He almost bought cheaper. Then she told him he asked too many questions.

He almost bought cheaper. Then she told him he asked too many questions.

​ Hi Reader, I’m going to be honest with you — last week wore me out in the best possible way. I wrote all about it here, but I’ll give you the Reader’s Digest version: Five Maremma Sheepdogs left for their new homes in one week. Four of them in a...
Five Maremma Sheepdogs Placed in One Week — What Real LGD Success Looks Like

Five Maremma Sheepdogs Placed in One Week — What Real LGD Success Looks Like

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...
How Caia the Maremma Puppy Traveled 2,500 Miles to Her Forever Home in Maui 🌺

How Caia the Maremma Puppy Traveled 2,500 Miles to Her Forever Home in Maui 🌺

​ 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...
Adopting a Maremma Puppy from the Mainland: How Caia Came Home to Maui

Adopting a Maremma Puppy from the Mainland: How Caia Came Home to Maui

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...
Maremma Puppy Socialization: How Are Calm, Confident Livestock Guardian Dogs Made?

Maremma Puppy Socialization: How Are Calm, Confident Livestock Guardian Dogs Made?

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...
What 95% of my Maremma clients have in common (it’s not what you think)

What 95% of my Maremma clients have in common (it’s not what you think)

​ 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...
What Age Livestock Guardian Dog Should You Get? Take Our 2-Minute Maremma Match Quiz

What Age Livestock Guardian Dog Should You Get? Take Our 2-Minute Maremma Match Quiz

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...
February Farm Recap: Maremma Puppies, Placements & Big Changes

February Farm Recap: Maremma Puppies, Placements & Big Changes

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...
🐑🐐 You’re thinking about spring all wrong (and it could cost you)

🐑🐐 You’re thinking about spring all wrong (and it could cost you)

​ 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...
When is the Best Time to Get a Maremma Sheepdog? (Why Winter Works for LGDs)

When is the Best Time to Get a Maremma Sheepdog? (Why Winter Works for 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...
Three Dog Training Methods – What Actually Works for a Maremma?

Three Dog Training Methods – What Actually Works for a Maremma?

​ 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:...
Two Maremma puppies. One week. Same messy lesson.

Two Maremma puppies. One week. Same messy lesson.

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...
From California to Canada: Why Distance Shouldn’t Stop You From Finding the Perfect Maremma

From California to Canada: Why Distance Shouldn’t Stop You From Finding the Perfect Maremma

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...
Amy Drove 4 Hours for One Puppy… and Left With Two

Amy Drove 4 Hours for One Puppy… and Left With Two

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...
Why You Should Get Two Livestock Guardian Dog Puppies Together: A Maremma Owner’s Story

Why You Should Get Two Livestock Guardian Dog Puppies Together: A Maremma Owner’s Story

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...
Luna The Maremma Puppy Met Her New Family—Yours Could Be Next! 💜

Luna The Maremma Puppy Met Her New Family—Yours Could Be Next! 💜

​ ​ 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....
I’ve done my part. Now it’s your turn. 🐕💪

I’ve done my part. Now it’s your turn. 🐕💪

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...
Beyond the Puppy Parlor: What Your Maremma Sheepdog Needs Next

Beyond the Puppy Parlor: What Your Maremma Sheepdog Needs Next

 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...
The curly-haired Maremma puppy and the 7-year-old who walked her 🐕👧

The curly-haired Maremma puppy and the 7-year-old who walked her 🐕👧

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...
Child Socialization for Maremma Sheepdogs: Why It’s Crucial for Family Farms

Child Socialization for Maremma Sheepdogs: Why It’s Crucial for Family Farms

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....
💉Building immunity: What’s protecting your future Maremma Sheepdog?

💉Building immunity: What’s protecting your future Maremma Sheepdog?

