Training two young doodles (Mochi age 3 and Nori 2) with significant leash reactivity was a daunting task, but the "Board and Train" program with Steve provided the reset our household desperately needed. The Challenge We sent our dogs in because they had become increasingly difficult to manage. Despite knowing their commands, they simply chose not to listen. The situation was particularly serious with our eldest, who had five prior incidents of biting other dogs. As relatively new pet parents, we realized we had unintentionally fostered this environment by providing too much freedom and not enough structure. The Training & Results Steve provided a solid foundation that was missing. The "trust the system" approach was nerve-wracking, but it paid off. Behavioral Shift: They returned as much better-behaved versions of themselves. The foundation Steve built has made them significantly more manageable. Acclimation: While we were worried about how they would settle in, Steve noted they adjusted to the new environment and structure within about a week. Personalized Advice: One of the biggest takeaways was the instruction to walk them separately. Steve identified that they were bonding too much with each other rather than with us; separating their walks has been a game-changer for building that individual focus and bond. Communication The only area for improvement was the frequency of updates. As nervous owners, the wait between check-ins was difficult. Updates, photos, or videos typically came once every 7 to 10 days. While the results speak for themselves, more frequent communication would have helped ease the transition. Final Verdict If you are struggling with leash reactivity or dogs that "know" commands but don't follow them, Steve’s program is highly effective. It was a hard lesson for us to learn regarding structure versus freedom, but we are grateful for the foundation now in place. We finally have the tools to be the leaders our dogs need.
K9KEY
K9KEY at a glance
Customers report that the board and train program effectively addresses leash reactivity, aggression, and basic obedience, often citing quick communication and flexible training durations as positive factors. However, low-star reviews allege the use of aversive tools like shock collars, describe the training methods as unprofessional, and dispute the cost relative to the results achieved.
- Google rating: 4.9 out of 5 from 158 reviews (97% five-star).
- Reviews on this page: 158 Google reviews (158 with written comments, 88 with photos).
- Owner responses: the business replied to 3% of reviews.
- Most recent review: May 4, 2026.
- Service: Dog Trainer serving Hempstead, New York.
Data from Google, last updated November 11, 2026.
Star ratings
158 Google reviews we collected
- 5 stars15497%
- 4 stars00%
- 3 stars00%
- 2 stars00%
- 1 star43%
Praise vs complaints
Phrases our text analysis found in 158 written reviews
- Praise25493%
- Complaints187%
Topic share
How often each topic comes up in the written reviews
- Would recommend5721%
- Staff & attitude5621%
- Communication3714%
- Quality & results3312%
- Honesty & trust3312%
- Speed & response3011%
- Price & value2610%
What customers talk about
We read 158 written reviews and marked every phrase about these topics. The same colors are highlighted in the reviews.
“I highly recommend Steve if you are having any behavioral issues with your dog, he is an excellent trainer, and I promise that you will get the result…”
“I would warn any dog owner to avoid this business, and find someone else.”
“Although I’ve owned a Siberian Husky in the past, Monty had some issues that I felt needed professional help.”
“I set up a consultation with Steve, where he explained what to expect from the program, and we scheduled Monty’s start date.”
“He did an excellent job of reinforcing their basic commands like sit, stay, come, place, down, etc and explaining some of their behavioral responses.”
“ABSOULTE WORST EXPERIENCE I HAVE EVER HAD.”
“The "trust the system" approach was nerve-wracking, but it paid off.”
“FRAUD & LIARS”
“Once I contacted K9KEY Jay got back to me very quickly.”
“It was very difficult and frustrating because we worked with other trainers with no show of improvement after the sessions were completed.”
“Steve also offers boarding services for a reasonable fee for graduates of his program, which is a great option.”
“I went through the very expensive at home training with another company in NYC, but nothing really stuck.”
People customers mention
- Steve 128 reviews
- Shepherd 11 reviews
- Hong 11 reviews
- Train 4 reviews
- School 4 reviews
- German 4 reviews
praise complaint · found by our text analysis, Google review wording unchanged.
