Last Updated on January 9, 2026 by Kim Crawmer, KPA CTP, LFDM
Picking Up Your Puppy in Person
🛍️ Need puppy supplies? Check out my complete Puppy Essentials Guide with curated recommendations and shopping links.
📅 Scheduling Your Pickup Appointment
You will receive a link to schedule your pickup appointment via email once your puppy is fully paid for and your puppy contract has been signed.
Your puppy must be paid for in full, and your contract must be completed before pickup arrangements can be finalized. This ensures all legal protections are in place for both you and your puppy.
Once you receive your scheduling link, you’ll be able to:
- Select your preferred date and time
- Receive immediate email confirmation
- Get detailed directions to our farm
- View any special instructions
Timeline: Most clients receive their contract within 48-72 hours of purchase completion (for puppies going home within one week). Once signed, your scheduling link will be sent within 24 hours.
❓ Haven’t received your contract yet? Check your spam folder and add kim@prancingponyfarm.com to your contacts. Still can’t find it? Email us directly.
Safe Transportation Home
We suggest you bring an appropriately sized dog crate to transport your puppy. You can have your pup ride loose in your car, but a dog crate inside your vehicle is safer in case of accidents.
We do not allow puppies to leave loose or crated in the back of a pickup!
Also, be aware that your puppy could get carsick or have an accident in the car. We suggest you bring towels if you need to clean up after them.
Your Puppy Needs a Harness
You will need a harness (not a collar) for your puppy. We use and recommend Blue 9 Balance Harnesses. Harnesses are safer and more comfortable for walking dogs.
You can purchase a harness in our store and pick it up when you pick up your puppy. Or you can buy one elsewhere and bring it to pick up your pup. We will provide a complimentary leash for your pup.
Keep Your Puppy Safe
If you need to walk your puppy during your trip home, please take it to a secluded area away from traffic that is not likely to be frequented by other dogs. This decreases the risk of disease exposure and prevents the puppy from becoming nervous in a new place, getting away from you, and possibly getting hurt or lost.
Not all dogs visiting a rest stop or hotel are healthy or vaccinated, so use extreme caution when taking your puppy out in areas frequented by other dogs.
Order a Harness & Leash for Your Maremma
You’ll need a harness and leash for your puppy before leaving the farm. Our Maremmas are trained with harnesses from birth, making them safer and more comfortable than collars for young, growing dogs.
Why a harness matters:
- Safer for deep-chested breeds like Maremmas
- Better control during the exciting transition home
- More comfortable for puppies still learning leash manners
- What your puppy is already familiar with
We Stock Blue-9 Balance Harnesses – specifically designed for deep-chested breeds.
Sizing for pickup:
- 12-14 weeks: Medium
- 15+ weeks: Medium/Large or Large (we’ll help you choose!)
How to get yours:
- Order in advance and pick up when you arrive
- Purchase on pickup day (we keep stock on hand)
- We’ll help you fit it properly before you leave
Start Strong: Prepare for Success Before Your Puppy Arrives
Getting a Maremma puppy is a significant investment—in time, money, and emotion. The difference between a successful working LGD and a frustrated owner often comes down to understanding your dog from day one.
The Dial Method® helps you:
- Understand what your Maremma actually needs (they’re fundamentally different from other dogs)
- Set up your environment and routines for success before the puppy arrives
- Communicate clearly with your independent thinker
- Build confidence instead of second-guessing every decision
Available as an add-on to your puppy reservation. Think of it as insurance on your investment—a framework you’ll use for your dog’s entire lifetime.
Essential Travel Supplies
Ready to Join the Family?
Join Our Email List!
Sign up for our email newsletter, and we’ll keep you posted on upcoming litters and available dogs! Our email list members are always the first to know and get first dibs on available dogs. We also send out helpful Maremma Sheepdog care and training articles and links to useful resources.
