Last Updated on February 7, 2026 by Kim Crawmer, KPA CTP, LFDM
Maremma Blog
😢 My husband hates my business (but here’s why I do it anyway)
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 emotional ups and downs—and he wishes I’d chosen something easier. And honestly? He’s not wrong about it being difficult. After nearly a decade of breeding Maremma Sheepdogs, I can tell you that doing things the right way isn’t always the easy way….
Why Ethical Livestock Guardian Dog Breeding Matters Despite Challenges
“I hate your business,” my husband tells me whenever challenges arise in my Maremma breeding program. Despite the financial strain, sleepless nights, and endless responsibility, here’s why I continue this work—and what it means for the families who trust me with their livestock’s protection.
🐾 Back to Biz – Bye Vacay, Time to Train Pups!
Hi Reader, What a whirlwind these past few weeks have been! As I sit down to write this email, my youngest daughter and her family have arrived home in North Carolina, my middle son and his new wife are off on their honeymoon, and the house has that peaceful-but-empty feeling that comes after wonderful but exhausting family celebrations. My middle daughter, Jessica, perfectly captured how we’re all feeling right now – she texted me after everyone left, saying she feels like “an empty nester.”…
Extended Wether Giveaway & Special BOGO Offer!
At the Sign of the Prancing Pony The Prancing Pony Farm Newsletter Hi Reader, I hope this email finds you well! I wanted to let you know about some exciting updates from Prancing Pony Farm. Contest Extension – More Winners Than Expected! First, due to some upcoming family commitments (weddings, visits, and a brief vacation), I’ve decided to extend our Mini Nubian wether giveaway until June 1st! But here’s the exciting part: I’ll be selecting multiple winners from our entry pool! The response…
🧚🏻♂️ Sorry I’m Late! Just Back from Disneyland (And Why It Matters)
At the Sign of the Prancing Pony The Prancing Pony Farm Newsletter Hi Reader, You might have noticed I missed my usual Thursday email this week. There’s a good reason—I just returned from a wonderful family vacation at Disneyland! 🎊 My youngest daughter and her family flew in from across the country, and we joined some of my other children and grandchildren ahead of my middle son’s upcoming wedding celebrations. (There were a total of 12 family members on this trip.) This was my first real…
🎉 BIG NEWS! I’m Now a Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner!
At the Sign of the Prancing Pony The Prancing Pony Farm Newsletter Hi Reader, I’m bursting with excitement to share some incredible news with you today! After a year and a half of intense study, practice, video submissions, and assessments, I’ve officially completed the Karen Pryor Academy Dog Trainer Professional program. I am now a Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner! This journey has been challenging, rewarding, and occasionally overwhelming. There were moments when I honestly…
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 am now a KPA Certified Training Partner (KPA CTP)!
This achievement represents so much more than just adding letters after my name. It’s the culmination of years of learning, growing, and developing my skills as a breeder and trainer. It’s about my commitment to providing the absolute best for my Maremma Sheepdogs, my clients, and all the animals I work with.
Why Your Livestock Guardian Dog Gets Frustrated: Simple Solutions That Work
Is your livestock guardian dog acting restless or frustrated? Learn what causes this common issue and discover practical, positive solutions to help your LGD feel calm, confident, and successful in their work.
April Farm Recap: Airport Runs, Puppy Journeys, and a Hint of Exciting News!
April farm recap: Early morning airport runs, puppies finding new homes across the country (and soon Hawaii!), a new litter of 9 pups, adorable goats.
Why Older LGD 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 young Maremmas from our program—expertly guarding his 55-acre ranch. Bear patrols the fence line while Chief surveys from a hilltop vantage point. The clip ends with the two dogs spotting each other and enjoying a playful romp. What…
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!
