About Us
Founded in 2014
Veteran-Owned
All-Breed Training
Valor K9 Academy is a veteran-owned and operated dog training business that was founded in 2014. We opened our first location in Chattanooga, Tennessee in 2014, our second location in Spokane, Washington in 2015, and our third location in Boise, Idaho in 2019. We have worked with thousands of dogs, have a 5.0 star review average, and were named the Idaho Small Business of the Month in March 2022.
We are balanced dog trainers who work with dogs of all ages, needs, and breeds. Our specialties are puppy training, family dog obedience, behavior rehabilitation, and service dogs. We offer private lessons, small group classes, workshops, seminars, shadow program, trainer retreats, stay & play boarding, and board & train programs. All of our training is done in-home. We are in the process of building a large facility to host big events at our Boise location.
For clients not local to us, we offer virtual coaching and online courses via Valor K9 Academy Online.
Our Method
Our training focuses on communication, motivation, and relationship. We start by using positive reinforcement (rewards like food and praise) to teach dogs what we want them to do. Once dogs understand what’s expected of them, we layer in a training collar if needed to proof obedience both on and off leash and around distractions. Our training is firm but fair with an emphasis on meeting the dog’s needs for physical exercise, mental stimulation, and training.
Dogs we train are happy, obedient, and have a great working relationship with their owners. We train both ends of the leash with a special emphasis on owner education through adult learning. Our end goal is to help dogs live life to the fullest as go-anywhere, do-anything dogs.
“Let all that you do be done in love.” I Corinthians 16:14
Meet the Team
Amy Pishner
Amy Pishner is the Founder, Owner, and Head Trainer of Valor K9 Academy. She is a United States Air Force and Wisconsin Air National Guard veteran. Amy graduated magna cum laude from Carthage College with degrees in International Political Economy and Spanish. She is a triple certified dog trainer through Starmark Academy, Vohne Liche Kennels, and The Michael Ellis School. Dog training is a passion turned career for Amy. She started working with dogs professionally in 2013 and since then has trained thousands of dogs in various settings. She is in the process of writing a book about dog training.
Amy lives in Horseshoe Bend, Idaho, with her husband, daughter Emma (4), and two personal dogs, Havok (10) and Zoey (13). She enjoys working out, rollerblading, and camping.
Justin Pishner
Justin Pishner is the co-owner of Valor K9 Academy. He served fifteen years active duty in the Air Force as a SERE Specialist with multiple overseas wartime deployments and now serves in the Idaho National Guard. He helps with human resources, curriculum development, and boarding for Valor K9 Academy.
A Boise native, Justin lives in Horseshoe Bend, Idaho, with his wife and daughter. He enjoys working out, elk hunting, and riding his Harley.
Kelsi Long
Kelsi Long is a Trainer for Valor K9 Academy – Chattanooga. She specializes in puppy training and family dog obedience.
Prior to joining our team, Kelsi worked as a kennel attendant, veterinary assistant, and nurse aid. She attended the six-day Valor K9 Academy Shadow Program in 2019 and Trainers Course in 2021.
Kelsi lives in Chattanooga, Tennessee. She enjoys hiking, swimming, and running.
Taya Hekking
Taya Hekking is a Trainer for Valor K9 Academy – Boise. She specializes in family dog obedience and service dog training.
Taya attended The Michael Ellis School for Dog Trainers and worked for a dog training company in Utah before joining Valor K9 Academy. She has an Associates Degree in Communicative Sciences with an Emphasis in Deaf Education from Utah State University and is fluent in American Sign Language.
Taya and her husband live in Nampa, Idaho. She loves all things Disney and dogs!
Aaron Presley Shenk
Aaron Shenk is a Trainer for Valor K9 Academy – Boise. He specializes in puppy training, family dog obedience, and behavioral rehabilitation.
Aaron formerly worked as a Woodlands Firefighter and Trainer for T-Mobile where he designed and implemented training programs for new employees. He is a dog enthusiast who has been pursuing an education in dog training for many years. Aaron is First Aid & CPR Certified and formerly studied under a dog trainer in California. Aaron is a kind and caring person with excellent work ethic and attention to detail. He is trained in the VK9 Method of dog training.
Aaron lives in Star, Idaho with his wife and daughter. He enjoys hiking, playing guitar and piano, and graphic design.
Roberto Aristondo
Roberto Aristondo is a Trainer for Valor K9 Academy – Chattanooga. He specializes in puppy training and family dog obedience.
“Robert” served five years in the United States Navy and is a combat veteran. After his military service, he joined the Orange County Sheriff’s Office in Orlando, Florida, where he served for fifteen years. He retired as a Supervisor and Assistant Firearms Range Manager. Robert is an experienced firearms instructor and has a knack for teaching people.
Robert and his wife live in Signal Mountain, Tennessee, on three fully fenced acres with the perfect setup for dogs. Robert enjoys Jiu-Jitsu, walking in nature, and painting.
Sarah Avery
Sarah Avery is a Trainer for Valor K9 Academy – Boise. She specializes in puppy training and family dog obedience.
Sarah is a dog groomer by trade. She started grooming in 2018 and opened her own grooming business in 2023 where she now has staff who work for her. Prior to grooming, Sarah worked as a pet sitter and dog walker. She also taught piano lessons for many years. Sarah attended the first annual Valor K9 Academy Trainers Retreat in 2019 and has wanted to be on the team ever since. Sarah studied Music Performance and Biology at Boise State University.
Sarah lives in Boise, Idaho. She enjoys reading fantasy novels, crafting, and rollerblading.
NOW HIRING: SERVICE DOG TRAINER
We are currently looking for an experienced service dog trainer to join our team in Boise. To learn more about the position, please send your resume and cover letter to info@valork9academy.com. Our trainers are independent contractors who work from home and set their own hours. We pay the highest commission rate in the industry!
Contact
226 Winding Ridge Drive, Horseshoe Bend, ID 83629
(208) 577-0744
info@valork9academy.com