Classes previously delivered at HITS K9

Explore previous HITS instruction across tactics, legal context, behavior, detection, leadership, and operational decision-making.

These sessions reflect the depth of education delivered to handlers, supervisors, and agencies preparing for real deployment and courtroom scrutiny.

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Register for HITS 2026
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Experiences shared by past participants

Feedback from handlers and agencies who have participated in past HITS instruction.

"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
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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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Company name

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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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Classes that shaped prior HITS events

Past HITS programs have included instruction designed to strengthen operational readiness, legal defensibility, and long-term performance across working K9 teams. Each class combines real-world experience, research, and courtroom-relevant perspective to support decisions that hold up beyond the training environment.

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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.

Class Instructors:

Armin Winkler
President Rivanna K9 Services
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Complete Muzzle Training for reliable Street Performance

Class Instructors:

Armin Winkler
President Rivanna K9 Services
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True Foundations

This class is designed to show how crucial the relationship and shaping behavior is to setting yourself up for success is in all aspects of a working K9 in every environment. It provides a roadmap for all stages of training and culminates into problem solving common issues such as outing and distraction breaking through reinforcement and bond development. Proper use of correction and behavior management is also incorporated.

Class Instructors:

Mike Ritland
Former US Navy Seal, Founder Trikos International, Team Dog and Author.
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Team Dog
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Building a Training Aid "Tool Box" for Fentanyl (and other Emerging Drug Threats)

The K9 community has been focused on Fentanyl detection for a long time but has limited training aid options. But what is the most appropriate training aid for Fentanyl, and how is odor availability affected by purity, age, cutting agents.

Class Instructors:

Jonathan McGrath, PhD
Technical Advisor
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Learning that continues beyond the classroom

Handlers return from HITS with knowledge that supports:

  • Clearer deployment judgment
  • Stronger courtroom testimony
  • More reliable detection and tracking performance
  • Better program leadership and documentation
  • Long-term improvement across K9 units
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Strengthen long-term K9 performance

Past classes show the level of instruction HITS delivers each year. Explore upcoming sessions or register to attend future training.

View current classes
Register for HITS 2026
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