Last Updated on May 7, 2026 by Kim Crawmer, KPA CTP, LFDM
Congratulations on Reserving Your Prancing Pony Maremma!
This page contains everything you need to prepare for your new livestock guardian dog and make their transition to your family and animals as smooth as possible. We've organized all the important information—from payment methods to health records, shipping arrangements to feeding guidelines—so you can find what you need quickly.
If you have questions that aren't addressed here, just reach out. We're here to support you every step of the way!
🛍️ Need puppy supplies? Check out my complete Puppy Essentials Guide with curated recommendations and shopping links.
📅 Your Maremma's Go-Home Timeline
Here's what to expect as your puppy's go-home date approaches:
Payment Due Date — Final payment is due when your puppy turns 12 weeks old. You'll receive your final payment link and contract around this time.
Go-Home Window — Pickup and shipping are scheduled after payment and your signed contract are complete. We allow one to two weeks after the payment date to finish final health preparations — including last vaccinations, deworming, and microchipping — so your puppy arrives home as healthy as possible.
Extended Stays — If you need a little extra time beyond the go-home window, just let us know. We're happy to work with you individually. Board fees may apply for extended stays and will be discussed in advance.
Have questions about timing? Reach out — we'll work it out together.
💳 Making Your Final Payment
All payments are processed securely through our website. Reservation fees, final balances, and full payments for older dogs each have their own checkout. See our full payment policy for amounts, processing fees, timing, and what's refundable.
Access Your Puppy Contract, Health Guarantee and Medical Records
🚨 Your contract must be signed before pickup or shipping can be scheduled.
You'll receive it via Breeder Cloud Pro within 48–72 hours of your final payment.
Your puppy cannot be released until your contract is signed. This protects both you and your new family member.
Your puppy's medical records are accessible through the same portal.
Need help accessing your contract or records? We have a step-by-step guide and a video tutorial on the page below. You can also see sample contracts on that page:
Travel Arrangements for Your Maremma
For our California customers, we are centrally located near Highway 41 and less than a day's drive from most locations, so picking up your puppy in person is easy. Out-of-state customers also sometimes drive out to pick their puppies up, and we welcome you to do so if that's your wish. You may also choose to have your puppy shipped commercially. You will need to make the arrangements yourself. We will work with the shipper of your choice. We have some helpful information and recommendations below.
Picking up Your Puppy in Person
Click the button below to learn what you need to know if you will be picking up your puppy yourself.
Shipping Your Puppy Commercially
Click the button below to learn what you need to know if you will be shipping your puppy commercially.
Board and training Services
Need Extra Time for Pickup or Shipping? We understand that coordinating travel and shipping can sometimes take longer than expected. If you need additional time beyond your go-home window, we offer professional boarding services for all Prancing Pony Farm dogs. Visit our Board and training services page for complete details on rates and what's included.
Prepare for Your Puppy Before They Come Home
You've chosen a Prancing Pony Maremma — which means you've already done the most important thing right. But your success as a new Maremma owner also depends on the foundation you build together in those first weeks at home.
The DIAL Method® is a short, four-module video program I recommend to every client before their dog arrives. It covers four things that directly affect how your dog settles into your property and your routine: how to read your individual dog, how to set clear boundaries from day one, how to get everyone in your household working from the same playbook, and how to build the consistent patterns that help all dogs thrive. It applies to all your dogs, not just your Maremma — and it takes under 40 minutes.
Learn more about the program here.
I've seen the difference it makes. Clients who complete it before go-home day come into those first weeks with confidence instead of second-guessing every decision.
Add it to your purchase for $50, and you can also schedule a free personal consultation (when you're ready) to help you apply it to your specific dog, your livestock, and your setup.
The Dial Method is not a dog training course. It's what you need to know before you train your dog. It's a framework for understanding your dog and for getting yourself and your "team" (spouse, kids, employees, etc) ready to work together. Don't skip this vital step!
🦮 Essential: Harness & Leash
Your Maremma has been trained with a harness since birth — not a collar. You'll need one ready for the car ride home. We use and recommend the Blue-9 Balance Harness, available directly from us or online.
🍖 Nutrition Matters for Your Growing Livestock Guardian Dog
Your Maremma's diet during the first year impacts bone development, immune function, and future working ability.
✓ See exactly what we feed and why
✓ Learn quality guidelines for choosing your own food
✓ Understand what's normal vs. concerning during diet transitions
Everything You Need to Know About Feeding Your Maremma Puppy →
🏠 Shelter & Housing for Your Maremma
Before your dog comes home, you'll want to have their introduction area ready. This is one of the questions we hear most often — and the answer is simpler than most people expect.
✓ What to have set up during the introduction phase ✓ How shelter needs change once your dog integrates with livestock ✓ Climate-specific guidance for your region ✓ Why you can skip the doghouse
Our Maremma Puppy Vaccination and Parasite Control Protocols
💉 Vaccinations & Parasite Control Your puppy leaves with age-appropriate vaccinations and parasite treatment on board. Your vet will continue from there. Our evidence-based protocols for both are documented in detail so you know exactly what's been done and what's next.
🐾 Pet Insurance — Don't Skip This
We've partnered with Trupanion to offer Prancing Pony Farm families 30 days of free coverage, activated on pickup day using our breeder code. No upfront cost, waiting periods waived. Your puppy is most vulnerable during transit and the first weeks home — this is worth doing.
The One Thing Most Livestock Guardian Dog Owners Skip (But Shouldn’t)
There’s one simple step that can make or break your livestock guardian dog’s success — and many owners overlook it. Learn what it is, why it matters, and how adding this habit will build a calmer, more reliable LGD.
🛒 NEW! YOUR COMPLETE PUPPY SUPPLY GUIDE
Not sure what supplies you need before your puppy arrives? I've created a complete essentials guide with everything organized by priority—so you know exactly what to buy first.
✓ Must-have items before pickup day
✓ Products I personally use and recommend
✓ What you can skip (save your money!)
✓ Direct links for easy shopping
Still deciding between a puppy, adolescent, or adult? Our free quiz can help. → Find Your Match
Ready to Protect What You Love?
Join scores of happy families who sleep peacefully knowing their beloved animals and family are protected by reliable Prancing Pony Farm Maremmas.
✅ Health-tested bloodlines ✅ Proven working genetics
✅ Lifetime breeder & professional trainer support included
