Fear and anxiety training, in our clients' words.

We sent our 1.5 year old miniature schnauzer, Moose, to Steve at K9 Key for a 7-week training program, and the transformation has been incredible. Moose struggled with severe anxiety, constant screaming whenever we left the house, stubborn behavior, and leash reactivity that made walks/interacting with other dogs stressful.

When Moose came home, he was like a new dog. Steve gave him the structure, confidence, and tools he needed to be calmer, patient and more focused. Walks are now enjoyable, leaving the house is no longer a nightmare, and Moose is clearly happier and more relaxed.

Steve kept us updated throughout the process, answered all of our questions, and clearly cares deeply about both the dogs and their families. We are beyond grateful for the work he put in with Moose—it has truly changed our daily lives for the better.

I can’t recommend Steve and K9 Key enough for anyone struggling with a dog that feels unmanageable. He gave us back the joy of having a well-balanced, happy companion.

We were having a difficult time walking our dog. He would pull uncontrollably whenever he saw another dog. After several weeks of training with Steve, he is a different pup. No more stressful walks. Other behaviors were also addressed. He also offers weekend training at no additional charge. Steve worked wonders with our pup!

Absolutely thrilled with the training experience we had with Steve! We brought our 2-year-old Golden-Irish Setter Mix, Stanley, to him for a little over 7 weeks—3 weeks longer than originally planned—and the results have been incredible. Stanley struggled with recall and had some anxiety when he wasn’t the center of attention or was startled. After Steve’s training, Stanley is a completely different dog. His recall has drastically improved, and he’s much more relaxed overall.

Steve was always easy to communicate with, keeping us updated on Stanley’s progress throughout the training. One of the best parts of the experience is the regular training classes he offers, several times a month. These sessions give my wife and me the opportunity to continue working on our skills as owners, reinforcing what Stanley has learned.

It’s been about 5 months since Stanley completed his initial training, and with the continued support of Steve’s classes and consistent practice at home, Stanley has made even more progress. If you're in the NYC or Long Island area and looking for thoughtful, effective dog training, I highly recommend Steve. The results speak for themselves—Stanley is better behaved, and we’ve become much more confident owners thanks to Steve's guidance!

Steve is a professional in a field that NEEDS one! After trying an at home trainer with no progress and researching numerous options, we found K9KEY. Our initial consultation made us feel like we finally found someone who could actually help. Steve took the time to breakdown his process and accurately evaluated our dog, Ziggy on the spot. We left the hour long consultation feeling like we finally found some hope for our dog and knew that Steve was the right choice. He is extremely knowledgeable and passionate about the well-being of the dogs that he trains.

Ziggy is an environmentally, fear-aggressive dog. He has issues with aggression towards males and some dogs as well. After spending about 8 weeks with Steve, our dog came home with significantly improved behavior. He listens to commands, is controllable on the leash and even enjoys being in his crate.

Before Steve, we could never enjoy walks with Ziggy or have company over without him barking ferociously in his crate, non-stop. Now, we have guests over and Ziggy quietly lays in his crate, completely comfortable. Our dog is still aggressive, but we have learned how to manage his behaviors and live comfortably.

In the initial drop off, we (like most dog owners) were worried about him day and night. We did not get too many updates but that is normal, as Ziggy was getting adjusted. Once we got to see him, we were so relieved to see that he was comfortable and happy with Steve. We got great videos of Ziggy listening to Steve and his team, following commands and behaving like we’ve never seen before.

After the training, Steve even offers free group classes for life. Ziggy has gone to these training classes to help reinforce everything he has learned, while teaching you techniques as the owner. It’s also great getting to meet other dog owners managing the same struggle as you.

One of the greatest benefits we’ve gotten out of this training is the option to board Ziggy with Steve when we go on vacation. An aggressive dog is a huge responsibility and cannot be left with just anyone. Being able to leave Ziggy in Steve's hands gives us such a piece of mind knowing he is safely being cared for and most importantly is happy and comfortable 😊 That to me is worth every penny!

An aggressive dog is never going to be cured, but with Steve we are now able to breathe easier with our well-behaved, loving, but aggressive puppy. Thank you Steve for all your help, you have truly allowed us to never give up on our dog. Your work is extremely important and has changed our lives.

