Last Updated on October 19, 2026 by Kim Crawmer, KPA CTP, LFDM
Farm Visits & In-Person Consultations at Prancing Pony Farm
A one-hour, in-person consultation with me and my dogs, whether you’re buying a puppy or just getting to know the breed.
Two Kinds of Visitors, One Consultation
Choosing a puppy?
You don’t have to visit first. Most families don’t. Many puppies are shipped, and many families meet their dog for the first time on pickup day or when the puppy arrives at their new home. That works because I live with these puppies every day, I know each one’s temperament, and I match every puppy to your farm, your animals and your family. But if meeting in person would help you feel confident, I’d love to have you out.
Learning about the breed?
Maybe you’re wondering whether a Maremma is right for you someday, or you want to understand how livestock guardian dogs really work. You’re welcome, too. An hour at the farm with an experienced Code of Ethics Maremma breeder, Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner, and Licensed Family Dog Mediator can answer questions no article, book, or Facebook group can.
Can't Make It Out? You Don't Need To.
Most of my families reserve without visiting first, and most of my puppies are professionally shipped. I've placed more than 200 puppies across half of the US states, Canada, and Hawaii, and many of those families met their dog for the first time at pickup or delivery.
That works because of how I match puppies to families:
- I watch every puppy every day, for weeks, and know each one's temperament
- Your application and our Pre-reservation Zoom Consultation tell me about your livestock, your property, and your family
- I choose the puppy (or the pair) whose temperament matches what you need
- You can watch the litter grow on my YouTube channel, with new videos every week
What Goes Into Every Consultation
A consultation is more than opening the gate. Before you arrive, I get the right dogs ready for you: puppies that fit what you’re looking for if you’re shopping, and adult Maremmas to meet either way. Then I set aside the afternoon so you have my full, unhurried attention. That’s time I’d otherwise spend caring for the puppies and other animals, supporting the families whose dogs have already gone home, and creating the training resources every one of my families uses.
That’s why a Meet the Maremmas Consultation is $100. It covers that time and keeps consultations for the people who truly want one. If you reserve a specific puppy or dog, or join our Master Reservation List, within 7 days, the full fee is applied to your reservation.
Fee and Availability
The Meet the Maremmas Consultation is $100, paid when you book. If you reserve a puppy within 7 days, the full amount goes toward your puppy.
Consultations are Monday–Friday, 12–5 PM, and should be booked at least 72 hours ahead. I don’t offer weekend, early-morning, or evening visits.
No fee required for:
- Visits to a puppy you’ve already reserved
- Pickups of a dog you’ve already paid for
How to Book Your Consultation
- Click Book Your Consultation. Choose a weekday afternoon that works for you.
- Tell me a little about yourself. Who’s coming, your animals and property, and what you’re hoping to see.
- Pay your $100 consultation fee when you book.
- I take it from there. I review every booking and get the right dogs and the farm ready for you. (Puppies don’t go home on consultation day. Pickup is a separate trip.)
Saturdays are available by special arrangement for an additional $100, bringing the total to $200. Saturday visits aren’t booked online. Message me to find a date, and I’ll send you an invoice for both fees. If you reserve a specific puppy or dog, or join our Master Reservation List, within 7 days, the full fee is applied to your reservation.
What to Expect When You Visit
Every consultation is a little different, because it depends on who’s here that day and what you’re looking for.
- Shopping for a puppy? I’ll have a few puppies ready who fit what you’ve told me you’re looking for.
- Learning about the breed? You’ll meet some of my adult Maremmas, and puppies too when I have some at a good age to visit.
- Where you’ll be: The Puppy Parlor, where all my families meet their puppies. It isn’t a tour of the whole farm, and you won’t meet every dog I have. I’ll introduce the adult dogs I know enjoy meeting new people.
- How long: About an hour.
- What to wear: Farm clothes and closed-toe shoes you don’t mind getting dirty. Puppies jump and goats nibble.
- Bringing the family: Kids are welcome. Just tell me how many people are coming when you book.
- Traveling in from out of town? My farm directions and arrival guide has what you need. (link)
Protecting the Puppies on Visit Day
Young puppies are still building their immune systems. You can help keep them healthy:
- Plan your visit for a day you haven’t been to another farm, an animal shelter or a dog park
- Wear clean shoes that haven’t been around other animals since they were last washed
Thank you for helping me keep them safe.
A Consultation and a Pickup Are Two Different Things
- A Meet the Maremmas Consultation ($100) is for anyone who hasn’t bought a puppy yet. It’s a chance to meet the dogs and me, see the farm, and ask questions.
- A pickup is for families who have paid in full for their puppies and signed their contract. That’s true even if it’s your first time here, which it is for most of my families.
Visiting doesn’t hold a puppy, and neither does bringing cash. A puppy is held only once payment is made and your contract is signed. This isn’t a pet store, where you walk the aisles and pick a puppy.
Already reserved? You’re welcome to visit your puppy before go-home day at no charge. Many families do, and some come more than once.
Buying an older dog? Meeting first can make sense, and I encourage it when it’s possible. Just ask.
My Farm Hours
- Puppy pickups: Monday–Friday, 11 AM–5 PM, for families who have paid in full and signed their puppy contract. You’ll get my pickup scheduler once your purchase is complete.
- Consultations: Monday–Friday, 12–5 PM. Book anytime using the button on this page.
- Saturday or early-morning pickups: by special arrangement only, for families who have already paid. Ask me, and I’ll book it for you.
How to Get a Puppy · Reservation & Sales Policies → (links)
Your Puppy Won’t Go Home the Same Day as Your Consultation
If you visit before you reserve, plan on two trips: one to meet me and the dogs, and a second to bring your puppy home. That’s true even if the puppy you end up with is old enough and ready to go.
Go-home day takes preparation, and I do it before you arrive, not while you wait:
- Your payment is complete, and your contract is signed
- Your puppy’s harness is ready, purchased through me or brought with you
- Your puppy’s records and go-home paperwork are prepared
- Your pickup time is booked through my pickup scheduler
- You've activated the pet health insurance for your puppy
- Your puppy is groomed and ready for the trip
- You've had time to get puppy food and supplies
- You've prepared a safe, comfortable place for your puppy to spend the first few days home (near the livestock for a working LGD puppy, in the house for a companion)
Doing all of that in a rush, with a family waiting in the driveway, isn’t fair to you or your puppy. It's how things slip through the cracks. A planned pickup means your puppy leaves relaxed and ready, and you leave with everything you need to start off right.
Why Families Choose Prancing Pony Farm
- MSCA Code of Ethics Breeder
- Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner (KPA CTP)
- Licensed Family Dog Mediator (LEGS Applied Ethology)
- Certified DIAL Method® Guide & Pet Professional Guild member
- Over 200 Maremmas placed in working and companion homes
- Breeding dogs PennHip/OFA & DNA tested
- Puppy contract with 24-month health guarantee
- Lifetime breeder and trainer support included with every dog
- Veterinary partner: Dr. Kayla McCrone, DVM, Valley Veterinary Services, Lemoore, CA
Ready to Visit?
Whether you’re reserving a puppy or just getting to know these remarkable dogs, I’d love to meet you. Book and pay for your consultation below.
Already know you want a puppy? Start your application below. You don't need to visit first.
Need a Saturday? Message me first. Saturday consultations are $200 total by special arrangement and aren’t booked online.
