Advanced Decoy Techniques

Building upon the foundation established in last year’s course, this class is designed for experienced K9 handlers and decoys who want to further refine their skills in realistic working dog scenarios.

Tuesday
,
Aug 25, 2026
8:00 am
-
10:00 am
Instructor(s):
Carlos Ramirez
View full class scheduleRegister for HITS 2026
Carlos Ramirez presenting Advanced Decoy Techniques at HITS.
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Class overview

Building upon the foundation established in last year’s course, this class is designed for experienced K9 handlers and decoys who want to further refine their skills in realistic working dog scenarios. Carlos Ramirez expands on advanced decoy mechanics, proper pressure application, timing, body positioning, and safe presentation techniques that help develop stronger, clearer dogs while protecting the decoy. The course emphasizes reading dogs accurately, creating purposeful training scenarios, and applying decoy work that supports the development of reliable working and protection dogs in both training and real-world environments.

This session explains:

  • Advanced decoy mechanics for experienced handlers and decoys
  • Pressure application, timing, and body positioning in realistic scenarios
  • Reading dogs accurately and building purposeful training setups
  • Safer presentations that develop clearer, stronger working dogs
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About the instructor

Carlos Ramirez

Carlos Ramirez is a K9 trainer with experience in animal psychology and behavior. Born in Puerto Rico and a former athlete at The Ohio State University, Carlos’s engagement with K9 training is fueled by a deep interest in animal psychology and a commitment to mastering the intricacies of canine learning and behavior.

Carlos honed his skills and knowledge while collaborating with leading professionals in the field. As the former Director of Canine Operations for a government contractor, he contributed to projects with agencies like the DOD, TSA and Border Patrol, showcasing his adaptability and expertise.

Carlos founded CRK9 in Ocala, FL, where his practical and effective training methodologies have become instrumental for law enforcement and military agencies locally as well as internationally. He specializes in aggression, tracking, scent detection and addressing undesirable behaviors.

A passionate educator, Carlos has been in front of audiences nationally and internationally through seminars and workshops, offering a rich blend of theory and practical application in various K9 disciplines. His hands-on experience with diverse tiers of military and law enforcement underscores his adaptability and extensive knowledge base.

Carlos’s participation in this conference promises attendees a combination of experienced insights, practical skills and a comprehensive understanding of K9 psychology and behavior.

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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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