Last Updated on October 20, 2025 by Kim Crawmer, KPA CTP, LFDM

Maremma Blog

🌺 Sarah tried 3 popular training methods. Here’s what actually worked.

​ 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:...

My Dog Training Journey: From First-Time Owner to Confident Handler

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...

The training course that transformed two dogs (and it’s on sale)

​ Hi Reader, Quick heads up: Karen Pryor Academy's January sale just started, and I don't want you to miss it. This is one of only TWO times per year (January and September) that KPA offers 20% off everything - courses, training gear, books, all of it. Why am I...

Karen Pryor Academy January Sale: 20% Off Dog Training Courses

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 catalog of dog training...

From Heartbreak to Achievement: Our 2025 Story

​ 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...

Prancing Pony Farm 2025: Honoring Olaf’s Legacy Through Loss, Growth & Professional Achievement

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...

Taking a Moment to Say Thank You (and Merry Christmas!)🎄

​ Hi Reader, I'll keep this short and sweet because I know you're busy (and honestly, so am I—still not ready for Christmas!). But I didn't want Christmas to pass without taking a moment to say thank you for being part of this community. Whether you're a long-time...

Two 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...

Motion Sickness in Dogs: What LGD Owners Need to Know

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. I've made this airport run dozens of times over the past ten years of...

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...
My Dog Training Journey: From First-Time Owner to Confident Handler

My Dog Training Journey: From First-Time Owner to Confident Handler

First-time Maremma owner Sarah shares her honest journey through popular dog training methods—from Susan Garrett’s game-based approach to the DIAL Method to two Karen Pryor Academy programs. Discover what worked, what didn’t, and why there’s no single “perfect” training path. Plus, learn how proper early socialization creates adaptable dogs ready for any adventure.

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Karen Pryor Academy January Sale: 20% Off Dog Training Courses

Karen Pryor Academy January Sale: 20% Off Dog Training Courses

The Karen Pryor Academy January sale is here – one of only two times per year to get 20% off science-based, force-free dog training courses. As a KPA Certified Training Partner, I’m sharing why I recommend these courses to every dog owner and which ones are worth grabbing while they’re on sale. Plus, important tips about course holds and expiration dates you need to know before you buy.

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Prancing Pony Farm 2025: Honoring Olaf’s Legacy Through Loss, Growth & Professional Achievement

Prancing Pony Farm 2025: Honoring Olaf’s Legacy Through Loss, Growth & Professional Achievement

2025 brought profound loss and significant growth to Prancing Pony Farm. In March, I said goodbye to Olaf – the foundation sire who started it all. Just one month later, I honored his legacy by completing the Karen Pryor Academy Dog Trainer Professional program, becoming the only current KPA-certified Maremma Sheepdog breeder in North America. Throughout the year, 28 Prancing Pony Maremmas found homes across seven states and Canada, from Caia thriving as a companion in Hawaii to working dogs protecting livestock from the Pacific Northwest to New England. Every placement carried forward what Olaf taught me about this remarkable breed. As we head into 2026, his legacy lives on through science-based training, careful breeding, and the commitment to matching exceptional dogs with families who will love and care for them as deeply as I loved him.

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Motion Sickness in Dogs: What LGD Owners Need to Know

Motion Sickness in Dogs: What LGD Owners Need to Know

Motion sickness in dogs is more common than many livestock guardian dog owners realize—and it’s remarkably similar to motion sickness in humans. Just like some people can read in the car while others turn green at the first curve, some dogs are genetically predisposed to getting carsick while their littermates travel beautifully.
After two motion sickness incidents in one week—a puppy vomiting on the way to the airport and two dogs getting sick on their journey to Napa Valley—I realized this is a topic every LGD owner needs to understand. The good news? Motion sickness won’t harm your dog, and there are practical strategies to manage it. From medication options like Cerenia to simple preparation with cleaning supplies, you can handle this common issue with confidence. Learn what causes motion sickness in dogs and how to prepare for stress-free travel with your livestock guardian dog.

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Ready to Join the Family?

The best way to start the process is by filling out our Maremma contact form. Then, we can send you information on available puppies and dogs. You’ll also be able to fill out our puppy application. The application helps us better understand you and your needs so we can match you with the perfect puppy!

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