Prancing Pony Farm Ethically bred, professionally trained livestock guardian dogs and family companions Livestock Guadian Dog Consulting Hi Reader, Our Maremma litter turned 8 weeks old this week and reached a crucial health milestone: their first 5-way vaccine. This...
Building Immunity: The Maremma Sheepdog Health Protocols That Protect Your Maremma Sheepdog Investment

Building Immunity: The Maremma Sheepdog Health Protocols That Protect Your Maremma Sheepdog Investment

Why proper vaccination and parasite prevention during weeks 6–8 sets the foundation for a lifetime of health. At six weeks old, our current Maremma Sheepdog litter reached a critical milestone in their livestock guardian dog health journey—their first Neo-par...
Why This Maremma Puppy Story Coundn’t Wait✈️

Why This Maremma Puppy Story Coundn’t Wait✈️

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...
Aloha, Caia! A Maremma Sheepdog Puppy’s Journey from California to Hawaii

Aloha, Caia! A Maremma Sheepdog Puppy’s Journey from California to Hawaii

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...
📅 A costly lesson about planning ahead (and some unexpected opportunities)

📅 A costly lesson about planning ahead (and some unexpected opportunities)

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...
✅ The Two-Step Formula for Maremma Sheepdog Success (Most People Skip Step Two)

✅ The Two-Step Formula for Maremma Sheepdog Success (Most People Skip Step Two)

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,...
The One Thing Most Maremma Sheepdog Owners Skip (But Shouldn’t)

The One Thing Most Maremma Sheepdog Owners Skip (But Shouldn’t)

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,...
When Farm Life Reminds You Who’s Really in Charge

When Farm Life Reminds You Who’s Really in Charge

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...
🐶These Maremma Sheepdog Puppy Owners Did Everything Right (Including This One Critical Thing)

🐶These Maremma Sheepdog Puppy Owners Did Everything Right (Including This One Critical Thing)

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...
Protect Your Valuable Maremma Sheepdog: Why Insurance Can’t Wait

Protect Your Valuable Maremma Sheepdog: Why Insurance Can’t Wait

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...
🛫 Romeo and Pele flew home yesterday (and why planning ahead made all the difference)

🛫 Romeo and Pele flew home yesterday (and why planning ahead made all the difference)

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...
Why Smart Planning Makes All the Difference: Your Guide to Maremma Success

Why Smart Planning Makes All the Difference: Your Guide to Maremma Success

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...
‼️The surgery that could save your Maremma Sheepdog life (Romeo & Pele’s story)

‼️The surgery that could save your Maremma Sheepdog life (Romeo & Pele’s story)

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...
Why Ethical Maremma Sheepdog Breeding Matters Despite Challenges

Why Ethical Maremma Sheepdog Breeding Matters Despite Challenges

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...
April Farm Recap: Airport Runs, Maremma Sheepdog Puppy Journeys, and a Hint of Exciting News!

April Farm Recap: Airport Runs, Maremma Sheepdog Puppy Journeys, and a Hint of Exciting News!

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...
Why Older Maremma Sheepdog Puppies Could Be Your Perfect Match!

Why Older Maremma Sheepdog Puppies Could Be Your Perfect Match!

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...
Five Unknown Benefits of Choosing Adolescent Maremma Sheepdog

Five Unknown Benefits of Choosing Adolescent Maremma Sheepdog

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...
🦮Maremma Update: Reservations Filling Fast (Limited Availability Remains)

🦮Maremma Update: Reservations Filling Fast (Limited Availability Remains)

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...
✅ Reserve Your Maremma Sheepdog Today for Peace of Mind

✅ Reserve Your Maremma Sheepdog Today for Peace of Mind

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...
Last Chance: Why You Need to Reserve Your Maremma Sheepdog This Week

Last Chance: Why You Need to Reserve Your Maremma Sheepdog This Week

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...
How to Successfully Train Your New Maremma Sheepdog

How to Successfully Train Your New Maremma Sheepdog

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...
How Many Livestock Guardian Dogs do I Need on My Farm?

How Many Livestock Guardian Dogs do I Need on My Farm?

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....
💜🐶Happy Endings and New Beginnings

💜🐶Happy Endings and New Beginnings

At the Sign of the Prancing Pony The Prancing Pony Farm Newsletter Hi Reader, ​ I hope your week is going well. Here it’s puppy go-home time! 💜🐶 Earlier this year, my client Amy lost one of her Great Pyrenees, Alexei, leaving her other LGD, Rosie, grieving and...
Understanding Calming Signals in Maremma Sheepdogs and Product Review of “On Talking Terms with Dogs: Calming Signals” book by Turid Rugaas

Understanding Calming Signals in Maremma Sheepdogs and Product Review of “On Talking Terms with Dogs: Calming Signals” book by Turid Rugaas

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...
How to Safely Acclimate Young Maremma Sheepdogs with New Livestock

How to Safely Acclimate Young Maremma Sheepdogs with New Livestock

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...

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