Maremma Blog
Book Review: “Grooming Without Stress, Safer, Quicker, Happier” by Terrie Hayward, Jay Andors & Anne Francis
As someone who started grooming dogs at 14 and has spent decades in the industry, I can honestly say ‘Grooming Without Stress’ by Terrie Hayward is revolutionary. Having learned from Terrie during my Karen Pryor Academy training, I’ve seen firsthand her commitment to fear-free methods. This book completely reimagines grooming – from the old ‘just get it done’ mentality to creating positive experiences for both dogs and groomers. Whether you’re a professional groomer, dog owner, or breeder, this science-based approach will change how you think about dog care. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ #DogGrooming #FearFree #PositiveTraining #BookReview
The Ultimate Guide to Grooming Your Livestock Guardian Dog
Grooming a 100+ pound livestock guardian dog with a thick double coat requires different techniques than regular dog grooming. After 40+ years of professional grooming and hundreds of Maremmas bred and raised, I’m sharing the essential methods that keep working livestock guardian dogs healthy, comfortable, and effective at their job.
The One Thing Most Livestock Guardian Dog Owners Skip (But Shouldn’t)
As a Maremma Sheepdog breeder and trainer with years of experience, I've noticed a pattern among Livestock Guardian Dog owners. There's a crucial step that separates those who struggle with their dogs from those who truly thrive - and surprisingly, it's not about the...
Protect Your Valuable Livestock Guardian Dog: Why Insurance Can’t Wait
You’ve done everything right—researched reputable breeders, invested in health-tested parents, and brought home a beautiful livestock guardian dog with a comprehensive health guarantee. Yet despite all your careful planning, there’s still one crucial protection you might be overlooking.
Even the most responsible breeding practices cannot eliminate every health threat your LGD might face. Debilitating conditions like hip dysplasia can still occur in puppies from parents with excellent genetic testing, and livestock guardian dogs face unique risks that suburban pets never encounter: environmental dangers from farm equipment and fencing, gastrointestinal issues from outdoor living conditions, potential confrontations with predators, and greater exposure to diseases.
The statistics are sobering—puppies are significantly more likely to experience health problems than adult dogs, with the first year being the highest-risk period. Parvovirus alone affects more than 330,000 puppies annually, with treatment costs ranging from $2,000 to $10,000. Emergency surgeries for broken bones, bloat, or foreign body removal can easily cost $3,000-$8,000.
This is where pet insurance becomes invaluable. Even with a comprehensive health guarantee from your breeder, you could face thousands in veterinary bills that exceed the original purchase price of your dog. Pet insurance provides the financial safety net that allows you to focus on getting your dog the best possible care without hesitation.
Learn about the top insurance options for LGD owners, including exclusive breeder discount codes, and discover why protecting your livestock guardian dog investment is one of the smartest decisions you can make for your farm’s security and your peace of mind.
Why Smart Planning Makes All the Difference: Your Guide to Maremma Success
The difference between getting any dog and getting YOUR dog lies in one thing: planning ahead. This week, I watched Noelle load Romeo and Pele into airline crates for their flight home to the Bay Area. These weren't just any dogs—they were the perfect match for...
Celebrating Success – Marcella’s 2024 Maremma Litter Turns One
Celebrate with us as our June 2024 Maremma litter reaches their first birthday! See how these six amazing guardians have developed from puppies to reliable livestock protectors across the country.
Celebrating Your Maremma Sheepdog’s Remarkable First Year
Celebrate your Maremma’s first birthday milestone with insights on their development from puppy to young livestock guardian. Learn what to expect in year two and how to support continued growth.
Why Ethical Livestock Guardian Dog Breeding Matters Despite Challenges
"I hate your business." Those are the words I hear from my husband whenever challenges arise in my Maremma Sheepdog breeding business. He sees the stress, the late nights, the financial investment that rarely turns a profit, the emotional ups and downs of working with...
A Professional Journey & Dream Come True: I’m Now a Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner
I’m beyond thrilled to share some exciting news with all of you today. After a year and a half-long journey of countless hours of study, practice, video submissions, and assessments, I’ve officially completed the Karen Pryor Academy Dog Trainer Professional program. I am now a KPA Certified Training Partner (KPA CTP)!
This achievement represents so much more than just adding letters after my name. It’s the culmination of years of learning, growing, and developing my skills as a breeder and trainer. It’s about my commitment to providing the absolute best for my Maremma Sheepdogs, my clients, and all the animals I work with.
Why Your Livestock Guardian Dog Gets Frustrated: Simple Solutions That Work
Livestock Guardian Dogs sometimes display aggressive barking at the fence line, yet remain perfectly calm with the same triggers when barriers are removed. This phenomenon, known as barrier frustration, is completely normal for LGDs but can sometimes escalate to redirected aggression toward other animals within their enclosure. Learn how one Maremma owner successfully resolved this issue when her dog Daxo began redirecting frustration onto his partner Maggie, plus practical management strategies you can implement on your farm to prevent fence-related aggression issues.
Ready to Join the Family?
The best way to start the process is by filling out our Maremma contact form. Then, we can send you information on available puppies and dogs. You’ll also be able to fill out our puppy application. The application helps us better understand you and your needs so we can match you with the perfect puppy!
