Jan 29, 2026 | Prancing Pony Maremmas News |
Hi Reader, I know what you’re thinking. It’s January. Spring feels like forever away. You’re planning for lambing or kidding season in a couple of months, and you’re thinking, “I should probably get livestock guardian dogs… but...
Jan 29, 2026 | Available Maremmas, Livestock Guardian Dogs, Prancing Pony Puppy Program, Top Posts |
It’s January. Your farm is quiet. Maybe your ewes or does are pregnant and you’re planning for spring babies. Maybe you’re getting your first livestock in a couple of months. And you’re thinking, “I should probably get a livestock...
Jan 22, 2026 | Prancing Pony Maremmas News |
Hi Reader, I’m sitting here looking out at the farm, and I’ve got the best kind of problem – an absolutely incredible selection of Maremma puppies and adult dogs who are ready to join their forever families, and I wanted to make sure you knew about them....
Jan 15, 2026 | Prancing Pony Maremmas News |
Hi Reader, I have something special for you this week—a guest post from Sarah, the wonderful human who took Caia (one of my Maremma puppies) all the way to Hawaii to live with her and her husband, Casey. Sarah is a first-time dog owner who did what many of us do:...
Jan 15, 2026 | *Caia, Client Stories & Testimonials, Karen Pryor Academy, LGD Training, Livestock Guardian Dogs, Maremma Breeding Program |
Today I’m thrilled to share a guest post from Sarah, one of my incredible puppy clients. Sarah is originally from France and brought her Maremma Sheepdog puppy, Caia, home from Prancing Pony Farm to live an adventurous life in Hawaii. As a first-time dog owner...
Jan 8, 2026 | Prancing Pony Maremmas News |
Hi Reader, Quick heads up: Karen Pryor Academy’s January sale just started, and I don’t want you to miss it. This is one of only TWO times per year (January and September) that KPA offers 20% off everything – courses, training gear, books, all of...
Jan 8, 2026 | Karen Pryor Academy, LGD Training, Livestock Guardian Dogs, Product Reviews |
It’s that time of year again – Karen Pryor Academy’s annual January sale is happening right now, and I wanted to make sure you didn’t miss it. This is one of only TWO times per year (January and September) that KPA offers 20% off their entire...
Jan 1, 2026 | Prancing Pony Maremmas News |
Hi [FIRST NAME GOES HERE], Happy New Year! As 2025 draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on a year that brought profound loss, significant growth, and countless reminders of why this work matters so deeply to me. A Heartbreaking Goodbye In March, I said goodbye...
Jan 1, 2026 | Available Maremmas, Client Stories & Testimonials, Livestock Guardian Dogs, Maremma Breeding Program, Prancing Pony Maremmas News |
As 2025 comes to a close, I find myself reflecting on twelve months that brought deep loss as a breeder, my most significant professional achievement, and countless affirmations of why this work matters so profoundly. March: Saying Goodbye to the Dog Who Started It...
Dec 24, 2025 | Prancing Pony Maremmas News |
Hi Reader, I’ll keep this short and sweet because I know you’re busy (and honestly, so am I—still not ready for Christmas!). But I didn’t want Christmas to pass without taking a moment to say thank you for being part of this community. Whether...
Dec 18, 2025 | Prancing Pony Maremmas News |
Prancing Pony Farm Ethically bred, professionally trained livestock guardian dogs and family companions Livestock Guadian Dog Consulting Hi Reader, When something happens twice in one week, I pay attention. Last week, I loaded a puppy into my van for her trip to the...
Dec 18, 2025 | Dog Health & Wellness, Livestock Guardian Dogs, Puppy Care & Training |
Last Updated on December 18, 2025 by Kim Crawmer, KPA CTP, LFDM Last week, I loaded a beautiful Maremma puppy into my van for the hour-long drive to the airport. She was headed to Seattle to meet her new owner, who would then drive her up to British Columbia....
Dec 11, 2025 | Prancing Pony Maremmas News |
Prancing Pony Farm Ethically bred, professionally trained livestock guardian dogs and family companions Livestock Guadian Dog Consulting Hi Reader, Yesterday I delivered a 16-week-old Maremma puppy to the Fresno airport for her flight to Seattle, where her new owner...
