Won First Prize for the First Time... Shilla University Department of Companion Animal Science Takes Top Honors at Korea Customs Service Chief's Detection Dog Competition

The Department of Companion Animal Science at Shilla University (President Heo Namsik) won the top student prize at the 10th Korea Customs Service Chief's Detection Dog Competition.

The 10th Korea Customs Service Chief's Detection Dog Competition was held on November 14 at Sky Sports Park in Yeongjongdo, Incheon, featuring three categories: detection, agility, and jumping relay. A total of 312 teams from 30 high schools and universities across the country participated in the event.

This was the first time that students from the Department of Companion Animal Science at Shilla University participated in the competition since the department's establishment. Student Gong Hyojung, together with her companion dog Alkongi, demonstrated perfect teamwork and won the grand prize in the student division's detection category.

Shilla University Department of Companion Animal Studies student Gong Hyojung and her companion dog Alkongi, who won the grand prize at the Korea Customs Service Chief's Detection Dog Competition.

Alkongi is a rescued dog adopted by Gong Hyojung. After adoption, Gong built a deep bond of affection and trust with her companion dog and conducted systematic training based on that relationship.

Gong Hyojung said, "I gave Alkongi plenty of love, believing that even abandoned animals can become excellent partners." The story of Gong and Alkongi has become a model case that aligns with the educational philosophy of Shilla University's Department of Companion Animal Science.

Ryu Jaedu, head of the Department of Companion Animal Science at Shilla University, stated, "The passion our students showed while preparing for the competition seems to have led to Gong Hyojung's grand prize. With the pride of being the first department of its kind in the Busan-Ulsan-Gyeongnam region and the honor of this award, we will continue to lead in animal welfare and the training of professional talent."

Starting from the 2026 academic year, the Department of Companion Animal Science at Shilla University will be expanded and reorganized into the School of Companion Animal Studies. New majors in Animal Health and Animal Behavior & Animal-Assisted Therapy will be established to provide more specialized and detailed education.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.