Apr 13, 2026 | Dog Health & Wellness, Grooming Dogs, Livestock Guardian Dogs |
Last Updated on April 13, 2026 by Kim Crawmer, KPA CTP, LFDM Lumps, Bumps, and Scabs on Your Livestock Guardian Dog: What’s Normal (and What Isn’t) I got a video from a new client recently. She’d just brought home two puppies, she was over the moon...
Apr 9, 2026 | *Top Posts, Bringing Home Your LGD, Family Dog Mediation, LGD Training & Behavior, Livestock Guardian Dogs, Maremma Breeding Program, Prancing Pony Maremmas News, Prancing Pony Puppy Program, Starting With LGDs |
What’s New (Quick Answer) After years of working with LGD puppies and their owners, I’ve made an important change: ✔ Every Prancing Pony puppy now includes the DIAL Method® ($150 value) ✔ Plus a personal training consultation with me Because the right support at...
Apr 2, 2026 | Client Stories & Testimonials, Livestock Guardian Dogs, Starting With LGDs |
Last Updated on April 7, 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, Client Stories & Testimonials, Livestock Guardian Dogs, Maremma Breeding Program |
A Guest Post by Sarah Hauser 📍 In This Post: Maui resident Sarah Hauser shares her step-by-step experience importing one of our Maremma Sheepdog puppies from California to Hawaiʻi, including the complete timeline, required documentation, costs, and hard-won lessons...
Mar 19, 2026 | Livestock Guardian Dogs, Available Maremmas, Maremma Breeding Program, Prancing Pony Puppy Program, Puppy Care & Training |
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 12, 2026 | Available Maremmas, Bringing Home Your LGD, 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 LGD, 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...
Mar 5, 2026 | Available Maremmas, Client Stories & Testimonials, Livestock Guardian Dogs, Maremma Breeding Program, Prancing Pony Maremmas News, Puppy Care & Training |
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 | Available Maremmas, Client Stories & Testimonials, Livestock Guardian Dogs, Maremma Breeding Program, Prancing Pony Maremmas News |
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...
Feb 12, 2026 | Livestock Guardian Dogs, Prancing Pony Maremmas News |
Last Updated on February 12, 2026 by Kim Crawmer, KPA CTP, LFDM A few weeks ago, I did something I probably should have done years ago: I asked you what you actually need. I sent a survey to our entire email list—over 1,200 people interested in livestock guardian...
Feb 5, 2026 | Available Maremmas, Livestock Guardian Dogs, Maremma Breeding Program, Prancing Pony Maremmas News |
Last Updated on February 5, 2026 by Kim Crawmer, KPA CTP, LFDM This Valentine’s season, show your flock or herd the ultimate love: protection from professionally bred Maremma Sheepdogs. Our “Love Your Livestock” Valentine’s promotion combines...
Jan 29, 2026 | Available Maremmas, Bringing Home Your LGD, 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 LGD, 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 LGD, 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 | *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...
Jan 8, 2026 | Karen Pryor Academy, LGD Training & Behavior, 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 | All About Maremmas, Karen Pryor Academy, Livestock Guardian Dogs, Maremma Breeding Program, 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 | 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 18, 2025 | Bringing Home Your LGD, 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 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 | Available Maremmas, Bringing Home Your LGD, 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 | *How Many LGDS, Available Maremmas, Bringing Home Your LGD, Client Stories & Testimonials, 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 LGD, 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 | 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 LGD, 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 30, 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, 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 | 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 Health & Wellness, 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 | Bringing Home Your LGD, 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 LGD, 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, *Top Posts, All About Maremmas, Bringing Home Your LGD, 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 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 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 | 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 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 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 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 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... 
