Maureen May
Certified Professional Trainer
My name is Maureen May, founder of 4 Paws Down Canine Obedience, specializing in dog training and puppy training in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky.
My background with search and rescue dogs and service dogs has taught me that clear communication and nurturing a dog’s natural abilities leads to their success. Strong communication not only creates a well-behaved dog, but also builds a lasting bond and a happier life together.
Unlike franchises with a one-size-fits-all method, I tailor every training program to align with your goals, your lifestyle, and your dog's special personality.
My mission is to help owners unlock their dog's full potential through clear communication and guidance, enabling you to enjoy a fulfilling life with a joyful, well-mannered companion.
Personalized Dog Training for Cincinnati Families
4 Paws Down Canine Obedience offers personalized dog training and puppy training programs designed to meet the unique needs of both your dog and you. Every family is different, and so is every dog — which is why each program is developed to address your specific goals, challenges, and lifestyles. Our services include in-home dog behavior consultations, in-home dog training sessions, in-home puppy training, and private off leash training.
Whether you’re working with an older dog who refuses to come when called, pulls on leash, or ignores commands, or you’ve just welcomed a new puppy who’s testing boundaries with chewing, jumping, nipping, or other “naughty” puppy behaviors, there’s a program designed to help. Training focuses not only on correcting unwanted dog behaviors but also on building clear communication, consistency, and trust between you and your dog.
In-Home Dog Training and Behavioral Consultation
Private in-home dog training session. We can make quick progress or fix problem behaviors in one session. Problem dog behaviors include pulling on the leash, jumping on people, going crazy at the door, going to the bathroom in the house, trouble settling in crate, and more.
.jpg)
In-Home Puppy Training
In-home puppy consultation and training session. We work with your family to start your puppy off right as a new member of your pack. With this 90 minute session, learn how to prevent troublesome behaviors before they start and address concerns such as housebreaking, crate training, leash walking, nipping and chewing, and more!
Off Leash Private Lesson
Learn how to teach your dog to come when called off leash - even when distracted - in 4 sessions. We'll also teach your dog together to walk on a loose leash, sit/down and stay until released, and a go to mat command. You'll learn how to stop problem behaviors such as jumping, dashing through doors, eating off counters, digging, and more.
Our Philosophy and Approach to Dog Training
No two dogs are exactly alike. Each has their own temperament, personality, and needs. The same is true for families—every household has different expectations and lifestyles that shape what they want from their dog.
That’s why our approach begins with understanding both you and your dog. We take the time to evaluate your dog’s behavior alongside your family’s goals to create a training plan tailored specifically to your situation.
Our training incorporates a careful blend of techniques, including food-based rewards, play-based engagement, and structured leash and collar work. The focus is always on finding what best motivates your dog and encourages lasting behavioral change.
By combining the strengths of multiple methods, we help your dog develop better behavior while building confidence, freedom, and a more enjoyable life together.
A Few of our Happy Clients
I just have to tell you how pleased I am with what you were able to accomplish with my dog. A ninety-pound German Shepherd is no fly weight, but thanks to your training, I can handle her easily and we now both enjoy our walks together. She has also calmed down significantly when she meets people (and other dogs!) for the first time and can stay in the room with my company with no problems. I would recommend 4 Paws Down Canine Obedience to anyone who has difficulty controlling their animal - large or small! - or who simply wants a dog that is as well trained as it can be. Barbara H.
.jpg)
Miraculous would not be too strong a word to describe the changes in Emma, my 10 month old 65lb. Retriever/Lab mix, following her training with Maureen. An adorable, smart, mischievous rescue dog, Emma could not be left loose for one single minute without stealing and/or chewing furniture, woodwork, TV remotes, eyeglasses, food from the counters, etc. For 8 months my arms were covered with teeth marks from battles over items she stole--items I had to pry from her jaws. In her crate, Emma barked incessantly and body slammed the sides of the crate. We had worked with three previous trainers, to no avail. Then, a kennel owner friend of mine highly recommended Maureen. He told me about these amazing transformations he’d seen in dogs Maureen had worked with. We bit…and what a difference! Maureen really assessed and got to know Emma, explained all of her behavior (she really understands what motivates dogs), and she then gave me strategies that were easy to implement… Life is good again! I have the great dog I knew was there under all of that chaos! Everybody is happier. Thank you Maureen!” Ellen S.
Serving Dogs and Their Owners Across Cincinnati and Kentucky
Our Dog and Puppy Training Programs proudly serve families throughout Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky, including Anderson Township, Blue Ash, Clifton, Covedale, Mt. Adams, Northside, Price Hill, Westwood, Alexandria, Covington, Fort Thomas, Fort Mitchell, and Newport.