Hi Reader,
I want to try something new, and before I put time into it, I want to know if it’s actually something you’d use.
Here’s what’s going on. More and more of you are reaching out earlier in your research on Maremmas than ever before — before you’re anywhere close to ready to bring home a Maremma puppy, sometimes before you’ve fully decided a Maremma (or an LGD at all) is even what you need. I think that’s genuinely a good thing. It means you’re doing your homework instead of scrambling in a crisis, after you’ve already lost livestock to predators.
But it also means I’m having a lot of one-on-one Maremma Discovery calls covering very similar ground. Some days, that’s two or three calls back to back, all answering versions of the same questions. I love talking to you — that’s not the complaint. It’s that I think there’s a better way to do it that would actually serve you better, not just save me time.
The Resource I’m Considering Adding for Future New Maremma Owners
I’m thinking about offering free group Zoom calls, once or twice a month, on two different topics:
Option 1: Group Breed & Puppy Discovery Calls
Same territory as my private Maremma Discovery Calls — figuring out if a Maremma Sheepdog (or a livestock guardian dog in general) is the right fit for your farm or family, and whether one of my dogs specifically might be a match. Most people on this call would be first-time LGD owners, though some would already have a dog and be considering adding another. This is not training help for a dog you already own — that’s a separate thing below.
Here’s the part I think would actually be more valuable than a private call: you’d hear other people ask questions you hadn’t thought of yet, and realize you’re not the only one who feels like you’re starting from zero. Almost everyone is.
Option 2: Group Q&A Calls for Current Owners
For anyone who already has a Maremma, another LGD, or another farm dog, and just wants a few questions answered — not a full paid training consultation, just quick, real answers. I’d record these and eventually make them part of our resource library so members could search back through past calls instead of waiting for their specific question to come up live.
Private Discovery Calls and paid Training Consultations would still exist exactly as they do now. This would be an additional option, not a replacement.
Three Quick Questions for You
I’d genuinely appreciate your honest answer to the questions below, even if it’s “no thanks” — that tells me something too.
That’s it. No essay required, though if you want to tell me more, ask questions or give more detailed feedback, hit reply — I read and respond to every email.
Want to See What Life With a Prancing Pony Maremma Looks Like?
Bear and Chief are Prancing Pony Farm Maremma Sheepdog brothers, born in 2023 and guarding 300 free-range chickens and a small cattle herd on Dave and Susan’s 55-acre Texas farm. Before getting “the boys”, Dave and Susan were losing dozens of birds a day to coyotes. The dogs were full-time guardians by 10 months old (completely trustworthy with all those birds!), and the predator losses stopped completely.
This video shows the two sides of a great livestock guardian dog: serious, alert work, and total devotion to their family. Prancing Pony Farm Maremma Sheepdogs are bred and carefully socialized to guard livestock independently while still being deeply bonded, affectionate family members. This isn’t an accident. It’s our carefully designed, intentional LGD development program.
If this is what you’re looking for in a Livestock Guardian Dog you can book a call to discuss available puppies and find out if a dog like Bear and Chief is right for you!
Thank you for helping me build something that actually works for you, not just something I assume you want.
Talk soon,
Kim
Not ready for a group Q&A call? Book a free private Maremma Discovery Call. |
