Livestock Guardian Dog Solutions

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Livestock Guardian Dog Solutions Owning a Maremma Sheepdog can be rewarding but challenging.

Whether your Maremma is a working dog or a beloved companion, our consultation services can help you understand your dog's unique needs, resulting in a happy and harmonious relationship.

Livestock guardian dog owners, this is the game-changing resource you've been waiting for. Kim Brophy's "The Dog's Truth...
09/02/2025

Livestock guardian dog owners, this is the game-changing resource you've been waiting for. Kim Brophy's "The Dog's Truth" offers a revolutionary approach to understanding dogs that goes far beyond anything you may have heard. It is especially valuable for owners of livestock guardian dogs because they are so different from the types of dogs most people have experience with.
For first-time livestock guardian dog owners and those struggling with training, managing and understanding their livestock guardian dogs, this documentary provides critical insights into why your dog behaves the way they do. Livestock guardian dogs are uniquely complex working dogs with deep genetic predispositions that often clash with modern expectations. The L.E.G.S. model (Learning, Environment, Genetics, & Self) is especially powerful for understanding these brave and loyal canine heroes.
- Understand your dog's genetic working heritage.

Discover the groundbreaking L.E.G.S. model and transform your understanding of LGD behavior. Free documentary reveals why your livestock guardian dog acts the way they do.

At Prancing Pony Farm, we've always believed that successful livestock guardian dogs and thriving dairy goat herds are b...
06/02/2025

At Prancing Pony Farm, we've always believed that successful livestock guardian dogs and thriving dairy goat herds are built on a foundation of knowledge, support, and community. Today, we're excited to announce a new chapter in our journey - the Prancing Pony Farm Fellowship, a free online community designed to support new and experienced farmers in their livestock guardian dog and dairy goat adventures.Over the years, we've received countless questions from our clients and fellow farmers about raising livestock guardian dogs and managing dairy goats. While we've always been happy to provide guidance, we realized there was a need for something more comprehensive—a centralized place where we could share our knowledge more efficiently, questions could be answered, and the community could flourish.
The Prancing Pony Farm Fellowship is our answer to this need.

Join Our Email Newsletter for Our Latest Blog Posts and LGD Info!Please sign up below if you want to receive helpful Livestock Guardian Dog care and training articles or want to learn more about Maremma Sheepdogs and our breeding program. As a thank you for signing up, you'll receive a free copy of....

Parasite control is very important in puppies, particularly puppies that spend any time outdoors or whose mothers live o...
29/01/2025

Parasite control is very important in puppies, particularly puppies that spend any time outdoors or whose mothers live outdoors or go outside a lot, such as livestock guardian dog puppies. They can get parasites directly from their mother via the placenta or from her milk, or some types of parasites, such as giardia, can be brought in on her fur after she goes outdoors, especially if she spends any time in ponds, puddles, or other wet areas.
Puppies heavily infested with parasites sometimes have poor weight gain, rough coats, failure to thrive, diarrhea (often bloody), and dehydration. Certain parasites, such as giardia and coccidiosis, are particularly dangerous and can mimic parvoviruses in the severity of their symptoms.
You can lose puppies quickly from these side effects. Hence, the best way to prevent problems is to start a very strict parasite control program at 2 weeks old (sooner for coccidiosis) and stick with it until the puppies are past the critical stage.

At Prancing Pony Maremmas, we understand that raising healthy and happy livestock guardian dog puppies begins with loving care and smart prevention practices. Our easy parasite prevention protocol helps create the perfect environment for puppies to thrive. We emphasize the importance of regular chec...

Ask this question of dog breeders, livestock owners and even pet dog owners and you will get a lot of different opinions...
27/01/2025

Ask this question of dog breeders, livestock owners and even pet dog owners and you will get a lot of different opinions, some of them very strong. New puppy buyers are trying to do their research so they can the best thing for their dogs and their stock. Unfortunately there is a lot of misinformation out there and a lot of bad advice that's not at all based on science or facts, but on "old farmers' wives' tales" and ignorance.
I have very strong opinions on the subject, based on my experience as a dog breeder and trainer, dairy goat breeder and livestock owner, as well as decades of experience working with and studying dogs. I base my opinions on facts, not made up psuedo science.
Here are the facts:

- Dogs are social creatures, with a strong need to bond with other mammals, particularly other dogs.
- Puppies, even LGD puppies, have a strong need to play and burn off excess energy.
- Many predators work in packs or are too large and tenacious for one dog to handle alone.

Join Our Email Newsletter for Our Latest Blog Posts and LGD Info!Please sign up below if you want to receive helpful Livestock Guardian Dog care and training articles or want to learn more about Maremma Sheepdogs and our breeding program. As a thank you for signing up, you'll receive a free copy of....