Our Leo, is extremely alert and protective GSD (German Shepheard), tough a little nervous and did not have a lot of socialization as a pup. It was our son’s dog who is in the military and Leo would come to us during deployments. He was anxious towards other dogs and people. We could not have visitors into our home with ease… we had few incidents that he would nip at our visitors even after they were introduced. Walking him outside of his comfort zone was impossible. He would lunge towards people riding by on bicycles and people walking with their dogs. Our son had him in 2 different training facilities but we found no lasting positive improvement.

He is a great dog and we’re willing to give a try at socialization since our son was considering giving him away which was causing him heartbreak. We were lucky to find Steve Hong at K9key after researching on the internet. Because of all the great reviews we decided to give it a try. If that didn’t work, sadly…we might have to give him up😔.

We met Steve in his office for the interview, he was patient, knowledgeable and explained to us Leo’s behavioral problems and how we might be able to work on it. We remember driving home from the office that day, we both had a good feeling that Leo will be in good hands!

Steve is truly a dog whisperer. Leo stayed with Steve longer than we initially anticipated and with great success.

After the program Leo came home as a different dog. People are able to pet him on our walks, he no longer shows aggression towards other dogs unless they come at him. We can now have our friends over and they feel comfortable and enjoy Leo’s company. This pronounced change we credit to Steve and all the training staff at K9key for their patience, loving care and experience that turned Leo around to be such a better dog. He is less anxious and more confident.

Also, after completing training, there is a follow-up class on most Saturdays which helps reinforce Leo’s relaxed behavior with other dogs and people.

If you are looking for an effective training program, with knowledgeable, caring instructors or are worried you may have to give up your dog, we recommend K9key without reservation. Your investment will be totally worth it.

Steve Hong at K9KEY is a professional dog trainer who gets results where others have failed. We mention "Professional" because there are a lot of amateurs out there willing to sell you their services, some work solo and come to you while others work at training facilities with stores attached to upsell their products. We know because we hired both types before we found K9KEY. Steve has a gift for training dogs, great insight on why your dog is doing what they're doing, and a sense of humor. He's honest and doesn't make promises of easy fixes or miracle cures. Dog training is hard. It's even harder when the dog has an obsessive-compulsive disorder and is reactive to other dogs. When our dog Suzie was about 4 months old, she developed spinning and tail chasing behaviors. Not the cute kind you might see in a happy, excited dog. She was unable to focus on anything but her tail, didn't care about eating, playing, and was never at rest. Heartbreaking cannot begin to describe it. Research suggested medication along with a training program could be beneficial in helping ease her extreme anxiety. We found K9KEY and Steve suggested a vet familiar with behavior issues to complete the equation. The K9KEY process begins with an evaluation and is followed by a 4-week board and train program. If your dog needs more time, K9KEY will keep them longer at no additional charge. After board and train, you bring your dog to Steve's weekly class to train the humans. The class is free to those who've completed the board and train program. You don't develop a business model based on giving away your time unless you are really passionate about what you do. Steve had our dog for 8 weeks and she is doing so much better now. We're so impressed with Steve's commitment to help our dog and to help us be better dog parents. If you're looking for a dog trainer you won't find better than K9KEY.

We brought our 6 year old Labradoodle, Scout, to train with Steve at K9KEY in July 2021. When Scout met Steve she was very anxious, had separation anxiety and had no real exposure to other dogs which resulted in fear aggression. As a first time dog owner, we were a bit anxious as well. Scout stayed with Steve and his great staff for about 7 weeks. From the time we picked her up we noticed a tremendous change. Her stress level was lower, she did not bark when we left the house, she listened to our commands and walking past dogs became a non issue. The true test came when our daughter visited with her dog. Her puppy and Scout were able to be together and there were no issues. I think the biggest benefit was the guidance Steve provided to us that made us better dog owners. Scout senses our confidence in how we handle her and we are all the better for it. His patience and kindness with Scout was very evident. We could not recommend Steve more.

I sent my Dachshund Napoleon to Steve’s training on recommendation from a friend. He was responsive and helpful throughout the whole process and Napoleon came back a changed dog. He also offers weekly group training after to keep up the training undertaken during the program which has helped me understand what I’m doing wrong so I can correct Napoleon at home. I am very pleased with Steve and love the dog that’s come back to me as a result.