Photos
Customer reviews
4.9 ★★★★★ 158 reviews on Google · rating breakdown
Reviews from Google, shown as published (original wording, unedited).
Although I’ve owned a Siberian Husky in the past, Monty had some issues that I felt needed professional help. He didn’t respect boundaries at home and showed a lot of anxiety around things like putting on his collar or leash especially if I had someone else dog sitting him. Once I contacted K9KEY Jay got back to me very quickly. I set up a consultation with Steve, where he explained what to expect from the program, and we scheduled Monty’s start date. I packed a duffel bag for him like a crazy dog mom with food, treats, vitamins, a blanket, and toys and Monty spent 12 weeks with Steve and his family in their home. Before choosing K9KEY, I had looked into several other board-and-train programs and noticed that many rely heavily on crating and don’t have someone present with the dogs overnight once the facility closes. It gave me a lot of peace of mind knowing that Monty would be living in a home environment with consistent supervision and interaction. I did receive occasional updates, and of course I would have liked to hear more but I made a conscious effort to trust the process and respect Steve as a professional. I’d rather know that their time is spent caring for and training the dogs than sending constant photos and texts to each client. With 24-hour care, that alone is more than a full-time job. The reunion with Monty was very informative. Beforehand Steve will provide a list of items he recommends for training, which you should be prepared to bring to the pickup session. And afterward he provides a video of the exercises he wants you to continue at home. I am 100% happy with the work Steve has done with Monty. He’s much calmer, and I truly think he needed the structure that Steve’s training provides. He’s learning and understanding what is expected of him and respecting boundaries. He drops items he shouldn’t have when asked, stays off the couch, and doesn't go upstairs. I train with him for a few minutes every day, and he does great at home with no distractions. We can now walk without leash pulling, and we’re even working on off leash heel in the backyard. When I call him while he’s free roaming, he actually comes. We’ve attended one group class so far, and both Monty and I still need work in more distracting environments. However, since Steve offers these opportunities and ongoing guidance, I’m confident it will continue to improve. I'm grateful to be able to train with other dogs around. Steve also offers boarding services for a reasonable fee for graduates of his program, which is a great option. You know your pup is in good hands, and their training continues to be reinforced. If you think K9KEY can help you and your dog, don’t hesitate and don’t stress if updates aren’t as frequent as you want. They’re professionals. Trust them to do their job, and more importantly be ready to do yours once your dog comes home. I think this was the best decision I could have made as an investment in Monty’s quality of life and for everyone he interacts with. Thank you to Steve and the K9KEY team for all the work you put in, and especially for dedicating your free time to providing free group classes for clients. It really shows how much you care and stand behind what you do.
- Price assessment: Great price
- Services: Dog boarding with training
I am truly not exaggerating when I say that Steve and his fellow trainers changed our lives. My husband and I got our dog, Stanley, just before the pandemic started and we had been dealing with behavioral issues since the beginning. He would be the sweetest boy one minute, and the next he would be snapping at us because we pet him in a way that he didn’t like. We went to countless behaviorists and trainers and they all had a tough time understanding Stanley and nothing really seemed to click. My husband and I knew we wanted kids, so we were desperate to find some sort of training for Stanley because the thought of rehousing him would absolutely break our hearts. Thank goodness we found K9Key School. Stanley stayed with them for 11 weeks during which we got the occasional picture and videos showing us his training journey and his results were astounding! Behaviorally he feels like a different dog. We were given instructions on how to continue Stanley’s training at home so we can keep progressing with him. If you are at all worried about leaving your furry friend, I hope this review helps you feel some relief. I had read horror stories from other overnight training programs about people getting their dogs back and they seemed like they had completely lost their personality, but I can say with absolute certainty that Stanley is still the same sweet, adorable goofball that my husband and I fell in love with. Also, Stanley is absolutely obsessed with Steve and loses his mind with happiness every time we see him at the group training sessions. Please know that you dog is in amazing hands with this company. 5 stars doesn’t feel like nearly enough!
