Excellent experience with our 10 month old American Bulldog! Wyatt is our third AB from the same line, but he was more stubborn and physically stronger than the past ones. Aaron and Amy did an excellent job understanding what we needed/wanted out of him. The board and train program was not only effective, but Wyatt was treated like family while with Aaron. His recall off leash, place bed, and manners are excellent. Highly recommend! read more

Valor K9 Academy - Place bed - Pet Training Near Me - Medical Lake, Washington

Valor K9 Academy is the best around. Our whole family benefited from the private lessons and group lessons. Without the skills that we learned from Valor K9 Academy we would not have the four family pets and one livestock guardian dog that we have. read more

Such a patient and caring business committed to helping dogs and their owners establish lasting relationships.

I recently had the privilege of attending Valor's six day April Shadow program.. which far passed my expectations!! It was hands down, the greatest week of my life! Amy is incredibly knowledgeable and was always open to answering every single question I had. She does a great job touching on academics along with getting hands on opportunities to work with different dogs. I didn't want the week to end! I highly recommend this program to anyone that's interested at an inside look at dog training or even expanding their skills! The Valor team is also very professional! I loved watching every single one of them work their magic while also providing owners with the information and skills they needed to work with their dogs. Also, in regards to a previous review, I have to say from my personal view that Valor holds the safety of EVERY dog at the facility as high priority. There was never a point in my time there that dogs were left to their own devices. Everything is incredibly well managed and every dog was well taken care of. I would never think twice of leaving my own dog with Amy or anyone on the Valor team. Valor K9 is top notch!! Thanks again, Valor, for having me! read more

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Just finished 16 weeks of group classes (Basic obedience and Intermediate obedience) with trainer Courtney at ValorK9. We are so pleased with how far our pup has come throughout our time together. Baker is our first dog and we had no idea where to start with her training and obedience. Courtney is an amazing trainer and cares greatly about helping you with your dog. She was eager to answer questions and problem solve any concerns we had. The group classes were fun and engaging, all while teaching your dog critical obedience skills. We're so grateful to ValorK9 and would highly recommend them to anyone! Thank you so much! read more

Valor K9 Academy - Pet Training Near Me - Medical Lake, Washington

I took my dog, Revi, to a basic obedience class with Amy at Valor K9. Revi has a liver disorder and I did NOT offer him the proper boundaries while he was young because I was busy coddling him over his illness. This caused him to be a very anxious, clingy dude. Im generally pretty cinfident in training my dogs obedience but, I had a roadblock with Revi. Amy was able to, in a group class setting, help us through out challenges and Revi ended up passing this class with 100% on the final test. I also really like the final test because it is proof your dog has learned something. I also did the herding class with Foryst, my German Shepherd. This class was fantastic and Amy is great learning all the different dogs' herding styles. Overall, great place, wouldn't hesitate to entrust my dogs to Amy for any of Valor K9's services. read more

Amy is an amazing dog trainer. This is the second dog in our family, my father brought his dog here, and I have brought my black lab here. Amy is knowledgeable and helps with a lot of dog issues. She treats the dogs as individuals and knows each dog has its own background. I get so many compliments on my dog, and how well behaved she is. I would gladly recommend any family or friends to go to her and I do! There are a variety of classes. The first classes I did were puppy classes, where you learn simple commands like the name game, sit, lay down, and teaching confidence to your doggy. Basic Obedience is the class I just got done doing with my lab and Amy does a good job at teaching you how to train your dogs and what you can do to not be confusing to them. For example, when my dog was sitting and staying, she would lay down. I would say "no, don't lay down", she corrected me and said it's confusing to say lay down when you don't want her to lay down, just to say "no" and correct her. Thanks always! Natasha and "Lily" read more

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We recently hired Amy and Valor K9 to do a weekend seminar for our dog rescue which aims to help dogs of all breeds with varying behavioral issues. Amy had never done such a training seminar before, but because I am so impressed with her ability I encouraged her to agree and we're so grateful she did! Amy and her team came to Seattle and delivered an amazing and inspiring two-day seminar that was attended by over 50 fosters and volunteers in our rescue, as well as adopters who have struggled with behavioral issues. Amy was nothing but professional throughout and everyone who attended raved about the experience. We all learned so much and I look forward to hosting Amy and Valor K9 again. She is really the best! read more