UPDATE: Almost three years after Steve kept our dog Shea, we still are in contact with him continuously with questions about behavior or how to better Shea. Shea went from being completely unmanageable to being our beloved baby who is the best big sister to our two human babies. She used to have many many triggers and now really only a couple, which we manage very closely. We feel like we communicate with her so well truly because of Steve and team's education - I truly cannot say it enough but K9Key saved our girl and I cannot recommend them enough!!!!

I can not recommend Steve and his colleagues enough. We have a 20 month old mixed breed who we rescued last March. Our dog is very timid and her fear ended up leading to behaviors such as resource guarding with other dogs, barking at every single noise, barking and lounging at strangers, and the list goes on! Not only did Steve take Shea for 8 full weeks, but she came back a much more confident, happy and disciplined dog. We are still working to be more controlled owners, with Steve’s continued help, but overall would recommend Steve to anyone out there! Shea is also now SO calm and well behaved with our newborn baby, something that I was very nervous about! Thanks again to Steve and everyone at K9Key - you guys are the best!

We purchase a GSD at 8 weeks old. Her name is Martha. She came with an already established fear of dogs but was attacked at about 3 months at a rest stop on a peepee break. The dog came out of nowhere! After that she was REALLY terrified of dogs and it spread to people. I felt terribly guilty about sending her for training because she was my baby but it was the best thing we could have done. She is no longer terrified of other dogs, just a bit hesitant, but then... watch out! All she wants to do is play as long as they are a bit smaller or the same size and don’t show ANY aggression. She is still fearful of people but warms up. We wouldn’t have been able to get here without Steve’s initial training and ongoing Saturday classes. I’m the student who picks his brain at the end of each class! I tweak how we are introducing new people and she gets better all of the time. Martha is a work in progress and she knows who follows through and who doesn’t; a real weasel. I’m not sure where we would be without his training. She is the family dog we hoped for. And we’re all obsessed!! If you are on the fence, you can be sure with Steve at K9Key!

I highly recommend k9 key for training your dog. I have a 3 year old Cavalier King Charles that needed some “manners” and needed to be trained from being a weewee pad dog to being a walkable dog, and they did a great job with him! They are honest about what can and cannot be learned and the best part is that when you get your dog back the relationship with k9 does not end. They even host weekly group sessions and I’ve seen some other amazing dogs they’ve worked with. Such nice people, and that means a lot! Some of you may be considering cheaper alternatives but nothing beats allowing them to board and focus on training your dog for some time (Cody was with them for a month). You get what you pay for and the support afterwards is more valuable then you can imagine. Ive learned just as much as Cody!

Funny quick story to end this review. Cody was recently acting very weird in my backyard. Some time went by and i sent Steve some video (of cody pacing around huffing and puffing nonstop). He diagnosed that i had a critter in the yard. I said no way, i had searched everywhere. He insisted. Lo and behold i went to move my sons basketball hoop from the backyard to the front of the house, and somehow a baby possum had worked its way under there to live. He scampered out and away and ever since then Cody is happy in his yard again. This is just an example of the valuable support you can expect.

Steve has been nothing short of amazing to us and our 2 year old pit bull Rambo!

We adopted Rambo I early July. He had severe anxiety and had absolutely no manners. We had a trip up panned for 2 weeks in September and when we decided to adopt Rambo we secured a trainer that would board and train him during our vacation. 4 days before we were set to leave the trainer called and had to cancel due to a broken ankle. That’s when a friend recommended Steve. Steve met us the next day for an evaluation of Rambo and he decided to take him into his 4 week board and train program.

Steve kept Rambo for a total of 7-1/2 weeks (no extra charge for the additional time). Rambo came back to us a different dog. Steve helped Rambo get his confidence back. Steve set the foundation and gave us the education needed to continue his training. His weekly group classes are an opportunity for us to learn from not only steve, but from a group of other people that are in the same position as us. I highly recommend Steve to everyone who asks. He truly cares about the dogs he trains and the results speak for themselves.

Ghost was a very shy and cautious puppy when we adopted him at 5 months old. He was afraid of everything - from mailboxes to Halloween pumpkin décor to the yellow plastic Kid Alert warning stands that resembled a small child. Ghost was an anxiety-ridden puppy and, as he grew older, that fear cycled into aggression. Going for walks was now a nightmare once another dog was in our path, with Ghost lunging and barking at the oncoming intruders. Thus began my search for a trainer and I stumbled upon K9Key. We met with Steve and Ghost greeted him with the usual affection he saved for strangers, but when Steve took the leash and a chair beside him, Ghost laid at his feet – no barking, no growling, and no lunging. After my shock wore off, I looked and saw my dog at ease, though still reserved and suspicious. Ghost started the board and train program in January. We knew it would be a slow process and I texted Steve for updates every week, pleased that each week Ghost was experiencing positive interactions with strangers, dogs, and even vacuum cleaners and hair dryers. Now, Ghost listens and responds to commands, tolerates seeing dogs out the front window, and enjoys a playful relationship with our family members.

