Maremma Blog

Book Review: “Grooming Without Stress, Safer, Quicker, Happier” by Terrie Hayward, Jay Andors & Anne Francis

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 revolutionary approach to...

The Ultimate Guide to Grooming Your Livestock Guardian Dog

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...

The One Thing Most Livestock Guardian Dog 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, it's not about the...

Protect Your Valuable Livestock Guardian Dog: 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...

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...

Celebrating Success – Marcella’s 2024 Maremma Litter Turns One

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 transform...

Celebrating Your Maremma Sheepdog’s Remarkable First Year

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 Pony Farm, we...

Why Ethical Livestock Guardian Dog Breeding Matters Despite Challenges

"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 investment that rarely turns a profit, the emotional ups and downs of working with...

A Professional Journey & Dream Come True: I’m Now a Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner

I'm beyond thrilled to share some exciting news with all of you today. After a year and a half-long journey of countless hours of study, practice, video submissions, and assessments, I've officially completed the Karen Pryor Academy Dog Trainer Professional program. I...

Why Your Livestock Guardian Dog Gets Frustrated: Simple Solutions That Work

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...

FAQ: How do I Get My Livestock Guardian Dog to Accept Visitors in My Home?

Nov 20, 2024

"Hello! I'm new to the group and looking for all the info I can on breed-specific needs. Our rescue dog Sage, who came to us in June, is 2 and is mostly Maremma but also Siberian Husky and Pyrenees. She's been very protective of our home, and I'm working with a...

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

Nov 7, 2024

This article and book review teach you how to interpret and respond to calming signals in livestock guardian dogs. They also provide insights into dog behavior, body language, and more.

How to Safely Acclimate Young Livestock Guardian Dogs with New Livestock

Nov 6, 2024

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 young Livestock Guardian Dogs (LGDs) with your livestock. Whether you’re a seasoned farmer and LGD owner or new to farm life and Livestock Guardian Dogs, these steps will help create a peaceful and safe farm environment (including urban farms) for you and your animals.

Best Toys and Enrichment Ideas for Livestock Guardian Dog Puppies: Ultimate Guide

Oct 31, 2024

Discover effective toys and enrichment ideas for livestock guardian dog puppies to keep them mentally stimulated and well-behaved while maintaining their working instincts.

Welcome to the Prancing Pony Maremmas Blog!

Oct 23, 2024

Hello, and welcome to my brand-new website and blog! For those who don't know me, my name is Kim Crawmer, and I am a breeder and trainer of MSCA-registered Maremma Sheepdogs. I also breed Mini Nubian and Nigerian Dwarf dairy goats. My farm and business are Prancing...

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