Last Updated on November 30, 2024 by Kim Crawmer, KPA CTP, LFDM
Follow Us on Social Media
Error: No connected account.
Please go to the Instagram Feed settings page to connect an account.
This Valentine's Day, give your heart (and your livestock) the protection they deserve. 💕
POV: You find a Valentine who actually does their job 😍
This Valentine's Day, give your heart (and your livestock) the protection they deserve. 💕
The difference between a reliable livestock guardian dog and a costly mistake happens in just 84 days.
When livestock owners invest in a livestock guardian dog, they're not just buying a puppy—they're investing in peace of mind. The ability to sleep soundly knowing their animals are protected. The confidence that their hard-earned livestock investment won't be lost to predators.
But here's what many don't realize: the success of that investment is largely determined before the puppy ever steps foot on their farm.
#CaliforniaLGDbreeder #CaliforniaMaremmabreeder #DogSocialization #GoatGuardianDog #LGDBehavior #LGDmanagement #LGDPuppyDevelopment #LivestockGuardianDogbehavior #MaremmaLivestockGuardianDog #MaremmaSheepdogtraining #PositiveReinforcementTraining
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
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 dog grooming that should be required reading for every groomer, dog owner, and animal care professional.
Personal Connection and Credibility
I had the privilege of learning from Terrie Hayward during my Karen Pryor Academy Dog Trainer Professional program, where she served as my instructor. Having witnessed firsthand her deep commitment to positive training methods and fear-free animal handling, I can attest that this book authentically reflects her expertise and compassionate approach to animal care.
Why This Book Matters
In my early grooming career in the 1980s, the industry standard was often about speed and efficiency, sometimes at the expense of the dog's emotional well-being.
#Cooperativecarefordogs #DogSocialization #LGDGrooming #LGDmanagement #LivestockGuardianDogs #PositiveReinforcementTraining #ResponsibleDogOwnership
prancingponymaremmas.com
Discover how the book Grooming Without Stress applies positive reinforcement to grooming for calmer, happier dogs. Learn why this compassionate approach matters — even for livestock guardian dogs wh...1 CommentsComment on Facebook
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 weather-resistant?
After over four decades in professional dog grooming and hundreds of livestock guardian dogs raised, I've learned that proper grooming isn't just about appearance—it's about health, comfort, and maintaining your dog's ability to do their job effectively.
Why Livestock Guardian Dogs Need a Different Grooming Approach
Unlike companion dogs who live indoors and get regular grooming appointments, livestock guardian dogs present special considerations:
Their coats are built for extremes. That thick double coat that protects them from predators and weather can quickly become problematic if not maintained properly. Trapped dirt, burrs, and moisture can lead to hot spots, matting, and skin infections.
#CaliforniaMaremmabreeder #DogSocialization #LGDmanagement #RaisingHealthyPuppies
The Ultimate Guide to Grooming Your Livestock Guardian Dog
prancingponymaremmas.com
Grooming a 100+ pound livestock guardian dog with a thick double coat requires different techniques than regular dog grooming. After 40+ years of professional grooming and hundreds of Maremmas bred an...0 CommentsComment on Facebook
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 dog at all.
The Missing Link in Livestock Guardian Dog Success
When clients contact me about problems with their Maremmas (or other LGDs)—whether it's inappropriate livestock chasing, excessive barking, or challenges with family integration—I consistently offer the same first recommendation: take the Karen Pryor Academy Dog Trainer Foundations course. (I give this advice to clients who have bought puppies from me and to anyone who owns a dog from any source.)
This online program teaches the science of dog behavior and communication through positive reinforcement training.
