Donald Maxey

My Story

Donald is the lead trainer at Maranatha Aussies, bringing expertise, patience, and a deep understanding of canine behavior to the program. A Certified Dog Trainer, he trained at Atlanta Dog Trainer LLC, the premier dog training facility in the Southeast. His experience and skill ensure that every puppy leaving Maranatha Aussies has a solid foundation in obedience, socialization, and confidence-building.

Donald has spent his entire life around dogs, developing a natural ability to read their body language, instincts, and personalities. As a child, he was introduced to canine rescue and rehabilitation, where he saw firsthand how proper training and structure could transform fearful, reactive, or neglected dogs into well-adjusted companions. His experiences instilled in him a deep respect for the importance of early training, proper socialization, and positive reinforcement techniques.

Building Confident & Capable Dogs

At Maranatha Aussies, Donald plays a vital role in developing the puppies from birth through their early training stages. He works closely with the breeding team to assess temperaments, ensuring each puppy is placed in the right home based on their individual personality and drive.

His training philosophy is built on clear communication, consistency, and trust, creating an environment where puppies learn to problem-solve, adapt, and build confidence. He ensures that every puppy is introduced to crate training, leash walking, recall commands, and basic obedience before they leave for their new homes. This structured foundation helps reduce stress in transitions, setting both the puppies and their new owners up for success.

Donald also works with the adult dogs, reinforcing training and providing behavioral assessments to determine if a dog is best suited for work, sport, or companionship. He ensures that the farm’s working dogs — whether herding, guarding, or companion animals — are well-trained, mentally stimulated, and thriving in their roles.

A Hands-On Approach to Training & Farm Management

Beyond his work with the dogs, Donald plays a key role in maintaining and improving the farm’s infrastructure, ensuring all animals live in a safe, secure, and enriching environment. He helps oversee kennel maintenance, fencing repairs, and facility improvements, ensuring that all training areas are structured to enhance learning and confidence-building.

He also assists in mock show preparation for Maranatha Aussies’ future show dogs, helping handlers refine their skills while ensuring the dogs are comfortable and well-prepared for the ring environment. His structured approach to training allows each dog to develop to its full potential, whether in the show ring, as a working dog, or as a beloved family companion.

A Lifetime Commitment to Canine Development

Donald’s dedication to training extends beyond just the farm — he continuously studies new training methodologies, behavioral science, and working dog psychology, ensuring that Maranatha Aussies remains at the forefront of responsible training practices. His goal is not just to train dogs, but to educate owners, giving them the tools they need to foster lasting, positive relationships with their dogs.

Whether working with young puppies, fine-tuning obedience in adult dogs, or coaching future handlers, Donald is an indispensable part of the Maranatha Aussies team. His calm, confident demeanor and deep respect for each dog’s individuality make him not just a trainer, but a true partner in their development.