About K9KEY | A Family of Dog Trainers, Long Island & NYC

JUST REALLY GOOD DOG TRAINERS

Dog training is a service, not a product. So choose the team, not the brand.

K9KEY

We have been training dogs since before some of our clients have been born. However, a skill should not be measured just by the amount of experience, but also the quality of those experiences.

We compete in dog sports where the dogs are specifically bred for their intensity. Competition dogs are much more difficult to handle than the common household companion. Breeding, raising, and working with these dogs regularly within a home setting has given us a wide range of skills in understanding a dog's behavior.

A K9KEY handler working with three boxers from the same household during a board and train session in the yard

MEET STEVE

Groomed to be a dog trainer at an early age, his father raised, trained, and competed dogs throughout Steve's childhood in Korea, and continued when they moved to the United States. Steve was learning to train and breed from the very beginning; handling and showing numerous dogs ranging from Korean Jindos to Pomeranians. From that time up to the present, Steve has traveled the world and competed at some of the highest levels of competition in the very competitive sport of Schutzhund (IGP) with his German Shepherds and the occasional Belgian Malinois by his side. He has also specialized in handling and training of Pit Bulls; a breed he has loved for many years and understands well.

Steve's talents in dog training include basic to advanced obedience, protection training, sport / competition training, service work, movie work, aggression issues and puppy training.

He has instructed classes in basic obedience and worked extensively with Schutzhund, narcotic detection and explosive detection work. Currently, he provides training for private lessons and workshops for Schutzhund and working K9 dog / handler teams.

CURRENT

Trainer & Managing Director of K9KEY
President of New York Schutzhund & Police Dog Club
President of Team Sport Club
Co-founder of K9KEY

PAST CAREER

Head Trainer and Kennel Manager of Key’s Feline & Canine Inc.
Writer of Health & Life Magazine pet section
Head Trainer and Manager of V.I.P. (Very Important Pet)

ACCOMPLISHMENTS (Championships Only)

2008 WUSV World Championship

12th Place overall (High in Tracking 99 points)
Youngest Competitor

2007 Northeastern Regional Schutzhund Championship

7th Place
Youngest Competitor

2007 GSDCA-WDA Schutzhund National Championship

Youngest Competitor

DOGS THAT STEVE HAS TITLED

Merlin von Conneforde (Pedro)

3x WUSV, SchH3, IPO2, FH, ZW 76
2x WUSV High Tracking

International Events

2008 WUSV 12th Place (99-86-92=277 High Tracking)
2006 WUSV 3rd Place (94-90-98=282 High Protection)
2005 WUSV 4th Place (98-93-94=285 High Tracking)

National Events

2007 North American Championship FH Champion (99 Points Off Lead)
2006 GSDCA-WDA National Champion (98-96-100=294 High Obedience & High Protection)
2004 USA GSD National Champion (99-96-99=294 High Obedience & High Protection)

Karo V. Zeuterner Himmelreich

SchH3, (100-97-99) KKL2, A-Normal
2000 Mid-Eastern Regional Schutzhund III Champion
’99 Landesgruppen Sieger (99-96-96)
’99 Bundessiegerprufung Participant
’99 Pokalkampf Sieger

Queen vom Adamsgarten

SchH3, KKL2, ZW 87
2007 GSDCA-WDA National Championship / WUSV Qualifier
2007 Northeastern Regional Championship

Steve Hong competing in IGP obedience at a championship

Steve Hong leading a group training session at K9KEY

Steve Hong as the helper during IGP protection work, taking a dog's bite

Steve Hong as a young handler with a German Shepherd at a competition

Steve Hong as a boy stacking a German Shepherd at a show

MEET KI

Ki Hong is a proven international competitor and the founder of K9KEY. He brings his life-long affection for dogs together with proven modern-humane training techniques to help you and your dog improve your relationship. He has over 30 years of experience in dog training and breeding.

Ki’s vast experience in dog training includes puppy on leash and off leash obedience training, behavior modification and problem solving, police K-9 training of narcotics detection, explosive detection, criminal apprehension dogs, Schutzhund, PH and agility.

His ability to evaluate your dog’s personality and temperament, combined with his practical, effective and modern humane training techniques will help you and your dog develop a life long relationship that is based on love, respect and effective communication.