Mastering Decoy Techniques: The foundation of Effective K9 Training COPY

Decoys are the backbone of every successful K9 program. This class delves into the essential skills, techniques, and mindset required to become an effective decoy.

Wednesday
,
Aug 27, 2025
11:30 am
-
1:30 pm
Instructor(s):
Carlos Ramirez
View full class scheduleRegister for HITS 2026
Carlos Ramirez presenting Mastering Decoy Techniques: The foundation of Effective K9 Training COPY at HITS.
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Class overview

Decoys are the backbone of every successful K9 program. This class delves into the essential skills, techniques, and mindset required to become an effective decoy. Designed to benefit both experienced handlers and aspiring decoys, we’ll explore the critical role decoys play in shaping a K9’s performance, building confidence, and ensuring operational reliability. 
 
 Topics include:    
 •    Understanding decoy fundamentals and proper mechanics.    
 •    Avoiding common mistakes that lead to improper training outcomes.     
•    Identifying and correcting behavioral challenges in K9s during bite work.    
•    Enhancing engagement and drive to optimize K9 performance.
 
Join us to gain insights that will elevate your training sessions and provide your K9 team with the tools they need to succeed in the field. Join us to gain insights that will elevate your training sessions and provide your K9 team with the tools they need to succeed in the field.

This session explains:

  • Decoys are the backbone of every successful K9 program.
  • This class delves into the essential skills, techniques, and mindset required to become an effective decoy.
  • Designed to benefit both experienced handlers and aspiring decoys, we’ll explore the critical role decoys play in shaping a K9’s performance
  • Topics include: • Understanding decoy fundamentals and proper mechanics.
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

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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