Maremma Sheepdog Training, Consulting and Information

13/12/2024

Meet Oliver, the excellent chicken guardian. Oliver is a dog from our first Maremma litter, born in 2017. When Oliver's owners came to me for an LGD, they had never bought a dog from a breeder because they strongly believed in rescuing dogs. However, they needed an LGD to protect their chickens on their 5-acre farm.
More importantly, they needed a dog to protect their children from human predators, including their special needs child, who was too trusting of strangers. They live near a busy highway, and some parts of the property can't be seen from the house. They were worried that their girls might become prey to bad people driving by.
They were not going to trust their chickens or their precious children to a rescue dog with an unknown or questionable past. They needed a healthy, trustworthy, dependable dog with a sound body and a stable temperament to protect what they loved - their chickens and their children.

At Prancing Pony Farm, we understand that each livestock guardian dog has a unique story, and Oliver's experience showcases the profound connections we share with these remarkable animals. Our Maremmas are more than just protectors; they are cherished family members, embodying love and commitment in...

12/12/2024

Meet Julie Swan of The Honest Dog Breeder. Julie’s mission is to help ethical and responsible breeders run businesses that serve their clients and honor their dogs without causing undo stress to themselves and their families. I was thrilled when Julie asked me to participate in her 12 Days of Breeders series. It was so much fun talking with her about my beloved Maremmas and the differences between breeding Livestock Guardian Dogs and other dogs.

It took me several years of searching, but I finally found the perfect person to support breeders, which means that, in turn, she is helping our clients. Meet Julie Swan, owner of The Honest Dog Breeder. Julie's mission is to help ethical and responsible breeders run businesses that serve their clie...

26/11/2024

Thanksgiving is a season of joy, gratitude, and indulgent feasting. It's a time when we gather with family and friends to celebrate the abundance of life. But while you're enjoying pumpkin pie and turkey with your loved ones, don't forget about another important member of your farm family—your hardworking livestock guardian dog (LGD).
Whether you have a loyal Maremma Sheepdog or another breed, your livestock guardian dog deserves as much care and attention during the holidays as the rest of your flock.
Holidays can bring extra chaos with visitors, food, and distractions, which may present unexpected risks for your LGD. With a little extra preparation, you can ensure your dog stays safe, happy, and stress-free this Thanksgiving.
Here are some helpful tips to keep your LGD protected and comfortable during the festivities.It's tempting to share the spoils of your Thanksgiving feast with your four-legged friend, but cooked bones can pose serious dangers to dogs.

Thanksgiving is a season of joy, gratitude, and indulgent feasting. It's a time when we gather with family and friends to celebrate the abundance of life. But while you're enjoying pumpkin pie and turkey with your loved ones, don't forget about another important member of your farm family—your har...

26/11/2024

Understanding calming signals in livestock guardian dogs is essential for anyone who owns these remarkable animals. These dogs are not just protectors of livestock and beloved companions; they are also complex beings with unique ways of communicating needs and emotions. Calming signals are subtle behaviors that indicate a dog's desire to relax, de-escalate tension, or simply express comfort with their environment. Recognizing these signals can enhance the bond between the guardian dog, livestock, and their humans, fostering a more harmonious living and working situation. (Calming signals apply to all dogs, but we are specifically referring to LGDs for this article.)
Common calming signals in livestock guardian dogs include body language cues such as yawning, licking their lips, or averting their gaze. A dog may yawn not only when tired but also to relieve stress.

This article and book review teach you how to interpret and respond to calming signals in livestock guardian dogs. They also provide insights into dog behavior, body language, and more.

23/11/2024

Ensuring harmony between livestock and Livestock Guardian Dogs is essential for the safety and well-being of all animals involved, and the peace of mind of their owners. In this post I will walk you through a crucial aspect of farm life - safely acclimating young Livestock Guardian Dogs (LGDs) with your livestock. Whether you're a seasoned farmer and LGD owner or new to farm life and Livestock Guardian Dogs, these steps will help create a peaceful and safe farm environment (including urban farms) for you and your animals.

One of the top questions I get from my new Maremma Sheepdog puppy owners and my Livestock Guardian Dog consultation clients is "How do I introduce my new Livestock Guardian Dog to my (goats, sheep, chickens, etc)?" Another top question is, "How do I stop my Livestock Guardian Dog from chasing my (goats, sheep, chickens, etc)?

The answer to question one is "Slowly and carefully." The answer to question two is answer one.

Ensuring harmony between livestock and Livestock Guardian Dogs is essential for the safety and well-being of all animals involved, and the peace of mind of their owners. In this post I will walk you through a crucial aspect of farm life - safely acclimating young Livestock Guardian Dogs (LGDs) with....

20/11/2024

Wondering how to help your livestock guardian dog acclimate to visitors? This post was inspired by a question from a member of my Living and Working With Maremma Sheepdogs Facebook group. Read on for the answer!