When I look at Ghost, I see a calm, happy boy who loves to explore and I feel an insane amount of gratitude to Steve and K9Key. Steve deserves all the credit in the world, yet his humility would prevent him from accepting it. From his composed demeanor to unwavering care, Steve has a natural gift. Thanks to Steve, Ghost has found his inner confidence when confronting new situations, and most importantly, has learned to look to us for guidance when he is scared and unsure. Call Steve today if you find that your best friend isn’t feeling that great. In working with Steve, your dog will be a priority and shown all the attention, respect, and patience (lots of patience) he or she deserves.

Steve has been incredibly helpful in the last few months with the initial and ongoing training of my 5 year old Brittany Spaniel. He has helped with numerous dog behavior issues including signs of aggesssion, separation anxiety and major leash pulling. We appreciate his approach to creating the right training plan for each dog and the regular training sessions to reinforce the good behavior for both dogs and their owners.

Many people who have known our dog for quite some time are shocked by the positive change, especially our dog walkers who battled with Scotch daily. Whoever said ‘you can’t teach an old dog new tricks’ hasn’t met Steve!

I am excited to share the happy news of how my rescue dog Madge started the healing process of becoming the beautiful Mastiff that she deserves to be. Madge was found on the streets of Georgia, pregnant and with puppies by her side. God knows what her experiences were but based on her behavior towards men I could only imagine how badly she was treated. We rescued her from Ruff House Rescue and realized very soon that she/we needed help. K9 Key was on Baldwin Animal Hospital's recommendation list and I am thrilled with Madge's progress. First we attended a very informative and thoughtful evaluation with Steve. Madge took to him instantly (the first male she ever approached without fear and anxiety). She attended a seven week boarding school type training program and during that time we were provided video footage and updates regarding her progress. We also visited once. Now that Madge is home, we have a much better handle on how to walk her, manage her , reward her and help her continue on the road to healing. We attend an excellent group clinic regularly as part of the continuing training process. This is an opportunity for us to re-inforce what Madge has learned as well as help us reinforce the skills we need. Madge is a dream. We love her. But we also know that without K9 Key's continued support we wouldn't be able to do it. Thank you Steve and your wonderful team!!!!

Our miniature Australian Shepherd dog Luna came into our home as a seemingly well adjusted, sweet, but shy one year old pup. After raising two kids, we figured a dog couldn’t be any more difficult. Within just a few days of her arrival though, she began to exhibit signs of aggression towards anyone but me and my husband. She snapped at my 90 year old father (who lives with us), she growled and nipped at friends who were visiting, and when our daughter left for college and came back two weeks later, Luna tried to bit her hand. She became a terror on the leash – baring her teeth, letting out deep growls, and lunging toward other dogs or people – it got to the the point that she would growl at everyone we passed. Our visions of day hikes and walks in the park with our dog vanished.

Realizing we needed a super pro I scoured the internet looking for the best of the best. I found Steve through a woman at K9 Behavior Service on Long Island. Steve met us at a neutral spot, had me pass him the leash, and went for a walk with our growly, snarly monster. After a lengthy meeting and a discussion about Luna’s behavior we agreed to start the training as soon as possible.

It was extremely hard to be without Luna so we were texting Steve ALOT. He kept us updated on her progress and even sent some pictures. About two weeks into the training he brought Luna to the park so we could see her – we were going out of our minds we missed her so much. Clearly she was quite content to be with Steve – I would describe her as being mildly pleased to see us – which was just fine! We were so worried she was lonely or afraid, but she seemed so happy and content. Assured of her well-being we were able to relax and allow Steve do his job and let us know when she’d be ready for us. About four weeks later we were reunited with a completely different – BETTER version of our dog. Best still, as part of the training, we continually met with Steve for private and group lessons so he could watch and correct our behavior.

Steve is a top notch professional and we are so grateful to have found him. If you love your dog and you want results call Steve.

Barbara Leff

bleff@monkgroup.com