Mar 19, 2026 | *Maremma Breeding Program, *Starting With Maremmas, All About Puppies, Dog Behavior, Dog Behavior & Training, Finding Your Maremma, LGD Training, Livestock Guardian Dogs, Livestock Integration, Prancing Pony Maremmas News, Prancing Pony Puppy Program, Puppy Training & Socialization |
Hi Reader, I want to tell you about something I saw last weekend that kind of made my whole day. We had a full landscaping crew on the property from sunup — mowing every single pasture before foxtail season hits. It was loud. Diesel engines, weed whackers, the...
Mar 19, 2026 | Livestock Guardian Dogs, *Maremma Breeding Program, *Starting With Maremmas, *Top Posts, Available Maremmas, Bringing Home Your Maremma, Dog Behavior, Dog Behavior & Training, Finding Your Maremma, LGD Training, Livestock Integration, Prancing Pony Puppy Program, Puppy Training & Socialization |
They Watched the Chaos All Day — And Didn’t React What This Moment Reveals About LGD Puppy Socialization What a single afternoon on the farm reveals about the difference between a truly socialized LGD puppy and every other kind. It was almost 5 pm, and Prancing Pony...
Mar 5, 2026 | *Client Stories & Testimonials, *Maremma Breeding Program, *Starting With Maremmas, All About Maremmas, All About Puppies, Available Maremmas, Dog Behavior & Training, Finding Your Maremma, LGD Training, Livestock Guardian Dogs, Prancing Pony Maremmas News, Prancing Pony Puppy Program, Puppy Training & Socialization |
Hi Reader, I’m writing this from inside Cameo’s whelping box. Eight puppies are piled up around me — most of them asleep, a couple of them deciding my voice is very interesting. This is actually part of the job: sitting with them, talking, being a normal...
Mar 5, 2026 | *Client Stories & Testimonials, *Maremma Breeding Program, *Starting With Maremmas, All About Maremmas, All About Puppies, Available Maremmas, Bringing Home Your Maremma, Dog Behavior & Training, Finding Your Maremma, LGD Training, Livestock Guardian Dogs, Prancing Pony Maremmas News, Prancing Pony Puppy Program, Puppy Training & Socialization |
February Farm Recap: New Puppies, New Homes & Big Changes at Prancing Pony Farm February felt like it lasted about forty-five minutes. Between a new litter arriving, puppies heading to their forever homes, phone consultations, construction crews, and a few goat...
Jan 15, 2026 | *Caia, *Client Stories & Testimonials, *Maremma Breeding Program, *Starting With Maremmas, All About Maremmas, Bringing Home Your Maremma, Clicker Training, Companion Maremmas, Dog Behavior & Training, LGD Training, Livestock Guardian Dogs, 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, *Maremma Breeding Program, *Starting With Maremmas, *Top Posts, Clicker Training, Companion Maremmas, Dog Behavior & Training, Karen Pryor Academy, LGD Training, Livestock Guardian Dogs, Product Reviews |
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...
Nov 12, 2025 | *Client Stories & Testimonials, *Maremma Breeding Program, *Starting With Maremmas, All About Maremmas, All About Puppies, Available Maremmas, Bringing Home Your Maremma, Dog Behavior, Dog Behavior & Training, Dog Health & Wellness, Finding Your Maremma, LGD Training, Livestock Guardian Dogs, Prancing Pony Maremmas News, Puppy Training & Socialization |
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....
Oct 2, 2025 | *Maremma Breeding Program, *Puppy Socialization Series, *Starting With Maremmas, *Top Posts, All About Puppies, Dog Behavior, Dog Behavior & Training, Finding Your Maremma, LGD Training, Livestock Guardian Dogs, Livestock Integration, Prancing Pony Puppy Program, Puppy Training & Socialization |
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 | *Maremma Breeding Program, *Puppy Socialization Series, *Starting With Maremmas, *Top Posts, All About Maremmas, All About Puppies, Dog Behavior, Dog Behavior & Training, Finding Your Maremma, LGD Training, Livestock Guardian Dogs, Livestock Integration, Prancing Pony Puppy Program, Puppy Training & Socialization |
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 | *Maremma Breeding Program, *Puppy Socialization Series, *Starting With Maremmas, *Top Posts, All About Maremmas, All About Puppies, Dog Behavior, Dog Behavior & Training, Finding Your Maremma, LGD Training, Livestock Guardian Dogs, Livestock Integration, Prancing Pony Puppy Program, Puppy Training & Socialization |
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 | *Maremma Breeding Program, *Puppy Socialization Series, *Starting With Maremmas, *Top Posts, All About Puppies, Dog Behavior, Dog Behavior & Training, Finding Your Maremma, LGD Training, Livestock Guardian Dogs, Livestock Integration, Prancing Pony Puppy Program, Puppy Care, Puppy Training & Socialization |
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 | *Maremma Breeding Program, *Starting With Maremmas, All About Maremmas, All About Puppies, Dog Behavior, Dog Behavior & Training, Finding Your Maremma, LGD Training, Livestock Guardian Dogs, Prancing Pony Maremmas News, Prancing Pony Puppy Program, Puppy Care, Puppy Training & Socialization |
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 | *Maremma Breeding Program, *Puppy Socialization Series, *Starting With Maremmas, *Top Posts, All About Maremmas, All About Puppies, Dog Behavior, Dog Behavior & Training, Finding Your Maremma, LGD Training, Livestock Guardian Dogs, Livestock Integration, Prancing Pony Puppy Program, Puppy Care, Puppy Training & Socialization |
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, *Starting With Maremmas, *Top Posts, All About Maremmas, All About Puppies, Bringing Home Your Maremma, Dog Behavior, Dog Behavior & Training, Family Dog Mediation, Karen Pryor Academy, LGD Training, Livestock Guardian Dogs, Prancing Pony Puppy Program, Product Reviews, Puppy Training & Socialization |
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 6, 2025 | *Maremma Breeding Program, All About Maremmas, All About Puppies, Clicker Training, Dog Behavior & Training, Finding Your Maremma, Karen Pryor Academy, LGD Training, Livestock Guardian Dogs, Prancing Pony Maremmas News, Prancing Pony Puppy Program |
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 3, 2025 | Dog Behavior & Training, Dog Aggression, 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...
