Explosives Explained

This presentation provides a thorough but palatable introduction to explosives for the canine handler. With an introduction to transnational threats with the use of home-made explosives devices.

Thursday
,
Aug 27, 2026
4:00 pm
-
6:00 pm
Instructor(s):
Todd Wilber
View full class scheduleRegister for HITS 2026
Todd Wilber presenting Explosives Explained at HITS.
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Class overview

This presentation provides a thorough but palatable introduction to explosives for the canine handler. With an introduction to transnational threats with the use of home-made explosives devices. Followed by the reasons terrorists make HME devices and how they deploy them in real world attacks. Next, a breakdown of explosives and their chemistry to explain what the canine is smelling and why some explosives are better than others for explosives detection canine training programs. Finally, the chemistry behind the best practices for use, safety and
storage of explosive training aids. 

This session explains:

  • a thorough but palatable introduction to explosives for the canine handler.
  • With an introduction to transnational threats with the use of home-made explosives devices.
  • Followed by the reasons terrorists make HME devices and how they deploy them in real world attacks.
  • Finally, the chemistry behind the best practices for use, safety and storage of explosive training aids.
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

Todd Wilber

Todd Wilber has worked for over 20 years in counterterrorism as a responder, researcher, policy writer and senior manager. He responded to various incidents at the local, national and transnational levels. His experience includes battlefield firsthand experience with improvised explosives and IEDs. He conducted research on various improved explosives and developed novel render safe procedures for IEDs as well as nuclear devices. Mr. Wilber is completing work on new, broad use desensitization solutions and techniques for powdered primary explosives. He has worked in U.S. Army special operations, additionally as a program manager and researcher at the national labs, a Senior Energy Official for real-world emergencies, and contractor for State Department leading indigenous personnel in explosive hazard mitigation during combat operations. Other duties included providing senior management direction for the overall safety, security and environmental compliance for the Energetic Materials Research and Testing Center. As an adjunct professor, he worked with graduate students and faculty to characterize primary explosives and develop chemical safing solutions.

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.Light beige paper texture background with subtle fibers and creases.Light beige paper texture background with subtle fibers and creases.

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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