Amy is a wonderful dog trainer and people trainer! She truly wants dogs and their owners to have a relationship that works and is healthy. She is very honest, if you want someone to sugar coat things - she's probably not your trainer. However, if you want to know how to fix or improve the relationship you have with your dog, she should be your trainer. If you've read the other review you will see where a person is complaining about providing an "approved food", she requires that your dog have at least a 3 Star rated food (www.dogfoodadvisor.com will tell you your dogs food rating and ingredients). Many people don't understand that dogs nutrition has a huge impact on behavior and activity levels. As humans we understand that when we eat healthier we have more energy, increased mood, and overall healthier, the same goes for dogs. These aren't "tricks" or about "sales" it's about the health of the dog! Amy is triple certified as a dog trainer and her education doesn't stop there - she continues to attend seminars, read books about dog behavior, reviews them etc. She's starting to deliver her own seminars now. She is not purely positive or punishment only based, she has a very balanced approach to dog training. She doesn't just "fix" a dogs behavior and send the dog home like other dog trainers. She takes the time to address concerns. There are lots of things we as humans find normal but do not translate the same to a dog. With Amy she's fluent in human and dog and will bridge the gap between you and your dog. I highly recommend Valor K9. If you're on the fence just browse her YouTube channel ValorK9, her website blog or Instagram. She provides FREE tips alllll the time! I can't think of a more open and transparent trainer. read more

I have followed Amy on Instagram for a while now and was beyond excited to be able to take part in one of her six day shadow programs in Spokane. This was the first time attending a shadow program like this. I had no idea how this particular program would be run, but to say that it exceeded my expectations is an understatement! What you see from her social media is what she is like in person. The care and passion she shows for her dogs and client dogs is amazing. The first day we sat down with a binder in front of us containing a schedule of what each of the six days of the program would look like: a mix of academics, class observation, hands on work, and time chatting with Amy. It was very thorough and I was very impressed with the level of organization. Each morning I waited anxiously to start the day and I knew the rest of the students felt the same way as everyone of us showed up early to class. Amy and her colleagues were very open about their training techniques and were always happy to answer any questions we had. One thing that I really loved and one of the first things that I noticed when signing up for Amy's shadow program, was that she only takes a few students at a time (there were five of us in total that attended this program in April). Because of this we all had a lot of one on one time, and we were all able to work with all the dogs. Watching Amy and her trainers work showed how professional and confident they are and how much they enjoy what they do. I would highly recommend this course to anyone who wants to learn what it's like to become a trainer, and learn the skills to work with dogs. I would go back in a heartbeat! read more

After 8 weeks of basic obedience at Valor with trainer Courtney, our 1 yr old dog Jax is sitting, lying down, staying on place, coming to me on command and has the basics of heeling. We are beyond pleased with all the tools we now have for managing our lively wire-haired griffon. It makes dog ownership so fun and rewarding, and removes the frustration of feeling like your dog is running your home. Courtney is very positive, learning your dog's name and nuances quickly. She answered questions with doable suggestions and techniques. I learned how to communicate with Jax using simple commands and sounds. Now when I'm giving him direction, I hear myself sounding just like Courtney, and that feels like high personal praise. A great class! read more

I recently attended the Valor K9 Academy shadow program, and boy am I glad I did! It was a week of hands on working with dogs and Amy herself, getting 100% of her time and knowledge. It was unlike any other seminar or shadow program I've attended in that it was a very small group so it was much more personal and we had the opportunity to ask absolutely anything and everything. It was also extremely organized and thoughtfully put together, with a binder full of academic and business knowledge that is invaluable in this industry. Amy is very transparent and genuinely wants to help and teach people to be as successful as she is. If you want to be a successful dog trainer, this is the program to sign up for! We all had a blast and didn't want to leave by the end of the week! read more

I had a concerning experience with Amy and Valor K-9. Amy and I corresponded only by email, so I invite you to message me and I'll send you a copy of the emails so my report-review will not be a she said-she said. Here are my primary concerns: 1. Lack of transparency regarding services: In her instagram videos and on her web page she lists "unlimited" personal attention and that board and train dogs live in her home. I was concerned about sending my puppy away, and I expressed this in my emails. Once I decided Amy's board and train was right for me/pup, I sent her an email. She replied to my commitment by telling me that my pup may stay with a very recent intern (as in an intern last week). Amy later backtracked and said that my pup would stay in her home (as advertised). 2. Extra fees: Amy lists a price on the web page and "additional equipment may be required." Come to find out the translation of "may be required" includes a list of equipment required for the board and train that you need to buy before you arrive (not to mention how much she adds on later?). Amy sells equipment, so if I had to do the interaction over, I would ask how much the "final" bill was before I paid the deposit. Please be aware that to pay a deposit you must also add over $15 in credit card fees. 3. Lack of attention to detail: I shared with Amy that I was concerned that my male golden's testicles hadn't dropped. In the next email she called my dog "she." I mean he is cute and his balls are really small, but.... 4. When I emailed Amy about the surprise costs not listed online or any any of our correspondence (you supply a place bed, buy - later clarified to borrow - a book, supply your own treats for a month, order bully sticks for a month, transition to specialized food if you aren't already feeding approved food, buy - later clarified that it was actually included - an e-collar, etc.), she replied that nothing she did was meant to "trick" me. I hadn't felt tricked ... until she mentioned it. Amy had a strong reaction to me asking for clarification - something tells me others may have felt "tricked." Tricked - I'll leave her word right there. Thankfully, she refunded my deposit and fees in full, but without consulting me. It was odd to be booted, but I felt like we dodged a bullet. Yet who just pulls the plug without a conversation or a chance for dialogue? Amy. 5. Amy trains aggressive dogs. This is something to be applauded, but I do worry about healthy dogs being close to aggressive dogs. I follow her on social media and she has posted several times about how it is against her regulations to bring aggressive dogs to her training classes. I wonder if aggressive dogs show up and she reminds folks not to do it. But, that could be dangerous, even for a skilled trainer. You sign a 2 page (count them: 2) contract about how Amy/Valor is not liable for anything. Really, you initial that no harm or foul is her responsibility. Dead dog? Nope. I'd feel better about signing and initialing that consent to train if she didn't have to post a reminder about not bringing aggressive dogs uninvited to her facility. I left wondering if something was her fault, would she even say sorry? In sum, I'm glad that my dog did not train with Amy (or her intern). I think they likely do a wonderful job with aggressive dogs, but folks who want a clear and forthright contract for basic training need to be cautious and ask A LOT of questions. And expect some whiplash (oh, personal attention? oh, the two pages of stuff to bring is a joke and you only have to bring a place bed, really. Don't feel tricked). Again, I'm willing to share the emails. I wish you and your doggo the best. read more