Jan 18, 2025 | Livestock Guardian Dogs, *Maremma Breeding Program, *One Thing, *Starting With Maremmas, *Top Posts, All About Maremmas, All About Puppies, Book Reviews, Bringing Home Your Maremma, Clicker Training, Dog Behavior, Dog Behavior & Training, Finding Your Maremma, Karen Pryor Academy, LGD Training, Prancing Pony Puppy Program, Puppy Training & Socialization |
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, *Starting With Maremmas, *Top Posts, All About Maremmas, All About Puppies, Bringing Home Your Maremma, Dog Behavior, Dog Behavior & Training, Finding Your Maremma, LGD Training, Livestock Guardian Dogs, Livestock Integration, Prancing Pony Puppy Program, Puppy Training & Socialization |
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 6, 2024 | Livestock Guardian Dogs, *Starting With Maremmas, *Top Posts, All About Maremmas, All About Puppies, Bringing Home Your Maremma, Dog Behavior, Dog Behavior & Training, Finding Your Maremma, LGD Training, Livestock Integration, Prancing Pony Puppy Program |
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...
Oct 10, 2024 | *Maremma Breeding Program, *Starting With Maremmas, All About Maremmas, All About Puppies, Clicker Training, Dog Behavior & Training, Finding Your Maremma, LGD Training, Livestock Guardian Dogs, Prancing Pony Maremmas News, Prancing Pony Puppy Program, Puppy Training & Socialization |
At the Sign of the Prancing Pony The Prancing Pony Farm Newsletter Hello Reader, I hope you’re having a good week. First up, I have exciting news to share. I have a new WordPress website just for the Maremmas and dog training! I have wanted to build this for...
Aug 1, 2024 | *Starting With Maremmas, All About Maremmas, All About Puppies, Bringing Home Your Maremma, Dog Aggression, Dog Behavior, Dog Behavior & Training, Finding Your Maremma, LGD Training, Livestock Guardian Dogs, Livestock Integration, Prancing Pony Maremmas News, Puppy Training & Socialization |
At the Sign of the Prancing Pony The Prancing Pony Farm Newsletter Hi Reader, Guess what I have been doing all night? Writing the first in a new series of blog posts inspired by my readers! Why have I been at this all night, you ask? See, I have two problems. I am a...
Jul 9, 2024 | *Starting With Maremmas, Dog Behavior, Dog Behavior & Training, Finding Your Maremma, LGD Training, Livestock Guardian Dogs, Livestock Integration, Prancing Pony Maremmas News |
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 | *Maremma Breeding Program, *Starting With Maremmas, All About Maremmas, All About Puppies, Bringing Home Your Maremma, Dog Behavior, Dog Behavior & Training, Finding Your Maremma, LGD Training, Livestock Guardian Dogs, Livestock Integration, Prancing Pony Maremmas News, Prancing Pony Puppy Program, Puppy Training & Socialization |
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...
Nov 9, 2023 | *Maremma Breeding Program, *Starting With Maremmas, All About Maremmas, All About Puppies, Bringing Home Your Maremma, Clicker Training, Dog Behavior, Dog Behavior & Training, Finding Your Maremma, Karen Pryor Academy, LGD Training, Livestock Guardian Dogs, Livestock Integration, Prancing Pony Maremmas News, Prancing Pony Puppy Program |
At the Sign of the Prancing Pony The Prancing Pony Farm Newsletter Hello Reader, How is your week going? Mine is going great! I am in the second unit of the Karen Pryor Professional Program and learning so much. I am so glad I made the leap and enrolled in this...
Oct 13, 2023 | *Maremma Breeding Program, *Starting With Maremmas, Clicker Training, Dog Behavior, Dog Behavior & Training, Finding Your Maremma, Karen Pryor Academy, LGD Training, Livestock Guardian Dogs, Prancing Pony Maremmas News, Prancing Pony Puppy Program |
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...
Oct 5, 2023 | *Maremma Breeding Program, Clicker Training, Dog Behavior & Training, Finding Your Maremma, Karen Pryor Academy, LGD Training, Livestock Guardian Dogs, Prancing Pony Maremmas News, Prancing Pony Puppy Program |
At the Sign of the Prancing Pony The Prancing Pony Farm Newsletter Hello Reader, How’s it going? Life on the farm has been busy but great. Fall is finally here – yay! Of course, fall on a dairy goat farm means stinky bucks in rut, but oh well,... 
