Follow Us on Social Media
Ok, Maremmas aren`t people but they are still high on my list of favorites. What about you?!
Our Maremma Sheepdog puppies come with 30 days of free Trupanion insurance. I highly encourage my clients to use the insurance to protect their puppies if they get sick or injured after going home. After that, they can choose if they want to continue with the insurance or not.
Clients often ask me if I recommend they keep the insurance after the free trial period. If you can afford the premiums, it`s worth considering. LGDs work hard and are more prone to injuries than pet dogs. A vet bill from a dog fight or freak accident can cost $1000 or more. So, weigh the cost of the premiums against your ability to pay a "surprise" vet bill when making this decision.
One of my Maremmas (Circe) was injured in her pasture a while back, resulting in a $2300 vet bill. I never discovered the exact cause, but I suspect it was a loose wire poking off the fence somewhere. I don`t have insurance on my dogs (because I have so many), but that day, I wished I had!
I don`t know which brand is best, as I am only familiar with Trupanion. My vet told me that Trupanion is the only company that pays the vet directly, which is easier than paying out of pocket and getting reimbursed later.
My son recently got insurance through Costco for his Corgi-mix dog, Rooster. They got the insurance after Rooster cut his stomach on a tiny nail poking out from a tree stake in their backyard, resulting in a $1500 vet bill.
Do you have health insurance for your dog? If so, what brand do you use and why did you choose it?
*
*
*
*
*
#prancingponyfarm #livestockguardiandog #maremmasheepdog #maremma #pastoremaremmano #maremmano #maremmasheepdogclubofamerica #herdguardian #maremmasmile #flockguardian #workingdog #trupanion #petinsurance #veterinarian #veterinarymedicine
Our Maremma Sheepdog puppies come with 30 days of free Trupanion insurance. I highly encourage my clients to use the insurance to protect their puppies if they get sick or injured after going home. After that, they can choose if they want to continue with the insurance or not.
Clients often ask me if I recommend they keep the insurance after the free trial period. If you can afford the premiums, it`s worth considering. LGDs work hard and are more prone to injuries than pet dogs. A vet bill from a dog fight or freak accident can cost $1000 or more. So, weigh the cost of the premiums against your ability to pay a "surprise" vet bill when making this decision.
One of my Maremmas (Circe) was injured in her pasture a while back, resulting in a $2300 vet bill. I never discovered the exact cause, but I suspect it was a loose wire poking off the fence somewhere. I don`t have insurance on my dogs (because I have so many), but that day, I wished I had!
I don`t know which brand is best, as I am only familiar with Trupanion. My vet told me that Trupanion is the only company that pays the vet directly, which is easier than paying out of pocket and getting reimbursed later.
My son recently got insurance through Costco for his Corgi-mix dog, Rooster. They got the insurance after Rooster cut his stomach on a tiny nail poking out from a tree stake in their backyard, resulting in a $1500 vet bill.
Do you have health insurance for your dog? If so, what brand do you use and why did you choose it?
*
*
*
*
*
#prancingponyfarm #livestockguardiandog #maremmasheepdog #maremma #pastoremaremmano #maremmano #maremmasheepdogclubofamerica #herdguardian #maremmasmile #flockguardian #workingdog #trupanion #petinsurance #veterinarian #veterinarymedicine
You go through a LOT of dog food when you breed livestock guardian dogs. The biggest monthly expense in my Maremma breeding program is dog food. How much I go through in a month depends on how many puppies and dogs I have on my farm at the time, and that fluctuates, but it`s a lot!
Thank God for Amazon Subscribe and Save, which allows me to have all that dog food delivered straight to my door every 2 weeks. People often recommend Costco brand food, but Costco doesn`t deliver, and I do not want to shop for dog food every week!
I chose Diamond Naturals because I can get it delivered by Amazon, but if I run out of food between deliveries (it happens!) I can get food from Tractor Supply or my local feed store. You can`t risk running out of food when you have as many dogs as I do!
What about you? What brand of dog food do you feed, and why did you choose it? And how much do you go through in a month?
You go through a LOT of dog food when you breed livestock guardian dogs. The biggest monthly expense in my Maremma breeding program is dog food. How much I go through in a month depends on how many puppies and dogs I have on my farm at the time, and that fluctuates, but it`s a lot!
Thank God for Amazon Subscribe and Save, which allows me to have all that dog food delivered straight to my door every 2 weeks. People often recommend Costco brand food, but Costco doesn`t deliver, and I do not want to shop for dog food every week!
I chose Diamond Naturals because I can get it delivered by Amazon, but if I run out of food between deliveries (it happens!) I can get food from Tractor Supply or my local feed store. You can`t risk running out of food when you have as many dogs as I do!
What about you? What brand of dog food do you feed, and why did you choose it? And how much do you go through in a month?
Need help with your livestock guardian dog? We offer training consultations by phone. We also have a weekly newsletter with free training tips—DM for details.
Need help with your livestock guardian dog? We offer training consultations by phone. We also have a weekly newsletter with free training tips—DM for details.
Are you looking for a "plug and play" livestock guardian dog puppy? Act fast to reserve your Prancing Pony Maremma Sheepdog.