I have had dogs my entire life and always trained my own dogs, always trying new things and getting compliments on my dogs good behavior. In recent years I have aspired to be a dog trainer so I started researching dog trainers inside and outside the area. When I started taking classes with Valor K9 Academy I realized I had found the dog trainer I was looking for, they had opened up a whole new world of dog training for me. I tried to attend as many classes as I could and jumped on the chance at attending the Shadow Program with Valor K9 Academy owner Amy Pishner. This program was a week long look into the life of today's dog trainer. I was very impressed on the knowledge of different dog training techniques as well as the knowledge of all kinds of temperaments and types of dogs. This programs training included every thing from Puppy Kindergarten, Agility, Advanced Obedience, Personal Training, and Rehab of dogs that have major issues. In the Shadow program we saw it all. Amy & Courtney are extremely hard workers and believe in quality training for every dog and with this mentality every dog has a chance of being a quality dog. I am very pleased with the success of my own dog with Valor K9 Academy, learning more training techniques every day and I can't wait to move to the next level, it's like an addiction for me. My dog and I have worked with many different trainers and it is crystal clear to me that Valor K9's training standard is much higher than other trainers. For example, other trainers Advanced classes are the equivalent of the Valor K9 Basic Obedience class curriculum. I actually attended an advanced class with another trainer hoping to learn something new and realized the techniques were already covered in the Valor K9 Basic Obedience. I drive an hour each way to attend classes with Valor K9 and it is worth the drive every time. I recommend Valor K9 Academy to as many people I can because I believe Amy Pishner is doing it the right way, a True Balanced Trainer and I still aspire to be a dog trainer as good as Amy, she is the Real Deal. Teck Gotreau read more

If i could give more than 5 stars i would! I just have to say how wonderful trainer Jenna is! We picked up our German Shepherd puppy yesterday from Valor K9's puppy head start 4 week board and train program. She is a totally different dog now then when we left her there - and it is all thanks to Jenna! She is amazing and in my opinion is one the best parts of Valor! She has not only been wonderful to our puppy and trained her on everything that was included in the board and train program but more! She has been so nice to our family and went the extra mile to help with our 8 year old son in the training. Since our puppy is our son's dog the most important thing to us was to have her listen and respect him. Jenna not only went above and beyond in making her perfect for our family, but she now not only loves our son, she totally respects him on all of the commands he gives her! Thank you so much to Amy for helping us thru this process. Not only did you help us find the perfect breeder, but you sent Jenna our way too and she is truly an angel! I want everyone in the world to know just how wonderful this program is and how much these people at Valor really care about the dogs they train AND their owners as well! read more

Valor K9 will transform the relationship you have with your dog for the better. Whether you're looking for obedience training or rehab for reactivity, Valor provides the skills and knowledge to help you and your canine companion. We adopted our dog, Max, a few months ago from a local shelter. He needed help in just about everything imaginable--he was a blank slate (and also a hot mess!). We began working with him that first month before Basic Obedience began, on potty training, crate manners, and exposing him to new people and situations--simple stuff to get us all in the training mindset for when we started lessons. By the time we finished the 8 week course (which he passed!), he was able to sit/stay, down/stay, come, place (with distractions), leave it, and demonstrate manners around people and other dogs. He's gone from this wild pup to the most obedient dog I've ever owned. This is all due to Valor and their commitment to excellence and setting the bar high. We are also taking private lessons to catch him up on his socialization around new people and situations, and I can't stress the value of adding private lessons onto the group classes for dogs that need that extra bit of help. Valor is the real deal. They're not only training your dog, they're giving you the tools you need to train your dog, and that's a gift that stays with you long after the classes have ended. Highly, HIGHLY recommended. read more