Oct 2, 2025 | Livestock Guardian Dogs, Maremma Breeding Program, Prancing Pony Puppy Program, Puppy Care & Training, Puppy Socialization Series, Starting With LGDs |
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 | 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 | Livestock Guardian Dogs, Maremma Breeding Program, Prancing Pony Maremmas News, Puppy Care & Training |
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 | Livestock Guardian Dogs, Maremma Breeding Program, Prancing Pony Puppy Program, Puppy Care & Training, Puppy Socialization Series, Starting With LGDs |
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 | All About Maremmas, Livestock Guardian Dogs, Maremma Breeding Program, Prancing Pony Maremmas News, Puppy Care & Training |
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 | 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 | Maremma Breeding Program, Prancing Pony Maremmas News, Puppy Care & Training |
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 | Livestock Guardian Dogs, Maremma Breeding Program, Prancing Pony Puppy Program, Puppy Care & Training, Puppy Socialization Series, Starting With LGDs |
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 | Bringing Home Your LGD, Prancing Pony Maremmas News, Starting With LGDs |
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 | Available Maremmas, Maremma Breeding Program, 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 | Dog Health & Wellness, Grooming Dogs, 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, LGD Training & Behavior, 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, Bringing Home Your LGD, Karen Pryor Academy, LGD Training & Behavior, Product Reviews, Starting With LGDs |
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, Bringing Home Your LGD, Family Dog Mediation, Karen Pryor Academy, LGD Training & Behavior, Product Reviews, Puppy Care & Training, Starting With LGDs |
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,...
Jul 24, 2025 | Client Stories & Testimonials, Livestock Guardian Dogs, Maremma Breeding Program, Prancing Pony Maremmas News |
Hi Reader, It’s been an incredible week watching our Maremma families take the next step in their journeys toward livestock protection, family companionship, and peace of mind. Six precious dogs have gone to their new homes, and the updates we’re already...
Jul 17, 2025 | Bringing Home Your LGD, Client Stories & Testimonials, Livestock Guardian Dogs, Maremma Breeding Program, Prancing Pony Maremmas News, Starting With LGDs |
Hi Reader, I’m writing this Thursday afternoon instead of my usual Wednesday night schedule (to be in your inbox Thursday morning). Why you might ask. Because honestly, sometimes farm life has other plans for us. This week has been one of those reminders...
Jul 10, 2025 | Bringing Home Your LGD, Client Stories & Testimonials, Dog Health & Wellness, Prancing Pony Maremmas News, Starting With LGDs |
At the Sign of the Prancing Pony The Prancing Pony Farm Newsletter Hi Reader, This week has been both exciting and bittersweet as our 12-week-old Maremma puppies prepare to head to their new homes next week. Watching these little livestock guardians head off to...
Jul 10, 2025 | *Pet Insurance, Bringing Home Your LGD, Dog Health & Wellness, Maremma Breeding Program, Prancing Pony Puppy Program, Puppy Care & Training, Starting With LGDs |
Protecting your livestock guardian dog means safeguarding your peace of mind. You’ve done everything right. You researched reputable breeders and invested in health-tested parents. You brought home a beautiful Maremma Sheepdog puppy with a comprehensive health...
Jul 3, 2025 | Bringing Home Your LGD, Client Stories & Testimonials, Dog Health & Wellness, Livestock Guardian Dogs, Maremma Breeding Program, Prancing Pony Maremmas News, Starting With LGDs |
At the Sign of the Prancing Pony The Prancing Pony Farm Newsletter Hi Reader, Yesterday, I said goodbye to one-year-old Maremma pups, Romeo and Pele, as they loaded into their airline crates for the flight to their new home in the Bay Area. As I watched them go, I...
Jul 3, 2025 | *Smart Planning, *Top Posts, Available Maremmas, Bringing Home Your LGD, Client Stories & Testimonials, Livestock Guardian Dogs, Maremma Breeding Program, Prancing Pony Puppy Program, Starting With LGDs |
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...
Jun 26, 2025 | Prancing Pony Maremmas News |
At the Sign of the Prancing Pony The Prancing Pony Farm Newsletter Hi Reader, Well, this is embarrassing! I need to make a correction to my newsletter from earlier today, and it’s actually GOOD news. My Communication Mix-Up Remember how I said that only one...
