Last Updated on April 29, 2026 by Kim Crawmer, KPA CTP, LFDM
Quiz Result 3
A Maremma Might Work, But Let's Discuss It More
Don't Give Up Yet - You Might Be Closer Than You Think
Your quiz results suggest some potential challenges, but here's what standardized quizzes can't measure: your determination, adaptability, and willingness to learn.
I've seen people with "perfect" quiz scores fail spectacularly, and people with challenging situations create beautiful success stories.
The difference? Having the right information and support.
Why Your Situation Might Work Better Than You Think:
Many of the "requirements" people think are essential for livestock guardian dogs are actually just preferences. With the right dog, proper preparation, and ongoing guidance, many situations can work that seem impossible on paper.
But you'll need to be smarter about your choices.
Over the next few days, I'll share insights that could change everything:
- Why conventional livestock guardian dog wisdom often leads people astray
- How to modify challenging situations to set any dog up for success
- Real examples of "impossible" situations that worked beautifully
- The support systems that turn struggling situations into success stories
Before you give up on your livestock guardian dog dreams, let's explore what's actually possible:
Schedule a Free Call to Discuss Your Specific Situation →
Your first email arrives tomorrow with surprising truths about what really determines livestock guardian dog success.
Hi, I'm Kim—And I Understand Your Homestead Journey
I know what it's like to want that slower, more connected lifestyle while still managing work, kids, and everything else modern life throws at you.
When I started my own homestead journey, I quickly learned that protecting your beloved animals shouldn't add stress to your life—it should give you peace of mind to enjoy everything you've worked to create.
That's why I became a certified professional trainer and dedicated my life to breeding reliable Maremmas."
As an MSCA Code of Ethics breeder, Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner and Licensed Family Dog Mediator, I've guided countless families through their first livestock guardian dog experience. I know it can feel overwhelming when you're starting out, which is why I focus on making the process as smooth and enjoyable as possible.
Whether you're nervous about livestock guardian dogs, excited but unsure where to start, or somewhere in between, I'm here to guide you every step of the way.
MSCA Code of Ethics Breeder
I am a Maremma Sheepdog Club of America Code of Ethics Breeder. Code of Ethics breeders set themselves apart from all other breeders by pledging to adhere to the highest standards and ethics in breeding.
Let's Explore Your Options Together
Your situation has potential, but success will depend on specific factors we should discuss. A phone consultation helps determine if a Maremma could work or if other solutions might be better.
During our call, we'll explore:
- Whether your challenges can be addressed
- What modifications might make success possible
- Alternative approaches if a Maremma isn't suitable
- Honest assessment of your likelihood of success
This consultation is perfect if you:
- Want honest feedback about your situation
- Need creative solutions for challenging circumstances
- Are considering multiple options and want guidance
- Prefer professional assessment before making decisions
Schedule Your Honest Assessment Call
I'd rather give you realistic guidance upfront than see you struggle later.
For your situation, I highly recommend a consultation call first - but you can also start with our application if you prefer. Either way, we'll make sure to address your specific concerns before moving forward.
FAQs: Let's Explore Your Situation Together
"What if my situation really isn't suitable for a Maremma?"
I'd rather be honest up front than see you struggle later. If, after discussing your situation thoroughly, I don't think a Maremma is right for you, I'll tell you directly. This isn't about missing a sale - it's about ensuring success for both you and any dog involved. Sometimes the timing isn't right, sometimes modifications are needed first, and sometimes a different approach entirely makes more sense.
"Do you work with challenging situations?"
I've successfully placed Maremmas in many situations that seemed challenging at first. Small properties, close neighbors, mixed livestock, first-time owners - these can all work with the right planning and support. However, some situations genuinely aren't suitable, and I won't pretend otherwise. The key is honest assessment and realistic planning. If we can make it work, I'll tell you how. If we can't, I'll explain why.
"What alternatives do you recommend if a Maremma won't work?"
Sometimes the best advice is to wait until your situation changes - better fencing, different property, more experience with livestock. Other times, different guardian dog breeds might be more suitable, or non-dog solutions like better fencing or housing livestock at night. I'm not just a Maremma breeder - I'm someone who wants you to succeed in protecting your animals, whatever that looks like.
"How honest will you be about whether I should get a livestock guardian dog?"
