Reliable Detection: Clarity of Task, Confidence, and Operational Accuracy

Detection dogs are naturally proficient at communicating when target odor is present—but true operational reliability requires equal clarity when odor is absent .

Tuesday
,
Aug 25, 2026
10:30 am
-
12:30 pm
Instructor(s):
Mike Lilley
View full class scheduleRegister for HITS 2026
Mike Liley presenting Reliable Detection: Clarity of Task, Confidence, and Operational Accuracy at HITS.
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Class overview

Detection dogs are naturally proficient at communicating when target odor is present—but true operational reliability requires equal clarity when odor is absent. This course examines training principles and methodologies that develop confident, independent search dogs capable of accurately indicating both the presence and confirmed absence of target odor in real-world, highly distracting environments. Attendees will learn how to strengthen search behavior, reduce false indications, and build dogs that can problem-solve through complex conditions with consistency and confidence. This session is designed to elevate deployment-ready performance for handlers, trainers, and working K9 teams seeking higher reliability in the field.

This session explains:

  • Detection dogs are naturally proficient at communicating when target odor is present—but true operational reliability requires equal clarity when
  • to elevate deployment-ready performance for handlers, trainers, and working K9 teams seeking higher reliability in the field.
  • training principles and methodologies that develop confident
  • independent search dogs capable of accurately indicating both the presence and confirmed absence of target odor in real-world
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About the instructor

Mike Lilley

Mike Lilley is a professional K9 trainer with extensive experience in law enforcement, working dogs, and operational deployments. He began his law enforcement and K9 handler career with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and later served with the Hendry County Sheriff’s Office, where he worked as a K9 handler, trainer, and K9 Unit Sergeant, overseeing training and operational standards. Mike has trained and handled dogs across multiple disciplines, including patrol, detection, tracking, and specialty odor applications. He is a Silver and Gold graduate of the NePoPo® training system and continues to train, deploy, and mentor K9 teams nationwide. He is the co-founder of MLK9 and Ridgeside K9: Knoxville, where he oversees both pet-dog programs and professional working-dog training.

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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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