"Hello! I'm new to the group and looking for all the info I can on breed-specific needs. Our rescue dog Sage, who came to us in June, is 2 and is mostly

05/11/2024

Companion dog trainers are not equipped to address the unique needs of working Livestock Guardian Dogs who live with livestock 24/7.

Trainers specializing in working LGDs are extremely rare and the only ones I know of believe that “Livestock Guardian Dogs shouldn’t be kept as pets.” If a trainer doesn’t believe you should OWN your companion LGD they can’t or won’t help you and your dog.

As a Maremma breeder, trainer, Licenced Family Dog Mediator and owner of both working and companion Maremmas, I am here to support ALL Livestock Guardian Dog owners. (Because a companion LGD is still an LGD!)

Whether you have a working LGD or a companion, or a dog that is a bit of both, I understand their distinct needs and can provide tailored advice. Whether you bought your dog from a breeder or adopted them from a rescue or shelter I am here to help.

Do you dream of owning a farm, homestead, or a couple of unique pets that can make your life magical? Well, you're not alone! Many people share the same aspirations, dreaming of finding the perfect animals for their homestead while being supported by a breeder who cares about their journey. That's w...

05/11/2024

Want to know if a Prancing Pony Maremma is right for you? Fill out our contact form for information on our breeding program. You can also book a call via this form.

Do you dream of owning a farm, homestead, or a couple of unique pets that can make your life magical? Well, you're not alone! Many people share the same aspirations, dreaming of finding the perfect animals for their homestead while being supported by a breeder who cares about their journey. That's w...

03/11/2024

Are you wondering how to keep your Livestock Guardian Dog (LGD) puppy happy and active? LGD breeds like Maremma Sheepdogs, Great Pyrenees, and Anatolian Shepherds need appropriate play outlets to prevent boredom, which can lead to rowdy behavior around livestock and unhappy, stressed puppies. What toys and activities are best for them?
In this guide, I'll share many tips and ideas for the best toys and enrichment activities for your LGD puppy. You'll learn about durable toys, chew toys, puzzle games, and DIY fun. These are all great for these smart and independent dogs.
Key Takeaways

- LGD puppies have unique play needs due to their independent nature and low prey drive.
Durable toys and mental stimulation are essential to keep LGD puppies engaged and prevent boredom.
Soft toys, chew toys, puzzle games, and DIY enrichment activities can provide a well-rounded playtime for LGD puppies.
- Breed-specific considerations and safety are key when choosing toys for LGD puppies.

Discover effective toys and enrichment ideas for livestock guardian dog puppies to keep them mentally stimulated and well-behaved while maintaining their working instincts.

03/11/2024

Hello, and welcome to my brand-new website and blog! For those who don't know me, my name is Kim Crawmer, and I am a breeder and trainer of MSCA-registered Maremma Sheepdogs. I also breed Mini Nubian and Nigerian Dwarf dairy goats. My farm and business are Prancing Pony Farm, and I have been in business since 2016.

I built my original website on Weebly at prancingponyfarm.com and have been blogging there for years. I have many great blog posts and helpful LGD articles on that site. I've wanted to move my website and blog to WordPress for a long time, but I was afraid to do so for several reasons. The first reason is that I was worried that moving to a new site would mess up my ranking on Google and that no one could find me. The second thing that held me back was that I always heard that WordPress is "really hard" to figure out, and I didn't think I could do it.

But about a month ago, I finally decided to make a change.

Hello, and welcome to my brand-new website and blog! For those who don't know me, my name is Kim Crawmer, and I am a breeder and trainer of MSCA-registered Mare

11/07/2024

Some of my clients' pups' photos are featured in this blog post. I had so much fun adding them I went a little crazy. 😆

See if you can spot your Maremma!

If you want your magnificent Maremma featured in a future blog post, add their photo in the comments below!

Hi I'm Kim. I have been an avid animal lover all my life but goats and dogs are my favorites so I built a business around them, breeding registered Mini Nubian & Nigerian Dwarf dairy goats and MSCA...

10/06/2024

Get Expert Help for Your Livestock Guardian Dog with Prancing Pony Farm

Hi, I'm Kim Crawmer, owner of Prancing Pony Farm, an MSCA Code of Ethics breeder and trainer of Maremma Sheepdogs, and a certified Family Dog Mediator.

Owning a Livestock Guardian Dog can be rewarding but also challenging. Understanding your dog's unique needs is crucial for a happy and harmonious relationship, whether your dog is a working dog or a beloved companion.

At Prancing Pony Farm, we're here to help. We now offer virtual training services and consultations for all LGDs, regardless of where they came from.

If you buy a Maremma from us, you will receive lifetime FREE training services and breeder support. But if your LGD came from another breeder, rescue, or anywhere else, you can still access our fantastic client support via our consultation services.

Why Choose Prancing Pony Farm?