Jun 26, 2025 | Prancing Pony Maremmas News |
At the Sign of the Prancing Pony The Prancing Pony Farm Newsletter Hi Reader, I hope you’re staying cool during this hot summer weather! I have some exciting updates to share with you this week. 🏆 Contest Winner Celebration First, I’m thrilled to...
Jun 19, 2025 | Client Stories & Testimonials, Livestock Guardian Dogs, Maremma Breeding Program, Prancing Pony Maremmas News |
Dear Reader, This week marks a very special milestone – the first birthday of our wonderful June 2024 litter! 🎂 A year ago, six beautiful Maremma puppies entered the world in our Puppy Parlor, and today I’m thrilled to share how these incredible guardians have...
Jun 19, 2025 | Client Stories & Testimonials, Livestock Guardian Dogs, Maremma Breeding Program, Prancing Pony Maremmas News, Prancing Pony Puppy Program |
This week marks a milestone that fills my heart with pride and joy – the first birthday of our June 2024 Maremma Sheepdog litter. One year ago, six beautiful puppies took their first breaths in our Puppy Parlor, marking the beginning of a journey that would...
Jun 19, 2025 | Livestock Guardian Dogs, Maremma Breeding Program, Prancing Pony Maremmas News |
Your Maremma’s first birthday represents far more than just marking time—it’s a celebration of an incredible transformation from the puppy you first brought home to the developing livestock guardian dog or family companion they’ve become. At Prancing...
Jun 12, 2025 | Bringing Home Your LGD, Client Stories & Testimonials, Dog Health & Wellness, Livestock Guardian Dogs, Maremma Breeding Program, Prancing Pony Maremmas News, Starting With LGDs |
Hi Reader, I’m writing this email from our puppy parlor, where Pele—one of our year-old Maremmas—is recovering from surgery that could very well save her life someday. Here’s what happened: Romeo and Pele are littermates heading to their new farm up...
Jun 5, 2025 | Livestock Guardian Dogs, Maremma Breeding Program, Prancing Pony Maremmas News |
Hi Reader, “I hate your business.” Those are the words I often hear from my husband whenever I face challenges in my Maremma Sheepdog breeding business. (And my goat business.) He sees the stress, the late nights, the financial investment, and the...
Jun 5, 2025 | *Ethical Breeding, *Top Posts, All About Maremmas, Available Maremmas, Bringing Home Your LGD, Livestock Guardian Dogs, Maremma Breeding Program, Prancing Pony Puppy Program, Puppy Care & Training, Starting With LGDs |
When Passion Meets Resistance: Reflections on Ethical LGD Breeding “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...
May 29, 2025 | LGD Training & Behavior, Maremma Breeding Program, Prancing Pony Maremmas News |
Hi Reader, What a whirlwind these past few weeks have been! As I sit down to write this email, my youngest daughter and her family have arrived home in North Carolina, my middle son and his new wife are off on their honeymoon, and the house has that...
May 22, 2025 | Prancing Pony Maremmas News |
At the Sign of the Prancing Pony The Prancing Pony Farm Newsletter Hi Reader, I hope this email finds you well! I wanted to let you know about some exciting updates from Prancing Pony Farm. Contest Extension – More Winners Than Expected! First, due to some...
May 17, 2025 | Maremma Breeding Program, Prancing Pony Maremmas News |
At the Sign of the Prancing Pony The Prancing Pony Farm Newsletter Hi Reader, You might have noticed I missed my usual Thursday email this week. There’s a good reason—I just returned from a wonderful family vacation at Disneyland! 🎊 My youngest daughter and...
May 6, 2025 | Prancing Pony Maremmas News |
At the Sign of the Prancing Pony The Prancing Pony Farm Newsletter Hi Reader, I’m bursting with excitement to share some incredible news with you today! After a year and a half of intense study, practice, video submissions, and assessments, I’ve...
May 4, 2025 | Karen Pryor Academy, LGD Training & Behavior, Prancing Pony Maremmas News |
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...
May 3, 2025 | LGD Training & Behavior, Livestock Guardian Dogs |
Livestock Guardian Dogs are incredibly devoted protectors who take their job seriously. But sometimes, they can display behaviors that might seem concerning, like barking aggressively at something on the other side of a fence, yet being perfectly calm when that...