There are three key components that are required in order to produce an outstanding Livestock Guardian Dog. The first tw...
25/01/2025

There are three key components that are required in order to produce an outstanding Livestock Guardian Dog. The first two - genetics and early training and socialization (or Nature and Nurture) - are the responsibility of the breeder.
If you've bought a puppy from us (or are considering doing so) you can rest assured that the first two are covered.
We have selected our breeding stock from outstanding working dogs with the genetics that produce great LGDs. And our puppies are given the best start possible as future Livestock Guardian Dogs as well as members of their future families.

Join Our Email Newsletter for Our Latest Blog Posts and LGD Info!Please sign up below if you want to receive helpful Livestock Guardian Dog care and training articles or want to learn more about Maremma Sheepdogs and our breeding program. As a thank you for signing up, you'll receive a free copy of....

As a dedicated Maremma Sheepdog breeder and positive reinforcement trainer specializing in livestock guardian dogs (LGDs...
23/01/2025

As a dedicated Maremma Sheepdog breeder and positive reinforcement trainer specializing in livestock guardian dogs (LGDs), I've always believed in the power of community. Today, I'm thrilled to announce a program that will strengthen our connections while helping more families and farms benefit from properly trained and socialized LGDs.Over the years, our business and the community we've built have grown through word-of-mouth recommendations from satisfied clients who understand the value of ethically bred Maremmas and professional, intentional, and effective livestock guardian dog training. Many of you have generously shared how much you love the dogs we bred and how much our advice and support have helped you as you raised and trained your livestock guardian dogs to maturity. You have been our cheerleaders, promoting our business and referring friends, family, and fellow farm and homestead families to our services.

Join Our Email Newsletter for Our Latest Blog Posts and LGD Info!Please sign up below if you want to receive helpful Livestock Guardian Dog care and training articles or want to learn more about Maremma Sheepdogs and our breeding program. As a thank you for signing up, you'll receive a free copy of....

What sets Prancing Pony Farm apart from every other Maremma Sheepdog breeder out there? Why should you choose us instead...
03/01/2025

What sets Prancing Pony Farm apart from every other Maremma Sheepdog breeder out there? Why should you choose us instead of another breeder? Click below to find out.Wondering what it’s like to work with a breeder who is also a trainer? Learn about our processes and how we guide you every step of the way before and after the sale.Ready for a puppy? In need of an older Maremma? Or planning ahead for the future? Click the link below to see our available pups and dogs and upcoming litters.
At Prancing Pony Farm, we breed and train outstanding Maremma Sheepdog Livestock Guardians and family companions. Our dogs have the genetics, temperaments and training to excel as trustworthy, dependable Livestock Guardians and family dogs, as well as sound and healthy bodies to withstand the rigors of the job.

What sets Prancing Pony Farm apart from every other Maremma Sheepdog breeder out there? Why should you choose us instead of another breeder? Click below to

It's hard to believe that 2025 is finally here. Where did the time go? Electra had three lovely pups in February. Lucy ...
02/01/2025

It's hard to believe that 2025 is finally here. Where did the time go? Electra had three lovely pups in February. Lucy is now guarding chickens in Massachusetts and Levi and Jocelyn are guarding goats in Texas.Six months of hard work finally paid off the week of April 9-13, 2024, when I attended the Karen Pryor Academy Dog Trainer Professional program. I have officially completed this very rigorous professional dog training program! I learned so much throughout the six-month program and even more during the five-day workshop.
My training partner for the KPA Professional program was Luna, our 6-year-old Boxer. On April 8th, Luna and I headed to Corona, California, for an incredible week of dog training and fun with the other students and their training partners. My husband, Steve, accompanied us since I am not a fan of driving in SoCal traffic! Steve hung out at the hotel each day while Luna and I trained and learned.

2024 was a busy year with a lot of exciting happenings. Now, we are looking forward to what 2025 has in store for Prancing Pony Farm!

Meet Oliver, the excellent chicken guardian. Oliver is a dog from our first Maremma litter, born in 2017. When Oliver's ...
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...

Meet Julie Swan of The Honest Dog Breeder. Julie’s mission is to help ethical and responsible breeders run businesses th...
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...

Thanksgiving is a season of joy, gratitude, and indulgent feasting. It's a time when we gather with family and friends t...
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...

Understanding calming signals in livestock guardian dogs is essential for anyone who owns these remarkable animals. Thes...
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.

Ensuring harmony between livestock and Livestock Guardian Dogs is essential for the safety and well-being of all animals...
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....

Wondering how to help your livestock guardian dog acclimate to visitors? This post was inspired by a question from a mem...
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

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

Want to know if a Prancing Pony Maremma is right for you? Fill out our contact form for information on our breeding prog...
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...

Are you wondering how to keep your Livestock Guardian Dog (LGD) puppy happy and active? LGD breeds like Maremma Sheepdog...
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.

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