Livestock Guardian Dog Solutions

24/04/2025

Why Older Puppies Often Make the Best Livestock Guardian Dogs
One of the most persistent myths in the Livestock Guardian Dog community is that puppies must be acquired at the youngest possible age to bond with their new owners and livestock properly. As the owner of Prancing Pony Farm, where we specialize in ethical LGD breeding and force-free training, I regularly encounter potential clients who are reluctant to consider puppies older than 3-4 months.
"We want to wait for your next litter," they tell me, despite my having beautiful, well-socialized 8-9-month-old puppies available right now. "We're concerned an older puppy won't bond with us properly."
While I respect every client's choice, years of experience and countless success stories have shown me that this concern is largely unfounded. In fact, puppies between 6 and 12 months of age make ideal candidates for most working situations, especially for first-time LGD owners.
Let me share a story that perfectly illustrates why.

17/04/2025

Born: July 26, 2024 | Female | Current Weight: 70 lbs | Expected Adult Weight: 70-80 lbs
At Prancing Pony Farm, we believe the source of your livestock guardian dog is the single most important decision determining whether your experience will be a blessing or a curse. Today, we're excited to introduce you to Violet, a guardian who offers all the protection of a Maremma in a more compact package from our carefully bred lineage.
A Foundation Built on Health and Genetics
Violet's parents have undergone comprehensive health testing, including PennHip, OFA, and DNA screening. This investment in genetic health isn't just an extra precaution—it's essential to developing dogs who can work effectively for years without being sidelined by preventable genetic conditions.
As one of the smaller pups in a litter of 11, Violet is expected to mature into a small to medium-sized dog, reaching an estimated adult weight of 70-80 lbs.

Violet offers powerful protection in a more manageable package. This 8-month-old female Maremma from health-tested parents is ideal for smaller farms needing effective guardians.

16/04/2025

Born: July 26, 2024 | Female | Current Weight: 70-80 lbs | Expected Adult Weight: 80-100 lbs
At Prancing Pony Farm, we believe the source of your livestock guardian dog is the single most important decision determining whether your experience will be a blessing or a curse. Today, we're delighted to introduce you to Daisy, a young guardian with working ability and an endearing personality from our carefully bred Maremma lines.
A Foundation Built on Health and Genetics
Daisy's parents have undergone comprehensive health testing, including PennHip, OFA, and DNA screening. This investment in genetic health isn't just an extra precaution—it's essential to developing dogs who can work effectively for years without being sidelined by preventable genetic conditions.
As one of the larger pups in a litter of 11, Daisy is expected to mature into a substantial guardian, reaching an estimated adult weight of 80-100 lbs—providing the physical presence needed to deter predators effectively.

Daisy combines livestock guardian abilities with an endearing personality. This 8-month-old female Maremma from health-tested parents offers balanced protection and affectionate companionship.

15/04/2025

Born: July 26, 2024 | Female | Current Weight: 80 lbs | Expected Adult Weight: 90-110 lbs
At Prancing Pony Farm, we believe the source of your livestock guardian dog is the single most important decision determining whether your experience will be a blessing or a curse. Today, we're excited to introduce you to Rose, a young guardian with impressive size and potential from our carefully bred Maremma lineage.
A Foundation Built on Health and Genetics
Rose's parents have undergone comprehensive health testing, including PennHip, OFA, and DNA screening. This isn't just an extra step we take—it's fundamental to developing dogs who can work effectively for years without being sidelined by preventable genetic conditions.
As one of the larger pups in a litter of 11, Rose is expected to mature into a substantial guardian, reaching an estimated adult weight of 90-100+ lbs. This size advantage provides an imposing presence that can deter even the boldest predators.

Rose offers impressive size potential in a female Maremma livestock guardian dog. This 8-month pup from health-tested parents brings balanced energy and confidence to livestock protection.

