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Your Trusted Dog Training Experts

Valor K9 Academy is a premier dog training facility dedicated to fostering trust, obedience, and a deep bond between dogs and their owners. Founded in 2013, we have proudly trained thousands of dogs using customized, effective training programs that cater to all breeds and temperaments. At Valor K9 Academy, we focus on providing a supportive and engaging environment where both dogs and owners feel empowered to succeed.

Meet Amy Pishner
Our team, led by triple-certified expert Amy Pishner, is passionate about helping dogs reach their full potential while equipping owners with the tools and knowledge they need to maintain long-term results. Whether you're looking for basic obedience, advanced training, or behavioral rehabilitation, Valor K9 Academy is committed to delivering excellence with every paw forward.

Discover the Perfect Training for Your Dog
Ready to take the next step in your dog’s training journey? Explore our range of personalized services designed to meet the unique needs of every dog and owner.

View Our Services

Training for Every Dog

Our balanced training methods cater to dogs of all ages, breeds, and needs. Specialties include puppy training, family dog obedience, behavior rehabilitation, and service dog training. Services include private lessons, group classes, workshops, boarding, board-and-train programs, and virtual courses. We’re also building a large facility in Boise to host events.

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Our Training Philosophy

We emphasize communication, motivation, and relationships. Starting with positive reinforcement, we teach dogs expectations and integrate tools like training collars as needed for off-leash reliability. Our focus is on fair, effective methods that meet dogs’ physical, mental, and training needs. Owners are a key part of our process, ensuring dogs thrive as confident, go-anywhere companions.

Meet the Owners

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Amy Marie Pishner

Founder, Owner, and Head Trainer

Amy Pishner is the founder, owner, and head trainer of Valor K9 Academy. A veteran of both the United States Air Force and the Wisconsin Air National Guard, Amy served as an intelligence specialist, where she provided critical mission support to F-15E Strike Eagle aircrew. She graduated magna cum laude from Carthage College in Wisconsin with degrees in International Political Economy and Spanish.

Amy is a triple-certified dog trainer, having earned certifications from Starmark Academy, Vohne Liche Kennels, and The Michael Ellis School. What began as a passion has grown into a thriving career - since entering the professional dog training world in 2013, she has worked with thousands of dogs across a wide range of breeds and behavioral needs.

She is currently authoring a book on dog training, set to be published in late 2025.

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Justin Pishner

Co-Owner, Trainer

Justin Pishner is the co-owner of Valor K9 Academy, where he plays a key role in human resources, curriculum development, boarding, and training. With a distinguished 15-year tenure of active duty in the United States Air Force as a Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape (SERE) Specialist, Justin has led and instructed in some of the military's most demanding environments, including multiple overseas wartime deployments. He continues to serve in the Idaho Air National Guard, applying his expertise to train aircrew and high-risk personnel in critical survival skills.

Justin's transition from military service to co-leading Valor K9 Academy reflects his commitment to discipline, resilience, and effective communication. His background in high-stakes instruction and operational leadership enhances the academy's training programs ensuring they are grounded in real-world experience and structured methodology.

Join Our Team

At Valor K9 Academy, excellence is our standard. We meticulously select our trainers and provide instruction in our proven methodologies, ensuring they align with our high standards. Our commitment doesn't end there; we continue to mentor and support our trainers throughout their tenure, fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional growth.

We are currently hiring experienced dog trainers for our Boise, ID, and Chattanooga, TN locations. Ideal candidates should have a solid background in dog training, the ability to work independently, space for dogs in their home, and a steadfast commitment to excellence.

If you're passionate about making a positive impact in the lives of dogs and their owners, we invite you to apply. Please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your experience and philosophy to [email protected]

Submit Your Resume
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Ready to Learn More?

Explore our comprehensive training options, meet our passionate team, and see how we can help you and your dog achieve success.

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