May 1, 2025 | Bringing Home Your LGD, Client Stories & Testimonials, Livestock Guardian Dogs, Maremma Breeding Program, Prancing Pony Maremmas News, Starting With LGDs |
At the Sign of the Prancing Pony The Prancing Pony Farm Newsletter Hi Reader, Happy May 1st! April has been quite a whirlwind here at the farm, and this past week especially has kept me on my toes. Usually, I’d share a detailed blog post with you, but after my 4...
Apr 24, 2025 | All About Maremmas, Available Maremmas, Bringing Home Your LGD, Client Stories & Testimonials, Maremma Breeding Program, Prancing Pony Maremmas News, Starting With LGDs |
At the Sign of the Prancing Pony The Prancing Pony Farm Newsletter Hi Reader, I recently received a video that perfectly captures why I do what I do, despite the challenges of ethical LGD breeding. The video came from Dave in Texas. It shows Bear and Chief—two...
Apr 24, 2025 | All About Maremmas, Available Maremmas, Bringing Home Your LGD, Client Stories & Testimonials, Livestock Guardian Dogs, Maremma Breeding Program, Starting With LGDs |
Why Older Puppies Often Make the Best Livestock Guardian Dogs One of the most persistent myths in the Livestock Guardian Dog community is that puppies must be acquired at the youngest possible age to bond with their new owners and livestock properly. As the owner of...
Apr 17, 2025 | Available Maremmas, Bringing Home Your LGD, Livestock Guardian Dogs, Maremma Breeding Program, Prancing Pony Maremmas News, Starting With LGDs |
Hi Reader, I wanted to send a quick update following last week’s email about our Maremma Sheepdog breeding program and reservation process. The response has been incredible! In just one week, we’ve received four new reservations for our future litters...
Apr 14, 2025 | LGD Training & Behavior, Prancing Pony Maremmas News |
Hi Reader, I’m sending my weekly email early to share a very important topic with you. This week (April 13th-19th) marks National Dog Bite Prevention Week, which offers us an excellent opportunity to discuss safety considerations specific to Livestock Guardian...
Apr 14, 2025 | Livestock Guardian Dogs |
National Dog Bite Prevention Week (April 13th-19th) is the perfect time to discuss safety around all dogs, including our beloved Livestock Guardian Dogs. At Prancing Pony Farm, we’re committed to breeding well-socialized, stable Maremma Sheepdogs that excel as...
Apr 14, 2025 | Available Maremmas, Livestock Guardian Dogs, Maremma Breeding Program |
Born: July 26, 2024 | Female | Current Weight: 70 lbs | Expected Adult Weight: 70-80 lbs At Prancing Pony Farm, we believe the source of your livestock guardian dog is the single most important decision determining whether your experience will be a blessing or a...
Apr 14, 2025 | Available Maremmas, Livestock Guardian Dogs, Maremma Breeding Program |
Born: June 20, 2024 | Female | Current Weight: 70 lbs | Expected Adult Weight: 80-90 lbs At Prancing Pony Farm, we believe the source of your livestock guardian dog is the single most important decision determining whether your experience will be a blessing or a...
Apr 14, 2025 | Available Maremmas, Livestock Guardian Dogs, Maremma Breeding Program |
Born: July 26, 2024 | Female | Current Weight: 70-80 lbs | Expected Adult Weight: 80-100 lbs At Prancing Pony Farm, we believe the source of your livestock guardian dog is the single most important decision determining whether your experience will be a blessing or a...
Apr 14, 2025 | Available Maremmas, Livestock Guardian Dogs, Maremma Breeding Program |
Born: July 26, 2024 | Female | Current Weight: 80 lbs | Expected Adult Weight: 90-110 lbs At Prancing Pony Farm, we believe the source of your livestock guardian dog is the single most important decision determining whether your experience will be a blessing or a...
Apr 10, 2025 | Available Maremmas, Bringing Home Your LGD, Maremma Breeding Program, Prancing Pony Maremmas News, Starting With LGDs |
Hi Reader, I hope you’re having a great week. We are in the thick of kidding season and had our first vet emergency last night due to a stuck kid. Luckily, my vet lives literally within viewing distance from my house, so she was there within minutes. We lost... 
