Learn the 3 Phases of Service Dog Training for Dog Owners
“Amy Pishner and Valor K9 Academy changed my life. My service dog went from an anxious, unsure pup to a confident, reliable partner who helps me navigate everyday life with ease. Amy’s experience both as a service dog trainer and handler truly sets her apart. I highly recommend her to anyone looking for expert service dog training in Boise.”
—Megan L., Boise, ID
Expert Guidance from Valor K9 Academy | Boise, Idaho
If you’re a dog owner looking into service dog training in Boise, Idaho, understanding the journey from family pet to working service animal is the first step. Service dog training is a life-changing investment that requires structure, consistency, and expert guidance—and at Valor K9 Academy, that’s exactly what we provide.
Amy Pishner, founder of Valor K9 Academy, is not only a professional dog trainer—she’s also a service dog handler and service dog training expert. With more than a decade of experience working with hundreds of dogs and handlers, Amy brings unmatched insight, compassion, and real-world knowledge to every training plan.
At Valor K9 Academy in Boise, we guide dog owners through the three essential phases of service dog training: foundation training, task training, and public access. Whether you’re starting with a puppy or assessing whether your adult dog has potential, knowing what each phase involves will help you prepare for long-term success.
Why Service Dog Training Matters
Service dogs aren’t just well-behaved pets—they’re working partners trained to perform specific, disability-related tasks. They must remain calm, focused, and reliable in high-distraction environments like airports, hospitals, grocery stores, and public transportation.
Whether you’re living with mobility limitations, PTSD, anxiety, or a medical condition like diabetes or seizures, a properly trained service dog can increase your safety, independence, and quality of life. But that kind of reliability doesn’t happen by accident—it’s built intentionally over time, with expert help from a seasoned trainer like Amy Pishner.
Phase 1: Foundation Training
Every service dog’s journey begins with a solid behavioral foundation. This phase is where we establish obedience, manners, confidence, and environmental neutrality. Dogs that lack proper foundation training often struggle with task work later, so we take our time here.
At Valor K9 Academy, foundation training includes:
- Marker training (yes/no, clicker, etc.)
- Basic obedience: sit, down, stay, heel, come
- Focus and engagement with the handler
- Crate training, house manners, and leash skills
- Environmental exposure (stores, vet clinics, parks, etc.)
- Socialization with people and animals
- Handling different surfaces, sounds, and situations
The goal? To develop a dog that’s confident, responsive, and resilient, even in new and unpredictable situations.
Learn more about our obedience training programs to get started with foundation work.
Phase 2: Public Access Training
Once your dog has a solid obedience foundation, the next step is to prepare your dog to function in the real world with public access skills. Not only must your dog know how to behave in public, but they must also work reliably under pressure.
Public Access Training includes:
- Ignoring distractions (people, food, dogs, noises)
- Staying calm in crowded places (airports, restaurants, stores)
- Entering/exiting vehicles safely
- Maintaining a heel through tight spaces
- Laying quietly under tables or desks
- Responding immediately to handler cues
- Performing tasks despite loud noises or stress
At the end of this phase, we can conduct a public access test that simulates real-world challenges and verifies that the dog is safe, stable, and dependable.
Note: Public access is a privilege, not a right. Only dogs that are fully trained and task-capable are legally allowed public access under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Phase 3: Task Training
The final phase of training focuses on task training—the part of service dog training that makes your dog a true working partner.
Common service dog tasks we teach at Valor K9 Academy include:
- Deep Pressure Therapy (DPT) for anxiety or PTSD
- Alerting to medical events (seizures, low blood sugar, etc.)
- Retrieving dropped items or medication
- Opening/closing doors or cabinets
- Interrupting behaviors (pacing, panic attacks, self-harm)
- Guiding to exits or finding help in public
Task work is highly individualized. We start with task shaping and proofing, then ensure the dog performs tasks both at home and in public with reliability and confidence. Task training is done with positive reinforcement and tailored to the handler’s real-life needs.
What Makes Valor K9 Academy Different?
Located in Boise, Idaho, Valor K9 Academy has built a reputation for excellence in both companion dog training and advanced service dog work. Unlike cookie-cutter programs, we offer customized service dog training plans to suit your dog, your needs, and your long-term goals.
As the founder and head trainer, Amy Pishner brings over a decade of hands-on experience training dogs of all breeds and skill levels. She is both a professional dog trainer and experienced service dog handler, offering clients a unique blend of practical insight and empathy.
We’re not just here to train dogs—we’re here to empower owners. Through one-on-one coaching, structured board and train programs, and professional guidance throughout every phase, you’ll gain the tools and confidence to support your dog as a working partner for years to come.
Service Dog Training Options at Valor K9 Academy
We offer flexible training paths based on your dog’s age, temperament, and progress:
- Private Lessons – Hands-on coaching for owners who want to be involved in every step
- Board & Train Programs – Immersive training programs where your dog lives with a pro trainer for accelerated progress
- Puppy Foundation Training – Perfect for those just starting out with a service dog prospect
- Follow-Up Coaching – Ongoing support, tune-ups, and troubleshooting throughout your dog’s working life
Not sure where to begin? Contact us here to schedule a consultation and find the right fit for your dog.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How long does service dog training take?
A: It depends on your dog’s age, temperament, and the complexity of tasks. Here at Valor K9 Academy, our service dog teams take anywhere from 3 to 12 months to complete all three phases.
Q: Can I train my own service dog?
A: Yes—with the right guidance. At Valor K9 Academy, we work with owner-trainers who are committed to the process and want professional help each step of the way.
Q: Does Valor K9 certify service dogs?
A: We can provide Public Access Testing and written documentation of training progress. Under the ADA, there is no federal certification requirement—but proper training is essential.
Q: Can any dog be a service dog?
A: Not all dogs have the temperament or health for service work. We assess your dog’s potential and offer honest feedback before starting the program.
Start Your Service Dog Journey with Amy Pishner and Valor K9 Academy
Whether you’re just beginning your journey or looking to polish your dog’s public access skills, Amy Pishner and the team at Valor K9 Academy in Boise, Idaho, are here to help. Service dog training is not just about tasks—it’s about trust, communication, and lifelong partnership.
Serving clients in Boise, Meridian, Eagle, Star, Middleton, Nampa, Sun Valley, Stanley, and beyond, we are proud to support individuals and families through the life-changing process of training their own service dogs.
Ready to get started? Reach out today to schedule a consultation or learn more about our customized service dog programs.