Laser Targeting

This course will take participants and their K9s through the optimal techniques for maintaining high speed, and reliable response in A-to-B laser targeting.

Thursday
,
Aug 28, 2025
11:30 am
-
1:30 pm
Instructor(s):
Thomas Schuppe
View full class scheduleRegister for HITS 2026
Thomas Schuppe presenting Laser Targeting at HITS.
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Class overview

This course will take participants and their K9s through the optimal
techniques for maintaining high speed, and reliable response in A-to-B
laser targeting.

This protocol gives handlers the potential to send their dogs up to 200
meters away - during the day or at night - to apprehend a specific
person, search a specific area/vehicle, or search a suspicious object.
It enables the dog to reach it's indicated target as fast as possible,
while ignoring potential distractions along the way.

This method of laser targeting is a tool for increasing mission security,
whether deploying single or dual purpose K9s.

Various deployment scenarios will be discussed, as well as how one
may tailor the techniques for their operational needs.

Class Outline

  • History of laser training
  • Guidance vs targeting
  • Operational pitfalls and evolution
  • Tuning / development of new training protocols
  • Operant response vs cognitive processing
  • Protocol overview/breakdown
  • Pairing with single or dual purpose specialties
  • Types of lasers and how to choose
  • Deployment scenarios
  • Use and application
  • Adjusting for operational environment
  • Maintaining speed / motivation

This session explains:

  • History of laser training
  • Guidance vs targeting
  • Operational pitfalls and evolution
  • Tuning / development of new training protocols
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About the instructor

Thomas Schuppe

Thomas is a former member of the GIGN. He combined his expertise in EOD and assault tactics with his talent for dog training, to shape France's first multi-specialty K9 program (assault, explosives detection, camera-guided reconnaissance, and laser targeting). Consequently, K9 teams became an increasingly valuable asset to intervention and reconnaissance teams.

Through his camera-guided K9 project, it quickly became clear that the technology available did not match their training capabilities of guiding dogs over long distances and out of sight. Thomas thus founded the company T&S Concepts. The company dedicated years to developing a dog-mounted camera and radio system that would fit their operational needs: the K9 Vision System. Today the K9VS is used worldwide, in both special operations and traditional K9 units.

Later in he careee , Thomas' focus shifted to making disciplines such as camera guidance and laser targeting accessible to all. He added to his operational role the title of program instructor, and demonstrated that multiple generations of dogs and handlers were capable of learning and sustaining advanced training techniques. Thomas established testing protocols and standards with the Centre National Cynophile de la Gendarmerie, enabling all French national police and military units officially certify K9s in those specialities.

He now pulls from over 20 years of special operations experience to train units worldwide-with the goal of raising standards and demonstrating that K9 programs have more to offer tactical teams.

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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.

‍

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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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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