Dec 4, 2025 | Prancing Pony Maremmas News |
Prancing Pony Farm Ethically bred, professionally trained livestock guardian dogs and family companions Livestock Guadian Dog Consulting Hi [FIRST NAME GOES HERE], Well, this is embarrassing. 🫣 Last night at 4 AM (yes, 4 AM – more on that in a second), I hit...
Dec 4, 2025 | Prancing Pony Maremmas News |
Prancing Pony Farm Ethically bred, professionally trained livestock guardian dogs and family companions Livestock Guadian Dog Consulting Hi Reader, I need your help with something, and I promise it’ll be worth your time. Over the years, I’ve answered...
Nov 27, 2025 | Prancing Pony Maremmas News |
Prancing Pony Farm Ethically bred, professionally trained livestock guardian dogs and family companions Livestock Guadian Dog Consulting Hi Reader, Happy Thanksgiving! As we celebrate the holiday, I’ve been reflecting on what I’m most grateful for here at...
Nov 20, 2025 | Livestock Guardian Dogs, Prancing Pony Maremmas News |
Prancing Pony Farm We Make Livestock Guardian Dog Ownership Joyful and Stress-free Hi Reader, I want to tell you about a client who did something last weekend that honestly filled me with so much respect and admiration. Amy brought home two puppies. Now, that might...
Nov 20, 2025 | *How Many LGDS, Available Maremmas, Client Stories & Testimonials, Livestock Guardian Dogs, Maremma Breeding Program, Puppy Care & Training |
Why This Client Got Two Puppies Twice—And Why You Should Too Almost two years ago, Amy made a decision that many people struggle with. She decided to bring home not one, but two Maremma Sheepdog puppies. Then last weekend, she did it again. Let me tell you why...
Nov 12, 2025 | Prancing Pony Maremmas News |
Prancing Pony Farm Ethically bred, professionally trained livestock guardian dogs and family companions Livestock Guadian Dog Consulting Hi Reader, Quick farm update from Prancing Pony Farm—lots happening here, and I wanted to share what we’ve been up to....
Nov 6, 2025 | Prancing Pony Maremmas News |
Prancing Pony Farm Ethically bred, professionally trained livestock guardian dogs and family companions Livestock Guadian Dog Consulting Hi Reader, Over the past 12 weeks, you’ve watched this litter transform from helpless newborns into confident young livestock...
Nov 6, 2025 | Livestock Guardian Dogs, Maremma Breeding Program, Prancing Pony Puppy Program, Puppy Care & Training, Puppy Socialization Series |
I’ve given your puppy an exceptional start. Now it’s your turn to finish what we’ve begun. Over the past 12 weeks, you’ve followed this litter’s journey from helpless newborns to confident young livestock guardian dogs. You’ve seen...
Oct 30, 2025 | Prancing Pony Maremmas News |
Prancing Pony Farm Ethically bred, professionally trained livestock guardian dogs and family companions Livestock Guadian Dog Consulting Hi Reader, There’s a dog on my farm whose contribution to my breeding program is so valuable that I consider her role second...
Oct 30, 2025 | LGD Training, Livestock Guardian Dogs, Maremma Breeding Program, Prancing Pony Puppy Program, Puppy Care & Training, Puppy Socialization Series |
The Mentor Dog Who Shapes Every Puppy’s Journey At our farm, there’s a dog whose contribution to my breeding program is so valuable that I consider her role second only to the mother dogs themselves. Meet Genevieve—or as we call her, “Auntie Genny.”...
Oct 26, 2025 | Dog Behavior, Dog Health & Wellness, LGD Training, Livestock Guardian Dogs, Product Reviews |
Why I’m Writing This Toppl Review I recently had a consultation with a livestock guardian dog owner whose dog didn’t want to stay with her turkeys. The dog had lived inside for several months, and transitioning to outdoor livestock guardian work was...
Oct 23, 2025 | Prancing Pony Maremmas News |
Prancing Pony Farm Ethically bred, professionally trained livestock guardian dogs and family companions Livestock Guadian Dog Consulting Hi Reader, On Sunday, my 7-year-old granddaughter Penelope insisted on walking Lyria, a 60-70 pound, 6-month-old Maremma...
