Apr 2, 2026 | Client Stories & Testimonials, Livestock Guardian Dogs, Starting With LGDs |
Last Updated on April 2, 2026 by Kim Crawmer, KPA CTP, LFDM Quick Take:Five Maremma Sheepdogs placed in one week — including a client who almost bought elsewhere, a cross-country transport success, and proof of what properly raised LGDs actually look like in real...
Mar 26, 2026 | *Caia, Bringing Home Your Maremma, Maremma Breeding Program, Prancing Pony Maremmas News, Starting With LGDs |
Hi Reader, This week, I’m honored to share a guest post from one of our Prancing Pony Farm families—Sarah and Casey, who successfully brought their Maremma puppy, Caia, home to Maui last year. When Sarah first reached out about buying a puppy, I knew...
Mar 12, 2026 | Available Maremmas, Bringing Home Your Maremma, LGD Training & Behavior, Livestock Guardian Dogs, Prancing Pony Maremmas News, Starting With LGDs |
Hi Reader, I’ve been working on something exciting for a few weeks now, and I’m really glad I can finally share it. You know how I talk a lot about making sure you get the right dog, not just a dog? The dog whose age, temperament, and energy level...
Mar 12, 2026 | *Top Posts, All About Maremmas, Available Maremmas, Bringing Home Your Maremma, Livestock Guardian Dogs, Maremma Breeding Program, Starting With LGDs |
Your Maremma Match: A New Quiz to Help You Find the Right Age Dog for Your Farm If you’re considering a Maremma Sheepdog or another livestock guardian dog, one of the first questions you’ll face is whether to start with a puppy, an adolescent dog, or an adult...
Jan 29, 2026 | Available Maremmas, Bringing Home Your Maremma, Livestock Guardian Dogs, Maremma Breeding Program, Prancing Pony Maremmas News, Starting With LGDs |
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 | *Top Posts, Available Maremmas, Bringing Home Your Maremma, Livestock Guardian Dogs, Maremma Breeding Program, Prancing Pony Puppy Program, Starting With LGDs |
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 | Available Maremmas, Bringing Home Your Maremma, Livestock Guardian Dogs, Prancing Pony Maremmas News, Starting With LGDs |
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 | Bringing Home Your Maremma, Client Stories & Testimonials, LGD Training & Behavior, Prancing Pony Maremmas News, Starting With LGDs |
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 & Behavior, Livestock Guardian Dogs, Maremma Breeding Program, Product Reviews, Starting With LGDs |
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...
Dec 18, 2025 | Bringing Home Your Maremma, Dog Health & Wellness, Livestock Guardian Dogs, Prancing Pony Maremmas News, Product Reviews, Puppy Care & Training, Starting With LGDs |
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 11, 2025 | Available Maremmas, Bringing Home Your Maremma, Client Stories & Testimonials, Livestock Guardian Dogs, Maremma Breeding Program, Prancing Pony Maremmas News, Starting With LGDs |
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...
Nov 20, 2025 | Client Stories & Testimonials, Prancing Pony Maremmas News, Starting With LGDs |
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, Bringing Home Your Maremma, Client Stories & Testimonials, LGD Training & Behavior, Livestock Guardian Dogs, Maremma Breeding Program, Starting With LGDs |
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 | Available Maremmas, Bringing Home Your Maremma, Client Stories & Testimonials, Livestock Guardian Dogs, Prancing Pony Maremmas News, Starting With LGDs |
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 | LGD Training & Behavior, Livestock Guardian Dogs, Maremma Breeding Program, Prancing Pony Maremmas News, Puppy Care & Training, Puppy Socialization Series, Starting With LGDs |
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 | All About Maremmas, Bringing Home Your Maremma, LGD Training & Behavior, Livestock Guardian Dogs, Maremma Breeding Program, Prancing Pony Puppy Program, Puppy Care & Training, Puppy Socialization Series, Starting With LGDs |
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 23, 2025 | Bringing Home Your Maremma, LGD Training & Behavior, Livestock Guardian Dogs, Maremma Breeding Program, Prancing Pony Maremmas News, Starting With LGDs |
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 | Bringing Home Your Maremma, LGD Training & Behavior, Livestock Guardian Dogs, Maremma Breeding Program, Prancing Pony Puppy Program, Puppy Care & Training, Puppy Socialization Series, Starting With LGDs |
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 9, 2025 | *Caia, Bringing Home Your Maremma, Client Stories & Testimonials, Companion Maremmas, Maremma Breeding Program, Prancing Pony Maremmas News, Starting With LGDs |
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, All About Maremmas, Bringing Home Your Maremma, Client Stories & Testimonials, Companion Maremmas, Livestock Guardian Dogs, Maremma Breeding Program, Prancing Pony Maremmas News, Starting With LGDs |
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 | 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 18, 2025 | Dog Health & Wellness, LGD Training & Behavior, 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 4, 2025 | LGD Training & Behavior, 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 Maremma, 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...
