Youngjin College (President Choi Jaeyoung) announced on the 22nd that students from its Department of Companion Animals achieved outstanding results in obedience training and dog grooming at nationwide companion dog competitions hosted by the Korea Kennel Club (KKC).
The competitions were held over two days, April 19 and 20, at the KKC Indoor Center in Paju, Gyeonggi Province. The events were divided into the 2025 KKC Companion Dog Stylist (Grooming) Competition and the 2025 KKC Obedience Championship (Obedience Training Competition and Companion Dog Championship).
Students from the Department of Companion Animals at Youngjin College who won awards at the 2025 KKC Companion Dog Stylist (Grooming) Competition and other participants gathered in one place to pose with Professor Jongmin Lee (right).
The competitions were organized by the Korea Kennel Club (KKC) along with its Training and Grooming Committees. Participation was limited to KKC members. Notably, this year’s event was the first official competition hosted by the KKC with approval from the American Kennel Club (AKC), adding further significance.
At the obedience training competition, student Lee Junseo and his companion dog "Dain" won second place. On April 20, Lee, a sophomore in the Department of Companion Animals, competed in three Companion Dog (CD) categories and took second place in the SD3 division.
This category evaluates how accurately and faithfully a companion dog follows its handler’s obedience commands, allowing judges to assess both the bond and the training level between the participant and their dog.
Lee commented, "I am very happy to have participated in the competition with my dog Dain and to have won an award," adding, "I feel especially proud because Dain was once a stray dog, and after working on behavior correction, we were able to enter the competition together."
Youngjin College students also received multiple awards in the companion dog stylist (grooming) competition. At the 2025 KKC Companion Dog Stylist Competition, held on April 19 at the same venue, the students’ skills stood out.
Student Jung Seohyun (second year) won the bronze medal in the Novice division. Student Heo Dayeon (second year) received an encouragement award in the Level C university division. Student Han Ain (first year) won the bronze medal in the Level A (real dog) general division.
Jung Seohyun said, "I only started learning grooming after entering college, so winning an award at my very first competition is very meaningful. I am proud that my growth, achieved through daily practice in the training room, has been recognized with an award. I hope to become a groomer who contributes to the companion animal industry."
Han Ain shared, "I was quite nervous participating in the Level A division for the first time, but thanks to consistent practice, I was able to compete with confidence." Heo Dayeon commented, "I focused on practicing with a wig for a month to prepare, so winning my first award is even more meaningful. I will continue to work hard to achieve good results in future grooming competitions."
The Department of Companion Animals at Youngjin College trains professionals in various fields such as companion animal training, grooming, and care through systematic practical education and field-oriented curricula. The students’ achievements in this competition are seen as further proof of their practical skills and potential.
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