#BitePrevention #CaliforniaMaremmabreeder #DogSafety #DogSocialization #LEGSAppliedEthology #LGDPuppyDevelopment #LivestockGuardianDogbehavior #LivestockGuardianDogTraining #LivestockGuardianDogs #ResponsibleDogOwnership
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
#californiamaremmabreeder #confidentlivestockguardiandog #dogsocialization #familyfarmdog #familyguardiandog #lgdbehavior #lgdforhomestead #lgdmanagement #lgdpuppydevelopment #lgdsforsmallfarms #maremmaforgoats #maremmaforsmallfarms
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Should You Get a Maremma Sheepdog? - Prancing Pony Farm Maremma Sheepdogs
Should You Get a Maremma Sheepdog? - Prancing Pony Farm Maremma Sheepdogs
prancingponymaremmas.com
Find out if a Maremma Sheepdog is the right livestock guardian dog for your farm, family, and lifestyle. Take this free quiz and get a personalized answer in 2 minutes.0 CommentsComment on Facebook
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 guarantee. You prioritized proper nutrition, socialization, and training for your puppy. Yet despite all your careful planning, there's still one crucial protection you might be overlooking—one that could save you thousands of dollars and endless heartbreak.
Even the Best Breeding Can't Prevent Every Problem
While purchasing from a reputable breeder who conducts comprehensive health testing is absolutely critical—and something I cannot emphasize enough—it's important to understand that ethical breeding practices, while dramatically reducing risk, cannot eliminate every health threat your livestock guardian dog might face.
#LGDmanagement #LGDPuppyDevelopment #LivestockGuardianDogs #RaisingHealthyPuppies #ResponsibleDogOwnership #WorkingDogs
Protect Your Valuable Livestock Guardian Dog: Why Insurance Can’t Wait
prancingponymaremmas.com
You've done everything right—researched reputable breeders, invested in health-tested parents, and brought home a beautiful livestock guardian dog with a comprehensive health guarantee. Yet despite ...0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Hi Reader,
I've been working on something exciting for a few weeks now, and I'm really glad I can finally share it.
You know how I talk a lot about making sure you get the right dog, not just a dog? The dog whose age, temperament, and energy level actually match what your farm and family needs and what you're prepared to handle?
Well, I've spent a lot of time lately talking to people who came to me convinced they needed a puppy — and it turned out an adolescent or adult was a much better fit. And just as many who assumed puppies were "too hard to train" (they're really not) and hadn't even considered them. Either way, once we talked through it, they landed in a totally different place than where they started.
The problem is, not everyone is ready to hop on a call before they've done some thinking. And honestly, I get that.
So I built something for you.
What 95% of my clients have in common (it’s not what you think)
prancingponymaremmas.com
95% of our Maremma families were first-time LGD owners — and they're thriving. Find your perfect age match with our free 2-minute quiz.0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Your Maremma Match: A New Quiz to Help You Find the Right Age Dog for Your Farm
If you're considering a Maremma Sheepdog or another livestock guardian dog, one of the first questions you’ll face is whether to start with a puppy, an adolescent dog, or an adult livestock guardian dog.
The truth is that the best age livestock guardian dog depends on your farm setup, your livestock, and your experience level.
To make that decision easier, I created a free 2-minute Maremma Match Quiz that helps you determine which age dog is most likely to succeed in your situation.
After nearly a decade of breeding and placing Maremma Sheepdogs, I’ve had this conversation with hundreds of farmers.
#CaliforniaLGDbreeder #CaliforniaMaremmabreeder #CompanionMaremma #FamilyFarmDog #FarmDog #LivestockGuardianDogs #MaremmaFamilyDog #MaremmaforFirsttimeOwners #MaremmasasCompanions #PrancingPonyFarm
What Age Livestock Guardian Dog Should You Get? Take Our 2-Minute Maremma Match Quiz
prancingponymaremmas.com
Most people think they want a Maremma Sheepdog puppy — until they really think through what that means. Others think an older dog is best but don't understand that option, either. I've spent years h...0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Join Our Email List!
Sign up for our email newsletter, and we’ll keep you posted on upcoming litters and available dogs! Our email list members are always the first to know and get first dibs on available dogs. We also send out helpful Maremma Sheepdog care and training articles and links to useful resources.
Maremma Sheepdog Meets Hawaiian Sea Turtle (And Cattle!) | LGD Life in Hawaii
Prancing Pony Farm Maremmas & LGD Training March 26, 2026 11:17 am