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...
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 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 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...
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,...
May 3, 2025 | Dog Behavior, LGD Training, 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...
Apr 24, 2025 | Available Maremmas, Client Stories & Testimonials, Dog Behavior, LGD Training, Livestock Guardian Dogs, Maremma Breeding Program, Prancing Pony Puppy Program |
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 14, 2025 | Dog Behavior, LGD Training, 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...
Feb 6, 2025 | Dog Behavior, Family Dog Mediation, LGD Training, Livestock Guardian Dogs |
At Prancing Pony Farm, we’ve always believed that successful livestock guardian dogs and thriving dairy goat herds are built on a foundation of knowledge, support, and community. Today, we’re excited to announce a new chapter in our journey – the...
Jan 23, 2025 | Dog Behavior, Family Dog Mediation, LGD Training, Livestock Guardian Dogs, Product Reviews |
Livestock guardian dog owners, this is the game-changing resource you’ve been waiting for. Kim Brophy’s “The Dog’s Truth” offers a revolutionary approach to understanding dogs that goes far beyond anything you may have heard. It is...
Jan 18, 2025 | Book Reviews, Dog Behavior, Karen Pryor Academy, LGD Training, Livestock Guardian Dogs, Prancing Pony Puppy Program, Product Reviews, Top Posts |
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, Dog Behavior, LGD Training, Livestock Guardian Dogs, Prancing Pony Puppy Program, Top Posts |
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....
Nov 20, 2024 | Dog Behavior, LGD Training, Livestock Guardian Dogs |
This post was inspired by a question asked by a member of my Living and Working With Maremma Sheepdogs Facebook group. This was her question. My reply is below! Question “Hello! I’m new to the group and looking for all the info I can on breed-specific...
Nov 7, 2024 | Book Reviews, Dog Behavior, LGD Training, Livestock Guardian Dogs, Product Reviews |
What are calming signals in livestock guardian dogs? Understanding calming signals in livestock guardian dogs is essential for anyone who owns these remarkable animals. These dogs are not just protectors of livestock and beloved companions; they are also complex...
Nov 6, 2024 | Dog Behavior, LGD Training, Livestock Guardian Dogs, Top Posts |
Ensuring harmony between livestock and Livestock Guardian Dogs is essential for the safety and well-being of all animals involved, and the peace of mind of their owners. In this post I will walk you through a crucial aspect of farm life – safely acclimating young...