Completely honest, even if it means losing a potential sale. I've turned away clients whose situations weren't suitable and advised some to wait or reconsider entirely. My reputation depends on successful placements, not just sales. If I think you'll struggle, I'll tell you - and more importantly, I'll explain what would need to change for success to be possible.
"Can we discuss my specific situation before I decide?"
Absolutely - that's exactly what I recommend. A consultation call lets us explore your specific challenges, timeline, and goals without pressure. I can give you honest feedback about what would work, what needs to change, and whether the timing is right. Many people find this conversation invaluable for decision-making, whether they ultimately work with me or not. There's no obligation, just honest guidance.
"What if I need to return the dog?"
This is covered by our lifetime no-fault return policy, but let's be honest - returning a dog is heartbreaking for everyone involved. That's exactly why I spend so much time on proper matching and preparation upfront. However, life circumstances change, and if you ever can't keep your dog, I'll either take them back or help find an appropriate new home. You'll never have to worry about your dog ending up in a shelter or bad situation.
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.
Why Smart Planning Makes All the Difference: Your Guide to Maremma Success
The families who get perfect livestock guardian dogs all share one secret: they don’t wait until they desperately need a dog to start looking. Discover why the best Maremma placements happen months before the dogs go home, and how smart planning turns livestock protection dreams into reality.
Last Chance: Why You Need to Reserve Your Livestock Guardian Dog This Week
One urgent call changed everything: “My livestock guardian dog died suddenly yesterday—now I have nothing protecting my herd from coyotes.” This farmer’s nightmare could have been avoided with one simple step, and it’s the same mistake that costs livestock owners thousands every year.
Reviews From Our Amazing Clients
first the dog: cotton candy is a little over 2.5 years old now, and i can honestly say that she has been a very effective LGD since 6mo of age. while she's a sweet and playful big puppy around humans, she has always been very serious about her guardian duties, even when she first showed up as a 3mo pup. she is very nurturing with my barn cats, gentle with the chickens, alerts me when the horses get into mischief, and knows exactly what to do to make skittish goats relax. she's a super quick learner.
now, we have to realize that this wonderful dog is a product of the breeder's hard work and dedication. in addition to good breeding, kim put in a lot of work socializing her puppies with all sorts of farm animals and people, as well as starting their training using positive reinforcement methods. i have another LGD who came to me as an 8wk old, and didn't get the same kind of training and socialization kim gives her puppies. while he is a very good natured and smart dog, he required WAY more management throughout his puppyhood and adolescence. he turned out to be a great LGD. but if you don't have the time or skills to start an LGD on the right path, you would be doing yourself a huge favor by getting a well-started puppy from kim.
kim's puppies come with lifetime support, and that is not a mere sales tactic. in the 2+ years i've had cotton candy, kim has been a great resource on how to understand, communicate with, and care for not only cotton candy, but also my other LGD. she even shares tips on goat husbandry. in the past year, kim completed a professional dog trainer certification program so that she could not only better support her own puppy clients, but also help other LGD owners develop better relationships with their dogs. she is now working on an online course on LGD care and training, which will be made available free of charge to her puppy clients (and for a fee for non-clients). consider how much time, effort, and kim's own money she puts in to continuously improve the lifetime support that comes with the purchase of a dog, the choice is obvious when deciding where to get an LGD.
And it definitely shows in the quality of her puppies. The dogs we brought home are loving, well socialized, and adaptable. We have them caring for our flock of macaws, and even at only 9 months old they are not reactive to the birds even when they fly, but come immediately if the macaws sound a warning call. They get along well with other dogs and people, but are very alert to potential threats. These are our dream dogs and we are so grateful to Kim for all the time and effort that went into giving these dogs that perfect start so that we could enjoy and cherish them for the rest of their lives.
When we decided to start our little homestead we decided on the Maremma Sheepdog based on their typical dispositions. After considerable research, I picked Prancing Pony based off reviews and from what I learned about their facilities and practices. But they had two things against them - they are located in California and the price tag was steep.
I ended up purchasing a Maremma that was on this side of the Mississippi. I’m not going to bash anyone here, this is only for comparison sake - but the breeder understood this would be our first LGD and had glowing reviews about the girl she was selling. I trusted that they understood our situation and where we were in our journey. But what we got was a beautiful loving dog who has proven repeatedly that she can’t be trusted with any of our livestock or pets.