- Services: Dog boarding with training
Steve was amazing! He was very reliable and trusty worthy. I always knew that my puppy was safe and in good hands. My puppy, phil, came back a changed dog. I’m so grateful for the experience.
- Price assessment: Great price
- Services: Dog training
I got 2 puppies at the same time and Steve at K9 Key saved my sanity. He took them into his home and kept them as long as needed to teach them basic commands and better leash behavior. Walking them used to be a nightmare and now I can walk them both without fearing I’m might fall when they get excited or otherwise. At home they have a routine and understand commands allowing us all peace! Steve also offers boarding services which is a load off my mind when I travel - he refreshes training during boarding which is a huge bonus.
We reached out to Steve to train our two 2-year-old American hairless terriers. We had an initial consultation where he explained what the expectations would be for the upcoming weeks of training. He spent the time to get to know our dogs and their demeanor. He did an excellent job of reinforcing their basic commands like sit, stay, come, place, down, etc and explaining some of their behavioral responses. The return home meeting was highly informative on how to carry out continued training with our pups and we have continued support for any issues we may encounter. Our dogs are much more responsive now, and we have the necessary tools and guidance for continuous training.
Our 75 pound Ausie/ Great Pyrenees rescue came back a different dog. His recall was non existent, couldn’t get him to stay, he would go crazy every time someone would come to the door. 9 weeks later he comes as soon as you call him, he stays where he’s told, he goes to his place every time someone comes to the door and waits to be greeted. Bonus he is now crated trained as well. Took longer than expected and missed him terribly but the results are great.
- Price assessment: Reasonable price
- Services: Dog boarding with training
I came to Steve desperate for help with my 6.5-year-old German Shepherd, who had been dog-reactive since she was two. I had never sought professional help before, but things had reached a breaking point. While Steve isn’t a magic fix, he provided the tools and guidance I needed to finally manage her reactivity. I’m so grateful to have found his services!
- Price assessment: Reasonable price
- Services: Dog boarding with training
I can’t say enough wonderful things about K9Key and our trainer, Steve. My dog, Scar, had been living on the streets of Texas before being rescued. When he came to me, he had very little experience living indoors and needed help adjusting to a normal home life. One of my biggest worries was how he would react to people entering my home — especially young children. Before training, my nephew and Scar were very uneasy around each other, which only reinforced my fears. Now, after working with Steve, the difference is unbelievable — they play fetch together outside as well as practice commands inside. It’s heartwarming to see how far Scar has come and how other people can enjoy Scar’s company as much as I do. Scar spent 7 weeks in training with Steve, and the results have been incredible. He came back the same goofy, loving dog I fell in love with, but now with manners, structure, and confidence. He knows several commands, listens beautifully, and appears much more comfortable in all different environments. The transformation has been night and day, but without losing his wonderful personality. What really sets K9Key apart is the continuing support. Steve offers weekly follow-up classes so owners can continue learning and reinforcing their dog’s skills. It’s been such a great way to keep Scar’s progress going — and to build my confidence as an owner, too. If you’re looking for a trainer who truly understands dogs, cares deeply about their success, and takes the time to set both the dog and the owner up for long-term results, Steve at K9Key is the one. I’m so grateful for what he’s done for Scar and for us!
- Price assessment: Great price
- Services: Dog boarding with training
Steve did such a wonderful job with my boy Dior! Before he went he was just a typical pup doing puppy normal puppy behaviors, but with my work schedule it was hard to get him to where I needed him to be. After he went to Steve for a board and train he came back a completely different pup. Very well mannered and behaved, mastering sit, down, stay, place, and heel. Dior is 8 months now and is still constantly improving on his skills that he learned every single day. I highly recommend Steve if you are having any behavioral issues with your dog, he is an excellent trainer, and I promise that you will get the results you are looking for!
Business details
- Address: 935 Jefferson St, Baldwin, NY 11510
- Phone: (917) 714-5807
- Website: k9key.com
- Service area: Hempstead, NY