries before they progress into career-ending conditions, helping extend the operational careers of their K9 partners.

This session explains:

  • Many career-limiting injuries in working K9s develop gradually from repetitive micro-trauma associated with patrol and operational work.
  • the most common over-use injuries affecting working dogs—including iliopsoas strain, tarsal instability, shoulder injuries, and lumbosacral
  • Using real-world case examples and diagnostic imaging, the session will help handlers and trainers recognize early performance changes that may
  • By improving early recognition and communication with veterinary professionals, attendees will gain practical strategies to address minor injuries
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About the instructor

Dr. John Waterhouse

Dr. John Knight Waterhouse is a veterinarian focused on working dog medicine, rehabilitation, and pain management. He is the founder of Hero Canines and the Veterinary Teaching Academy.

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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.

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