By the time we brought her home, I was already in talks with breeders (again) trying to find her partner and went back to Prancing Pony for talks about their offerings. Fast forward a few months, and a couple of hiccups, I could not be more pleased with our boy Daxo. I do have regrets that I didn’t get two from her when I first considered it.
Listen, they’re not cheap, I get it. There’s likely added expense with shipping... I get that too. Knowing what I know now, going through the experience of having a dog that just didn’t fit our lifestyle is so exhausting AND costly. Our boy literally came as a Plug-N-Play model, he’s just THAT good because Kim listened to our wishlist and understood our needs. Will we go anywhere else for our third attempt? Absolutely not.
The reason I decided to invest in an LGD from Kim is because she sets up her puppies for success as LGDs from the day they are born. I have a small farm and needed a dog who can live with and/or guard a variety of animal species. Most breeders I’ve talked to have some of the animal species, but none had all. Kim happened to be the only one. And that’s not an accident. Kim actually goes out of her way to acquire animals just so that her pups are well prepared to take on any job in their new homes. She also spends time teaching her pups basic skills via positive reinforcement. When I picked up my pup at 13 weeks old, she knew how to give me attention and target. She also understands that it’s her good behavior that earns her praise and treats, and is very motivated and quick to figure out what I want from her. Since she has been on my farm, she has made my adolescent Great Pyrenees a much happier and mentally mature dog. She has not chased a cat or chicken (it doesn’t mean she hasn’t thought about it. One does need to pay attention and redirect BEFORE the pup does something undesirable). She’s been in and around horses and are very good at reading their body language and staying out of harm’s way (not that my horse try to hurt her, but they’re just so much bigger). And most amazingly, she’s already showing guarding behavior with my goats! At less than 4 months old!
I also wanted to vouch for the validity of the puppy lifetime support policy that comes with the sale. Since I’ve brought the puppy home, I have been in daily communication with Kim. She was at a clicker training workshop the week following my puppy pickup and had class from morning all the way through evening. She still found time to answer my texts to make sure the pup is settling in well. I’ve received advice on integrating the pup with my resident LGD, fencing, introducing her to the goats, worming, vaccination, etc.
Having purchased my first LGD pup from an oopsie litter from a hobby farm, and now the second pup from Kim, I can see for myself what a difference a well bred, well started pup makes. Kim’s puppies aren’t cheap, but they are such a worthwhile investment!
2 YEAR UPDATE:
The pup I purchased from Kim in 2022 just turned 2. She has been a great LGD. I had an adolescent Great Pyrenees before I bought CC from Kim. Though my GP worked his butt off, I still had a chicken go missing and a barn kitty mauled by coyotes (kitty recovered).
As soon as CC joined the farm at 3 months of age, she immediately showed guarding instincts, protecting my goats while sleeping in the barn with them at night. When she was about 6 months, I took my GP in for his neuter surgery. For about a week she had to work the whole property while my GP was on kennel rest. It was a nerve wracking week as I live in coyote country with the occasional visit from mountain lions. Amazingly, I lost nothing. The streak has continued to this day. Since CC joined the farm, I lost nothing to predation.
Not only did CC form an effective team with my GP as LGDs, she has also saved his life by telling him off when he approached a rattlesnake last summer. One night I heard the dogs bark at something, then all of a sudden turn against each other. I rushed out the door to see what was happening, only to hear the distinct rattling sound. Then I saw my GP move towards that sound, and CC T-boning him, growling, to tell him to stay away. Thanks to CC's amazing instincts, I was able to remove the snake before anybody got bit (my cats and goats were all curious about it at that point).
This update wouldn't be complete without a comment on Kim, CC's breeder. 2 years in, and I am still in regular contact with her. She promised lifetime support, and has gone beyond that - she even answers questions regarding my GP or my goats, in addition to anything concerning CC's training, well-being, etc.
I highly recommend Kim and her dogs!
Dave
Dogs are incredible as well 😍
Not only does Kim have dogs from two top-notch Maremma breeders in her breeding program (Benson Ranch and Unfinished Acres) but she raises her litters with Puppy Culture, a program I have used with my own German Shepherds. AND she has an amazing Puppy Parlor that allows the puppies to be raised around goats and other animals from birth.
So what you get when you buy a Maremma puppy from Prancing Pony Farm is a pup with excellent breeding (including all the essential health testing on both the sire’s and dam’s sides), raised with all of the benefits of Puppy culture (which gives puppies confidence when they encounter new experiences) and exposed to livestock from Day 1. That’s a terrific foundation to build upon.
