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.

Man in blue shirt giving a lecture to seated audience with a large screen of text behind him.
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Experiences shared by past participants

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

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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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Developing a Well-Trained Detector Dog Handler - Techniques and Scenarios for a Better Team

We all know how routine and mundane our training days can become over time. This class is designed to highlight the specific training scenarios that center around the essential training techniques that elicit good handling and proper K-9.

Class Instructors:

Andrew Weiman
Retired Trainer
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How New K9 Science and Standards will impact you!

This talk will how new scientific discoveries are dispelling common K9 odor myths and how new national standards incorporating these discoveries will impact detection teams particularly when you are asked testify in the courtroom.

Class Instructors:

Dr. Kenneth Furton
Executive Director
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Training and Deploying an EDD in a Tactical Environment

Explosive Detection for Tactical Missions This course is designed to discuss the complexities of training and deploying a K9 to conduct explosive detection in tactical situations.

Class Instructors:

Mark Kaufmann
Forensic Science Lecturer
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Mike Lilley Tracking

Unlock advanced tracking skills in this in-depth course, designed for handlers looking to expand their capabilities with modern, effective training techniques.

Class Instructors:

Mike Lilley
Owner
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MLK9
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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.

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