Fundamentals of Aggression Control

An examination of the underlying causes and obstacles of effective and reliable aggression control leading into a detailed plan of how to train this complex skill.

Tuesday
,
Aug 24, 2027
1:30 pm
-
3:30 pm
Instructor(s):
Armin Winkler
View full class scheduleRegister for HITS 2026
Armin standing W/dog
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Class overview

An examination of the underlying causes and obstacles of effective and reliable aggression control leading into a detailed plan of how to train this complex skill.

A clear step by step outline how to teach and train effective and reliable real world aggression control which is essential for any K9.

The skills taught here make K9s more functional in all deployment situations and allow for usage of dogs in even the most complex tactical situations.

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This session explains:

A clear step by step outline how to teach and train effective and reliable real world aggression control which is essential for any K9.

The skills taught here make K9s more functional in all deployment situations and allow for usage of dogs in even the most complex tactical situations.

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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

Armin Winkler

Armin Winkler stands as a trailblazer, reshaping the landscape of K9 training with his revolutionary methods. Drawing from decades of experience, Armin has honed his innovative concepts and techniques, specializing in training dogs to excel in critical situations. His journey to elite status is marked by unparalleled knowledge and skills as a trainer and decoy, a perpetual commitment to development, and genuine care for his clients.

As the driving force behind Rivanna K9 Services LLC, Armin extends a range of K9 training services to clients seeking excellence. For the past 13 years, he has held the prestigious role of the contract K9 trainer for a Federal Special Operations team, a testament to the trust vested in his expertise. Armin conducts Police and Special Operations foundation schools regularly, both domestically and internationally. These schools, along with various specialty courses, comprehensively cover the essentials for maximum success in high-stakes operations.

Armin's global impact extends to an anti-poaching tracking and apprehension program in Central Africa, where he selected and trained dogs and handlers, contributing to the crucial fight against wildlife endangerment. His commitment to knowledge-sharing is evident through workshops and seminars for Special Operations Forces (SOF) and law enforcement worldwide. As a published author, Armin's articles have reached global audiences for decades, benefiting the K9 community at large.

In addition to his written contributions, Armin hosts the "If Your Dog Could Talk" Zoom discussion group, furthering his mission to assist K9 teams wherever they may be. Actively involved in dog sports since 1976, Armin runs his own sport club and continues to serve as a decoy and training director. Certified as a law enforcement instructor by the Justice Institute of British Columbia and the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services, Armin's overarching vision is to delve into the K9 mind, providing insights that empower more efficient and effective training methods. Having trained thousands of dogs, Armin Winkler remains steadfast in his commitment to enhancing the understanding of the K9 psyche and advancing the field of K9 training for the benefit of handlers and their loyal companions.

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What past attendees say

"To the organizers of Handler Instruction & Training Seminar 2026,I was an exhibitor for K9 Tactical Gear Inc at Handler Instruction & Training Seminar 2026. I wanted to express my thanks and appreciation for putting together such a successful event. I had a great experience exhibiting, and everything felt well thought out and organized. I know these events require a lot of hard work behind the scenes, and it showed in how smoothly everything went.Whova was also a great tool to use throughout the event. I relied on it to see who was attending, get updates, and strike up conversations with potential leads. It definitely enhanced my overall experience and helped me make the most out of being an Exhibitor.Best regards,Susan Forbes, K9 Tactical Gear"

Susan Forbes
Position
,
K9 Tactical Gear

"I helped run Twin Oaks Manufacturing’s booth at this event and had such a great time! I especially liked being able to manage our booth profile, see the event schedule, and coordinate demos all through Whova. We had steady traffic and great conversations. Everything ran beautifully, thank you!

Warren Richards
Position
,
Twin Oaks Manufacturing

"I was part of the Elite Nutrition team and really enjoyed this event, everything was so organized! Having exhibit hall hours and getting live updates in Whova was great. I was never worried I was missing something. We met a lot of attendees and had a fantastic experience. Thanks for hosting!

LeAnne Osborn
Position
,
Elite Nutrition

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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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