Kim spent many hours in conversation with me, answering my questions about introducing the puppies (yes I got a pair!) to my pack of German Shepherds and about the pros and cons of having one puppy or two. Every question I had she was happy to answer (I had many!) and she shared resources I hadn’t previously discovered. She listened closely to my description of my home, my animals and my lifestyle and suggested two of her male puppies; as a matchmaker she was spot on.
I have been immensely impressed with the puppies I purchased from Kim. They are bonding easily with me and my family, with my GSDs and with the livestock (horses, goats and chickens). They are good-natured, affectionate and VERY smart and even at just 5 months old are showing their guardian traits. Although they look almost identical and both have great temperaments I can see differences in their personalities with one more of an observer who waits to engage and one more likely to investigate actively - that difference will work well when they are working together.
Bringing a LGD puppy home means making a commitment to build on the foundation they’ve received with their breeder, working one-on-one to develop a partnership and to shape their lives with their stock. Puppies from Prancing Pony Farm are set up for success from day one and in the hands of a good shepherd will develop into trustworthy, responsible and awesome protectors.
If I decide to add another Maremma [or two] to my pack I know where I will be going to find the perfect match for my boys Arthur and Merlin.
I appreciated that she also took the time to vet us to make sure the animals were going to a good home. She was not looking to unload them. She even requires we sign a contract that we get certified in positive reinforcement training and follow guidelines for their healthcare.
A little while after the puppies were born, she let us know that a few from one litter had umbilical hernias (harmless and not uncommon when a mother licks the umbilical cord excessively). She gave us the option to purchase the pup or wait for another litter. She was completely transparent in the entire process. As expected, there is no problem with the hernia.
I am seeing reviews on here from people who have never even communicated with her or purchased from her, so just a reminder to be discerning when reading reviews.
1. Health testing for the parents.
2. Parents are on site and proven LGDs.
3. Early socialization for puppies with livestock, adults, and kids.
4. Proper veterinary care for parents and puppies.
5. Careful selection of parents for genetic diversity, guarding ability, health, and confirmation.
6. Tons of support during the puppy buying process and afterwards. Kim is always responsive and takes time to help me through any issues I've encountered with our pups, offering advice and support.
We love our dogs that came from Prancing Pony Farm. They were among the first members of the family to join the farm, because we knew the importance of having well-bred LGDs to protect our stock. We have not had a single issue with predators on our farm, and we live in an area with coyotes, bears, foxes, wolves, hawks, etc, etc. They guard sheep, pigs, chickens, guinea fowl, and ducks.
I'd be remiss without acknowledging the dispute between PPF and Gold Shaw Farms, so I will just say, my husband and I always enjoyed Morgan's content, but we were really disappointed with how he's portrayed Abby and Kim. Our two girls came from the same litter as Abby. They are energetic, happy, and healthy puppies. They require training and patience. What we have experienced with them is not out of the realm of what we were expecting when we got two puppies. I think Morgan's judgement of Abby is based on his experience with Toby and has been unfair to Abby and his judgement of Kim has been inflammatory and uncalled for.
I suspect most people who are looking for a LGD already have experience purchasing dogs and stock, so know what to look for in a reputable breeder. That said, if this is your first time or your first LDG, consider what's most important to you and do your own research. You can't go wrong with someone who ticks all of those boxes and offers support to her buyers.
Even though I am new to goats and LGD, Kim the owner, has really dedicated her time to teaching me about how to raise them. She is always available to answer my questions and provides me with the expertise knowledge. I am sure she is like that with all of her clients, always willing to help.
I bought 2 Maremma LGDs and 18 goats. Yes 18 goats! I go to bed at night knowing my LGDs are protecting themselves and my 18 precious goats.
Now, I am waiting to buy another male maremma LGD since she brought a male Maremma from a Italy. Kim is always making sure her registered LGDs, ND and Mini Nubians have the best genetics possible. I fully trust my LGDs in my fields, I bought Chloe at close to six months old, and I appreciate so much that she had additional training time. In fact, the next LGD I would buy from Kim will be arriving to my farm with additional training time as well.
Prancing Pony Farm has the best quality of LGDs and goats. I will highly recommend Prancing Pony Farm if you are looking for a diverse genetics in Maremma LGDs, Mini Nubians and Nigerian Dwarfs.