Oct 23, 2025 | Livestock Guardian Dogs, Maremma Breeding Program, Prancing Pony Puppy Program, Puppy Care & Training, Puppy Socialization Series |
The overlooked element of LGD development that determines whether your dog can safely coexist with farm families. Last week, I received a photo that perfectly illustrated why child socialization isn’t optional for livestock guardian dogs—it’s essential....
Oct 16, 2025 | Prancing Pony Maremmas News |
Prancing Pony Farm Ethically bred, professionally trained livestock guardian dogs and family companions Livestock Guadian Dog Consulting Hi Reader, Our Maremma litter turned 8 weeks old this week and reached a crucial health milestone: their first 5-way vaccine. This...
Oct 16, 2025 | Dog Health & Wellness, Livestock Guardian Dogs, Maremma Breeding Program, Prancing Pony Puppy Program, Puppy Care & Training, Puppy Socialization Series |
Why proper vaccination and parasite prevention during weeks 6–8 sets the foundation for a lifetime of health. At six weeks old, our current Maremma Sheepdog litter reached a critical milestone in their livestock guardian dog health journey—their first Neo-par...
Oct 9, 2025 | Prancing Pony Maremmas News |
Prancing Pony Farm Ethically bred, professionally trained livestock guardian dogs and family companions Livestock Guadian Dog Consulting Hi Reader, I know I promised a multi-week puppy socialization series—and I promise your next puppy socialization email is coming...
Oct 9, 2025 | *Caia, Client Stories & Testimonials, Livestock Guardian Dogs, Maremma Breeding Program, Prancing Pony Puppy Program |
Six months ago, I got an email that started with: “I know this is crazy, but I live in Hawaii…” Sarah wasn’t wrong—getting a dog to Hawaii is a bit crazy. The quarantine requirements are extensive, the timeline is long, and the process is...
Oct 2, 2025 | Prancing Pony Maremmas News |
Prancing Pony Farm Ethically bred, professionally trained livestock guardian dogs and family companions Livestock Guadian Dog Consulting Hi Reader, This week marked a milestone I’ve been eagerly anticipating: our 5-week-old future livestock guardians are now...
Oct 2, 2025 | Livestock Guardian Dogs, Maremma Breeding Program, Prancing Pony Puppy Program, Puppy Care & Training, Puppy Socialization Series |
The critical weeks when puppies learn the “language” of livestock – and why choosing the right teachers matters more than you think. At 5 weeks old, our current litter has reached one of the most exciting milestones in livestock guardian development:...
Sep 25, 2025 | Prancing Pony Maremmas News |
Prancing Pony Farm Ethically bred, professionally trained livestock guardian dogs and family companions Livestock Guadian Dog Consulting Hi Reader, Something wonderful happened this week that perfectly illustrates why proper socialization matters so much for...
Sep 25, 2025 | Dog Behavior, Livestock Guardian Dogs, Maremma Breeding Program, Prancing Pony Puppy Program, Puppy Care & Training, Puppy Socialization Series |
Why Puppy Socialization Matters for LGDs There’s a critical difference between dogs that work confidently with their families and those that become fearful liabilities. One of the most damaging myths in the livestock guardian dog (LGD) world is that puppy...
Sep 18, 2025 | Prancing Pony Maremmas News |
Prancing Pony Farm Ethically Bred, Professionally Trained Livestock Guardian Dogs and Family Companions Livestock Guadian Dog Consulting Hi Reader, This week, as I watched our 3-week-old future livestock guardian dogs confidently exploring their world in perfect...
Sep 18, 2025 | Dog Health & Wellness, Livestock Guardian Dogs, Maremma Breeding Program, Prancing Pony Puppy Program, Puppy Care & Training, Puppy Socialization Series |
Most breeders focus on genetics. We’ve engineered an entire system that turns great genetics into exceptional livestock guardian dogs. When livestock owners ask me what makes Prancing Pony Farm puppies different, they expect me to talk about bloodlines, health...
Sep 11, 2025 | Prancing Pony Maremmas News |
Prancing Pony Farm Ethically bred, professionally trained livestock guardian dogs and family companions Livestock Guadian Dog Consulting Mini Dairy Goats Hi Reader, At 3 weeks old, our newest litter of future livestock guardian dogs is now deep in the most critical...
