Learn from nationally recognized K9 expertise

Instruction shaped by real-world K9 deployment, operational decision-making, and courtroom accountability.

August 25-26, 2026
Zach Pfannenstiel
Register for HITS 2026View full speakers list
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Zach Pfannenstiel, CEO, Echelon K9

About
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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Featured session at HITS 2026

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Aug 25th, 2026
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10:30 am
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12:30 pm

Canine Program Management

Details

This course focuses on the administrative and supervisory responsibilities that follow K9 deployments and apprehensions. Instruction covers what post-apprehension follow-ups should include, how incidents are documented, and how records.

The administrative side of K9 work—post-apprehension follow-up, documentation, investigating accidental bites and injuries, and supervisory review that limits liability.
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Other classes

10:30 am
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12:30 pm

Tactical Debrief: Optimizing K9 Deployments

Aug 27th, 2026
Zach Pfannenstiel
View details
1:30 pm
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3:30 pm

Canine Program Management

Aug 26th, 2026
Zach Pfannenstiel
View details
4:00 pm
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6:00 pm

Tactical Debrief: Optimizing K9 Deployments

Aug 25th, 2026
Zach Pfannenstiel
View details
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.Light beige paper texture background with subtle fibers and creases.

Learn from
Zach Pfannenstiel
at
HITS K9

Join national-scale K9 education designed to strengthen deployment judgment, legal defensibility, and long-term operational performance.

Register for HITS 2026View full speakers list

See who else is teaching at HITS

HITS brings together prosecutors, scientists, federal advisors, and operational trainers whose instruction reflects real-world deployment and courtroom scrutiny.

Shay Maimoni

Founder
,
Israeli Special Tactics K9
Founder and lead trainer at Israeli Special Tactics K9, specializing in muzzle fighting, drive engineering, and counter-terrorism K9 development.
See speaker

Michael Nezbeth

Founder
,
Grassroots K9
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.
See speaker

Brad Gillespie

President
,
Canadian Police Canine Association
Senior trainer and president of the Canadian Police Canine Association, specializing in operations-based K9 team development.
See speaker
View all speakers
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