I now have a 1 month old Nigerian Dwarf, and I am still getting Kim’s help to assure my kid goat grows healthy. I am just very happy I chose Prancing Pony Farm when I did. Kim is the best out there!
Kim has a top of the line welping house complete with incubators and on call mobile veterinarian.
If you are looking for a well trained Maremma puppy, this is the place to get them. Kim goes the extra mile with early clicker training, and lots of live stock exposure from day one with her puppies.
You will see how much care goes into these amazing live stock guardian dogs, if you buy from her. They are ready to go to work right away.
Thanks Kim we love our new LGD.
Your Dog's Safety Net for Life
What happens when life throws you a curveball?
Job transfers, health crises, farm sales, family changes - life doesn't ask permission before it disrupts your plans. While other breeders disappear after the sale, we believe ethical breeding means taking responsibility for every dog we bring into the world.
That's why every Prancing Pony Farm Maremma comes with our Lifetime No-Fault Return Policy.
If you ever cannot keep your dog for any reason - at any age, for any circumstance - we will either take them back or help find them an appropriate new home. No judgment, no guilt trips, no questions asked.
Because livestock guardian dogs don't adapt to new homes like pets do, we use our expertise and network to ensure proper placement. Some dogs have even retired here permanently rather than face the stress of multiple moves.
This isn't just good customer service - it's our ethical commitment. As the breeder who chose to bring these puppies into the world, I'm responsible for their welfare forever, not just until someone writes a check.
The peace of mind? Priceless.
Why Choose Maremmas?
Not all livestock guardian dog breeds are created equal. Discover why Maremmas are perfect for busy homestead families—and why our dogs are exceptional.
How it Works
Wondering what it’s like to work with a breeder who is also a certified professional trainer? Learn about our processes and how we guide you every step of the way before and after the sale.
Available Maremmas
Ready for a puppy? In need of an older Maremma? Or planning ahead for the future? Click the link below to see our available pups and dogs and upcoming litters.
Expert Insights: Sharing Livestock Guardian Dog Knowledge
Over the years, I've had the privilege of sharing my expertise about Livestock Guardian Dogs and ethical breeding practices with fellow dog enthusiasts through various podcast interviews. These conversations allow me to address the most common challenges farmers face when selecting and working with LGDs, while dispelling the myths and misinformation that often leave livestock owners confused and frustrated.
Each interview represents my commitment to educating the broader community about the realities of working with these remarkable dogs – from the importance of proper health testing and socialization to the critical differences between working and companion LGDs. Whether you're considering your first guardian dog or looking to expand your knowledge, these discussions offer valuable insights from real-world experience.
Not Ready to Move Forward Yet? You Can Still Hold Your Place.
One of the most common things I hear from people who've been through our process is: "I wish I'd gotten on the list sooner." Puppies get reserved months before they're born. Adolescents and adults go to people already on the list before they're ever publicly posted. The families who get the best matches aren't the ones who act fastest when a dog appears — they're the ones who positioned themselves early, before urgency forced a decision.
You just learned that a Maremma could be a great fit for your situation. That's the perfect moment to hold your place — before life gets busy, before a predator attack creates urgency, before the litter you wanted is already full.
A $500 fee holds your spot and starts our relationship. You'll have direct access to me for coaching and prep support while you get ready, and early access to our upcoming client membership community once it launches. You're not locked into anything — you're simply first in line when the right dog exists.
Important things to know before you decide:
There's no timeline guarantee. It could be weeks or many months, depending on litter timing and your preferences. This works well for people with flexibility, not for people with a hard deadline.
If a dog is offered to you and you pass, the offer goes to the next person immediately.
The reservation fee is non-refundable, but it can be transferred between reservation types if your needs change.
If you're serious about getting the right Maremma rather than just any dog, getting on the list now is the smartest move you can make.
Before you pay your reservation fee, the first step is a quick application and consultation call — it's all one form and takes just a few minutes to get started. The call is where we make sure it's a great fit on both sides before any money changes hands.
Apply & Book My Free Discovery Call →
Already had your call and ready to pay? Pay Your $500 Reservation Fee →
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Before you pay your reservation fee, the first step is a quick application and consultation call — it's all one form and takes just a few minutes to get started. The call is where we make sure it's a great fit on both sides before any money changes hands.