14/04/2025

National Dog Bite Prevention Week (April 13th-19th) is the perfect time to discuss safety around all dogs, including our beloved Livestock Guardian Dogs. At Prancing Pony Farm, we're committed to breeding well-socialized, stable Maremma Sheepdogs that excel as livestock protectors while being safe around humans. However, even the best-bred LGDs have instincts and behaviors that owners must understand and manage properly.
Understanding Livestock Guardian Dog Behavior
Livestock Guardian Dogs are bred to be independent thinkers and protective of the livestock they guard and their human families. These traits make them excellent guardians but also mean they require specialized understanding. Unlike herding or companion breeds, LGDs are intended to assess threats and act autonomously. Those unfamiliar with these amazing dogs can sometimes misinterpret this independence as stubbornness or aggression.

14/04/2025

Planning Ahead: Why Timing Matters When Adding a Livestock Guardian Dog to Your Farm
Unlike bringing home a pet dog - where you might only need a few days off work to help a puppy settle in - adding a Livestock Guardian Dog to your farm requires careful coordination of multiple factors: predator pressure, livestock acquisition, proper fencing, training time, and overall farm development.
Here at Prancing Pony Farm, I've witnessed firsthand how advance planning makes all the difference between a smooth integration and a stressful scramble. Let me share why thoughtful timing matters, and why securing your place on our waiting list early gives you significant advantages.The "Emergency Scenario" No Farmer Wants
I'll never forget the urgent call I received from a client with a small goat operation in Central California. His voice trembled with grief and worry.
"My livestock guardian dog died suddenly yesterday," he explained.

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....

28/03/2025

Born: July 26, 2024 | Male | Current Weight: 80 lbs | Expected Adult Weight: 120-130+ lbs
At Prancing Pony Farm, we believe the source of your livestock guardian dog is the single most important decision determining whether your experience will be a blessing or a curse. That's why we're excited to introduce you to Aspen, a promising young guardian from our carefully bred Maremma lineage.
A Foundation Built on Health and Genetics
Aspen's parents have undergone comprehensive health testing, including PennHip, OFA, and DNA screening. This isn't just an extra step we take—it's fundamental to developing dogs who can work effectively for years without being sidelined by preventable genetic conditions.
When you invest in a puppy from health-tested parents, you're minimizing the risk of the heartbreak and expense of your dog developing hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and other hereditary conditions that often force working dogs into early retirement.

Meet Aspen, a 7-month-old male Maremma from health-tested parents. This confident livestock guardian has been raised with goats and is ready to protect your farm investment.

28/03/2025

Born: June 20, 2024 | Male | Current Weight: 90 lbs | Expected Adult Weight: 120-130+ lbs
At Prancing Pony Farm, we believe the source of your livestock guardian dog is the single most important decision determining whether your experience will be a blessing or a curse. Today, we're delighted to introduce you to Romeo, a young guardian with an engaging personality and impressive working ability from our carefully bred Maremma lineage.
A Foundation Built on Health and Genetics
Romeo's parents have undergone comprehensive health testing, including PennHip and DNA screening. This investment in genetic health isn't just an extra precaution—it's essential to developing dogs who can work effectively for years without being sidelined by preventable genetic conditions.
Currently weighing 90 lbs at just 9 months old, Romeo is projected to reach 120-130+ lbs as an adult—providing an imposing presence that can deter even the boldest predators.

Meet Romeo, a 9-month-old male Maremma with character and confidence. This social guardian from health-tested parents combines effective protection with a personable nature.

25/03/2025

Spring is in the air at Prancing Pony Farm, and with it comes the pitter-patter of tiny hooves! We're thrilled to announce the beginning of our 2025 kidding season and this year; we want to make someone's dream of goat ownership come true in a special way.You may ask why we are promoting a goat contest here on our Maremma website. That's because the contest software only works on WordPress. Our sister website, Prancing Pony Farm, home to our dairy goat program, is a Weebly site. So, we have embedded the contest link here on this site while sharing the blog post and other details about the contest on the Prancing Pony Farm website. You can read that blog post at the link below:

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....

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.

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...

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....

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....

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....

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

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!