Jul 31, 2025 | Prancing Pony Maremmas News, Bringing Home Your Maremma, 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 Maremma, 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 17, 2025 | Bringing Home Your Maremma, 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 Maremma, 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 Maremma, 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 Maremma, 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, Available Maremmas, Bringing Home Your Maremma, 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 12, 2025 | Bringing Home Your Maremma, 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 | *Ethical Breeding, *Top Posts, All About Maremmas, Available Maremmas, Bringing Home Your Maremma, LGD Training & Behavior, 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 1, 2025 | Bringing Home Your Maremma, Client Stories & Testimonials, LGD Training & Behavior, 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 Maremma, 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 Maremma, Client Stories & Testimonials, LGD Training & Behavior, 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 Maremma, 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 10, 2025 | Available Maremmas, Bringing Home Your Maremma, 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...
Apr 10, 2025 | *Planning Ahead, Available Maremmas, Bringing Home Your Maremma, Livestock Guardian Dogs, Maremma Breeding Program, Starting With LGDs |
Planning Ahead: Why Timing Matters When Adding a Livestock Guardian Dog to Your Farm Unlike bringing home a pet dog – where you might only need a few days off work to help a puppy settle in – adding a Livestock Guardian Dog to your farm requires careful...
Jan 23, 2025 | LGD Training & Behavior, Prancing Pony Maremmas News, Starting With LGDs |
At the Sign of the Prancing Pony The Prancing Pony Farm Newsletter Hi Reader, I hope you’re having a great week. I have two exciting bits of news to share. First up, I hired a new farm hand! 🎉🎉🎉 Her name is Kiley. She will come out a few days a week to help me...
Jan 18, 2025 | Livestock Guardian Dogs, *Top Posts, Book Reviews, Karen Pryor Academy, LGD Training & Behavior, Starting With LGDs |
There are three key components that are required in order to produce an outstanding Livestock Guardian Dog. The first two – genetics and early training and socialization (or Nature and Nurture) – are the responsibility of the breeder. If you’ve...
Jan 18, 2025 | *How Many LGDS, *Top Posts, Bringing Home Your Maremma, LGD Training & Behavior, Livestock Guardian Dogs, Starting With LGDs |
Ask this question of dog breeders, livestock owners and even pet dog owners and you will get a lot of different opinions, some of them very strong. New puppy buyers are trying to do their research so they can the best thing for their dogs and their stock....
Jan 9, 2025 | Client Stories & Testimonials, Livestock Guardian Dogs, Maremma Breeding Program, Prancing Pony Maremmas News, Starting With LGDs |
Prancing Pony Maremmas We Make Livestock Guardian Dog and Dairy Goat Ownership Joyful and Stress-free ABOUT US WHY US? OUR PUPPY PROCESS AVAILABLE PUPS BLOG Hi Reader, When I wake up each day, one of the first things I do is check my phone to see if I missed any...
Aug 29, 2024 | Available Maremmas, LGD Training & Behavior, 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, I hope you’re having a great week. We have had a few nicer (cool) days lately so I think it’s safe to say it will be fall soon! I can’t wait. Having a farm and breeding...
Jul 25, 2024 | LGD Training & Behavior, Prancing Pony Maremmas News, Starting With LGDs |
At the Sign of the Prancing Pony The Prancing Pony Farm Newsletter Hello Reader, I hope you’re having a great week. It’s been a busy week for me, so I am just dropping in to say a quick “hello” and share a new page I made on my website with...
Jul 9, 2024 | LGD Training & Behavior, Livestock Guardian Dogs, Prancing Pony Maremmas News, Starting With LGDs |
At the Sign of the Prancing Pony The Prancing Pony Farm Newsletter Hello Reader, I hope you had an awesome Fourth of July! Mine was great, other than a scare when my husband texted me while I was at the fireworks show to say he thought he saw one of my Maremmas run...
Jul 2, 2024 | Bringing Home Your Maremma, LGD Training & Behavior, Livestock Guardian Dogs, Prancing Pony Maremmas News, Starting With LGDs |
At the Sign of the Prancing Pony The Prancing Pony Farm Newsletter Hello Reader, I am sooooo excited about what I have to share with you this week! Probably the number one question I get from EVERYONE – my Maremma puppy clients, my email list, my social media...
Feb 29, 2024 | Available Maremmas, Bringing Home Your Maremma, 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 Hello Reader, I hope you’re having a great week. I have been super busy working on the last unit of the Karen Pryor Academy Dog Trainer Professional program. The in-person workshop is in April,...
Oct 13, 2023 | Karen Pryor Academy, LGD Training & Behavior, Prancing Pony Maremmas News, Starting With LGDs |
At the Sign of the Prancing Pony The Prancing Pony Farm Newsletter Hello Reader, How is your week going? Mine is busy but great! After a few months of anticipation, I finally started the Karen Pryor Academy Dog Trainer Professional program this week! If you... 
