About Valor K9 Academy®

Boise Dog Trainers With Real Experience & Lasting Results

Since 2014, Valor K9 Academy® has been helping dogs and their families in Boise and the Treasure Valley. Built on real-world experience, military discipline, and proven training methods, we train dogs for everyday life — not just class.

Whether you’re raising your first puppy, refining manners in a family dog, addressing behavior challenges, or training a service dog, our programs provide clarity, structure, and real-world results that last.

 

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Our Mission — Transforming Dogs & Families

At Valor K9 Academy, our mission is to create lasting transformation for dogs and their guardians. We combine structure, expertise, and compassion to help dogs become confident, calm, and well-mannered, while empowering owners with the skills to lead with clarity, consistency, and trust.

We’re committed to excellence — both in training and in giving back. Since 2014, we’ve donated over $62,500 in equipment and training to support veterans, non-profits, rescues, teachers, and first responders.

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Why Choose Valor K9 Academy

We stand out because we combine experience, discipline, and real-world results:

  • Veteran-Owned & Operated — integrity, discipline, and accountability guide everything we do.

  • Experienced Trainers — over a decade helping thousands of dogs and families succeed.

  • Balanced, Real-World Methods — no fads, no gimmicks — just proven training that works.

  • All Breeds, All Ages, All Lifestyles — from puppies to service dogs and behavior support.

  • In-Person & Online Training — flexible programs to fit your schedule and needs.

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Our Training Philosophy

At Valor K9 Academy®, we practice balanced dog training and start by building a strong foundation. This includes the use of a slip lead and positive reinforcement (food, praise, and affection) to teach dogs what we want them to know.

Once dogs understand expectations — and if they are six months of age or older — we may introduce a training collar to add accountability and gradually fade food rewards. After on-leash training is complete, we layer in the e-collar for off-leash control and reliability when appropriate.

Our focus is owner education paired with Communication, Motivation, and Relationship. We train both ends of the leash and never use a cookie-cutter approach. Every training plan is fully customizable, and we always train the dog in front of us.

Our goal is confident, well-educated owners and happily obedient dogs. Our training is firm but fair, and it works. We have trained thousands of dogs — including dogs other trainers labeled “untrainable.”

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Meet Our Owners

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Amy Pishner

Founder & Head Trainer

Amy is the founder and head trainer at Valor K9 Academy. With over 13 years of professional dog training experience, she’s personally trained thousands of dogs — from foundational obedience to advanced service work and behavior rehabilitation. Her balanced approach emphasizes trust, engagement, and clear communication.

A veteran of the U.S. Air Force and Wisconsin Air National Guard, Amy brings discipline, leadership, and a mission-driven mindset to every training program. She is also the creator of the VK9 Method — a structured system that builds confident, reliable dogs and empowered owners.

Amy mentors professional trainers worldwide and is currently publishing her first book to help even more owners succeed with humane, effective dog training.

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Justin Pishner

Co-Owner & Operations Lead

Justin brings over 21 years of distinguished military service to Valor K9 Academy, including extensive experience training personnel under high-stakes conditions. His background in leadership, curriculum development, and operational strategy strengthens every program we offer.

In his role, Justin supports training operations, helps develop our online course content, oversees facility planning, and ensures the quality and consistency of the training team. His passion for teaching and service drives the mission of Valor K9 Academy every day.

Our Sister Businesses

Valor K9 Academy Online®
Professional dog training courses you can access anywhere, anytime — from puppy basics to advanced obedience and service dog training.

Visit Valor Online

Valor Protection Dogs®
Home-raised and professionally trained German Shepherd Family Protection Dogs, emphasizing reliability, temperament, and real-world skills.

See Dogs for Sale

Valor Haus German Shepherds
Quality German Shepherd puppies and started service dogs bred for temperament, trainability, and long-term success.

See Puppies for Sale

Join Our Team

At Valor K9 Academy, excellence is our standard.

We carefully select and train our team to uphold the highest professional standards, providing comprehensive training, ongoing mentorship, and support so every trainer can deliver consistent, effective, and compassionate results.

We are hiring in the spring of 2026 and are now accepting resumes. No experience is necessary — we train our own trainers. Team members enjoy flexible scheduling and the highest commission in the industry.

Join us to be part of a team dedicated to real-world dog training success, personal growth, and professional excellence.

Submit Your Resume
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Ready to Start Training?

Whether you’re raising a confident puppy, strengthening obedience in a family dog, addressing behavior challenges, or preparing a service dog, Valor K9 Academy is here to guide you every step of the way.

👉 Book your consultation today and start building a confident, reliable, and well-mannered dog.

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