Expertise: With years of experience as a Code of Ethics Maremma breeder, trainer, and certified Family Dog Mediator, I understand the unique needs of both working and companion Maremmas and other LGDs and am well-equipped with the professional education and skills to help owners and their dogs.

Unique Perspective: As a dairy goat farmer who relies on my Maremmas to keep my livestock safe, I understand the importance of proper training and socialization of LGDs. As an owner and breeder of both working and companion Maremma, I have first-hand knowledge of the distinctive roles LGDs can fill and how to help them thrive in either role. (Most dog trainers only work with companions or working LGDs, not both.)

Personalized Support: Our phone consultations allow me to understand your unique needs and provide tailored advice to help you and your dog thrive.

Follow-Up: After our call, you'll receive any information or links we discussed, and you can follow up with questions via email for additional clarity.

How It Works

Schedule a Phone Consultation: This is the most efficient way for me to understand your and your dog's challenges and provide personalized advice.

Receive Tailored Advice: During our call, we'll cover everything you need to know to improve things for you and your dog.

Ongoing Support: You'll receive follow-up information via email, and you can reach out with any further questions.

Stop wasting your valuable time looking for dog training advice on social media groups, and get real expert help today! Our phone consultations are a worthwhile investment in ensuring the well-being and happiness of you and your dog.

📞 Contact us today to schedule your consultation and start your journey towards a better relationship with your dog!

https://prancingponyfarm.hbportal.co/public/MaremmaSheepdogConsultations

08/06/2024

Keep your LGDs and livestock cool this summer with our Ultimate "Beat the Heat" Guide!

Discover the best strategies to ensure the comfort of your livestock guardian dogs and farm animals during the hot summer months. Our comprehensive guide provides valuable tips and techniques to keep them cool and protected from heat-related stress. Enhan

08/06/2024

Want regular Maremma Sheepdog training articles, grooming and care tips, and other great content? Sign up for our newsletter and get all this goodness right in your inbox!

Please sign up below if you are interested in learning more about our breeding program or are just curious about Maremma Sheepdogs. Once you sign up, we will send you information about available dogs and puppies. We will also answer any questions you have so that you can determine if a Maremma Sheep...

08/06/2024

Want to know if a Maremma Sheepdog is right for you? take our quiz!

Maremma Sheepdogs make excellent Livestock Guardian Dogs and devoted companions, but they aren't for everyone. Take this quiz to see if a Maremma is right for you!

08/06/2024

Get Expert Help for Your Maremma Sheepdog with Prancing Pony Farm

Hi, I'm Kim Crawmer, owner of Prancing Pony Farm, an MSCA Code of Ethics breeder and trainer of Maremma Sheepdogs, and a certified Family Dog Mediator.

Owning a Maremma Sheepdog can be rewarding but also challenging. Whether your Maremma is a working dog or a beloved companion, understanding your dog's unique needs is crucial for a happy and harmonious relationship.

At Prancing Pony Farm, we're here to help. We now offer virtual training services and consultations for all Maremmas, regardless of where they came from.

If you buy a Maremma from us, you will receive lifetime FREE training services and breeder support. But if your Maremma came from another breeder, rescue, or anywhere else, you can still access our fantastic client support via our consultation services.

Why Choose Prancing Pony Farm?

Expertise: With years of experience as a Code of Ethics Maremma breeder, trainer, and certified Family Dog Mediator, I understand the unique needs of both working and companion Maremmas and am well-equipped with the professional education and skills to help owners and their dogs.

Unique Perspective: As a dairy goat farmer who relies on my Maremmas to keep my livestock safe, I understand the importance of proper training and socialization of LGDs. As an owner and breeder of both working and companion Maremma, I have first-hand knowledge of the distinctive roles Maremma can fill and how to help them thrive in either role. (Most dog trainers only work with companions or working Maremma, not both.)

Personalized Support: Our phone consultations allow me to understand your unique needs and provide tailored advice to help you and your dog thrive.

Follow-Up: After our call, you'll receive any information or links we discussed, and you can follow up with questions via email for additional clarity.

How It Works

Schedule a Phone Consultation: This is the most efficient way for me to understand your and your dog's challenges and provide personalized advice.

Receive Tailored Advice: During our call, we'll cover everything you need to know to improve things for you and your dog.

Ongoing Support: You'll receive follow-up information via email, and you can reach out with any further questions.

Stop wasting your valuable time looking for dog training advice on social media groups, and get real expert help today! Our phone consultations are a worthwhile investment in ensuring the well-being and happiness of you and your Maremma.

📞 Contact us today to schedule your consultation and start your journey towards a better relationship with your Maremma!

Do you dream of owning a farm, homestead, or a couple of unique pets that can make your life magical? Well, you're not alone! Many people share the same aspirations, dreaming of finding the perfect animals for their homestead while being supported by a breeder who cares about their journey. That's w...