Sep 11, 2025 | Dog Behavior, Livestock Guardian Dogs, Maremma Breeding Program, Prancing Pony Puppy Program, Puppy Care & Training, Puppy Socialization Series |
In just 84 days, blind, helpless newborns transform into confident young livestock guardian dogs. Here’s the week-by-week science behind this incredible metamorphosis. If you’ve ever wondered how a 2-ounce newborn Maremma Sheepdog puppy becomes a 100-pound...
Sep 8, 2025 | *Puppy Vaccination, Dog Health & Wellness, Livestock Guardian Dogs, Maremma Breeding Program, Prancing Pony Puppy Program, Puppy Care & Training |
As a livestock owner, you understand the devastating impact of losing animals you’ve invested your heart, time, and resources into. When it comes to protecting your new Maremma Sheepdog puppy—your future livestock guardian—making informed decisions about...
Sep 4, 2025 | Prancing Pony Maremmas News |
Hi Reader, Two weeks ago, our newest litter of future livestock guardian dogs entered the world. Today, as they snuggle close to their mama and toddle around on wobbly legs, something remarkable is already happening. Their brains are preparing for the most critical...
Sep 4, 2025 | Dog Behavior, LGD Training, Livestock Guardian Dogs, Maremma Breeding Program, Prancing Pony Puppy Program, Puppy Care & Training, Puppy Socialization Series |
The difference between a reliable livestock guardian dog and a costly mistake happens in just 84 days. When livestock owners invest in a livestock guardian dog, they’re not just buying a puppy—they’re investing in peace of mind. The ability to sleep...
Aug 28, 2025 | Prancing Pony Maremmas News |
Hi Reader, This week reminded me why I’m so passionate about helping you succeed with your livestock guardian dog journey—and why planning ahead is one of the most important steps you can take. When “I’ll Reserve Soon” Meets Reality Several...
Aug 21, 2025 | Prancing Pony Maremmas News |
Hi Reader, I need to share something important with you, and I owe many of you a sincere apology. The Problem I Didn’t Know Existed For several months, we’ve had a technical glitch with our puppy and goat application forms that I was completely unaware...
Aug 18, 2025 | Prancing Pony Maremmas News |
At the Sign of the Prancing Pony The Prancing Pony Farm Newsletter Hi Reader, Good Monday morning from the puppy parlor! I don’t usually send emails on Mondays, but when puppies decide to make their grand entrance at 4 AM, well… normal schedules go out the window! ...
Aug 14, 2025 | Prancing Pony Maremmas News |
Hi Reader, I hope this newsletter finds you and your animals well. This week’s message is different from our usual farm updates – it’s one of the most bittersweet I’ve ever written. The End of an Era After much deliberation, I’ve made the tough...
Aug 7, 2025 | Prancing Pony Maremmas News |
Hi Reader, Here’s a question I get asked constantly: “How do I groom my livestock guardian dog without it turning into a wrestling match?” Whether it’s one of my Maremma puppy clients, an LGD consultation client, someone from this list, or...
Aug 5, 2025 | Book Reviews, Dog Health & Wellness, Grooming Dogs, Livestock Guardian Dogs, Product Reviews |
A Game-Changer for Dog Grooming and Care As someone who began grooming dogs at age 14 and has spent decades working with animals, I can honestly say that Terrie Hayward, Jay Andors, and Anne Francis’s “Grooming Without Stress” represents a...
Aug 2, 2025 | Book Reviews, Dog Health & Wellness, Grooming Dogs, Livestock Guardian Dogs, Product Reviews |
When I first started breeding Maremma Sheepdogs years ago, I quickly realized that new livestock guardian dog owners faced a unique challenge: how do you properly groom a 100+ pound working dog with a thick double coat who’s designed to be independent and...
Jul 31, 2025 | Prancing Pony Maremmas News |
Hi Reader, The journey to success with a Livestock Guardian Dog begins with selecting a well-bred, properly socialized puppy from an ethical breeder – that’s step one, and it’s absolutely crucial. But over years of breeding and training Maremmas,...
Jul 31, 2025 | *One Thing, Book Reviews, Dog Behavior, Family Dog Mediation, Karen Pryor Academy, LGD Training, Livestock Guardian Dogs, Prancing Pony Puppy Program, Product Reviews |
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,... 