Comment "Maremma" for more info.
Are you looking for a "plug and play" livestock guardian dog puppy? Act fast to reserve your Prancing Pony Maremma Sheepdog.
Comment "Maremma" for more info.
Throwback Thursday: Marcella`s June 2024 litter of tiny three-week-old Maremma puppies were exploring their world on a nice day, with mom watching over them.
Our pups start life in the puppy parlor for safety and health reasons but are out meeting goats as soon as they can toddle. This happens around three weeks old, which coincides with the beginning of the critical socialization period.
We built the Puppy Parlor so our puppies would have the best of both worlds - a safe environment without compromising proper livestock socialization.
If you`re looking for a breeder who doesn`t compromise on everything that matters in producing well-bred, healthy, properly socialized LGDs, comment "Maremma" to get a link to info about our breeding program.
Throwback Thursday: Marcella`s June 2024 litter of tiny three-week-old Maremma puppies were exploring their world on a nice day, with mom watching over them.
Our pups start life in the puppy parlor for safety and health reasons but are out meeting goats as soon as they can toddle. This happens around three weeks old, which coincides with the beginning of the critical socialization period.
We built the Puppy Parlor so our puppies would have the best of both worlds - a safe environment without compromising proper livestock socialization.
If you`re looking for a breeder who doesn`t compromise on everything that matters in producing well-bred, healthy, properly socialized LGDs, comment "Maremma" to get a link to info about our breeding program.
Controversial question: do Maremma Sheepdogs make good pets?
Answer: It depends. Ethically bred, properly socialized puppies placed in well-prepared homes by a breeder who supports their clients can thrive and bless their owners. But a puppy bought on a whim from a backyard breeder can be a disaster.
As breeders and owners of both working and companion Maremmas, we can help you decide if a Maremma would be a good pet for you. Comment "Maremma" for more info.
Controversial question: do Maremma Sheepdogs make good pets?
Answer: It depends. Ethically bred, properly socialized puppies placed in well-prepared homes by a breeder who supports their clients can thrive and bless their owners. But a puppy bought on a whim from a backyard breeder can be a disaster.
As breeders and owners of both working and companion Maremmas, we can help you decide if a Maremma would be a good pet for you. Comment "Maremma" for more info.
There`s not much that`s as cute as sleepy little Maremma puppies. Don`t you agree? 🥰
What do you think? Is this an accurate description of a Maremma? 😄
Don`t correct your livestock guardian dog for doing what you don`t like. Instead, show them what you want them to do!
Want to know more about how to do this? Comment “email” to receive our LGD training tips straight to your inbox!
Don`t correct your livestock guardian dog for doing what you don`t like. Instead, show them what you want them to do!
Want to know more about how to do this? Comment “email” to receive our LGD training tips straight to your inbox!
Am I the only one who gives my dogs a name and then calls them something else half the time? 😆
Genevieve ended up as "Genny-Bee" because Genevieve is hard for kids to say. One of my grandkids called her "Genny-bee" years ago, and the name stuck.
Does your livestock guardian dog have a nickname, and if so, how did they get that name?
Am I the only one who gives my dogs a name and then calls them something else half the time? 😆
Genevieve ended up as "Genny-Bee" because Genevieve is hard for kids to say. One of my grandkids called her "Genny-bee" years ago, and the name stuck.
Does your livestock guardian dog have a nickname, and if so, how did they get that name?
Would you like to know the secret to succeeding with Livestock Guardian Dogs? It`s WHERE you get your dog.
Where your dog comes from matters more than any other decision you make. Choose right, and LGD ownership can be a joyful and rewarding experience. Choose wrong, and it could be a nightmare.
If you are interested in finding a breeder who will maximize your chances of success with your future LGD, put the word Maremma in the comments, and I’ll send you info on how to bring home your very own Prancing Pony Maremma! 💜🦮
Would you like to know the secret to succeeding with Livestock Guardian Dogs? It`s WHERE you get your dog.
Where your dog comes from matters more than any other decision you make. Choose right, and LGD ownership can be a joyful and rewarding experience. Choose wrong, and it could be a nightmare.
If you are interested in finding a breeder who will maximize your chances of success with your future LGD, put the word Maremma in the comments, and I’ll send you info on how to bring home your very own Prancing Pony Maremma! 💜🦮
Happy New Year from Prancing Pony Farm!
Our Maremma Sheepdog puppies come with 30 days of free Trupanion insurance. I highly encourage my clients to use the insurance to protect their puppies if they get sick or injured after going home. After that, they can choose if they want to continue with the insurance or not.
Clients often ask me if I recommend they keep the insurance after the free trial period. If you can afford the premiums, it's worth considering. LGDs work hard and are more prone to injuries than pet dogs. A vet bill from a dog fight or freak accident can cost $1000 or more. So, weigh the cost of the premiums against your ability to pay a "surprise" vet bill when making this decision.
One of my Maremmas (Circe) was injured in her pasture a while back, resulting in a $2300 vet bill. I never discovered the exact cause, but I suspect it was a loose wire poking off the fence somewhere. I don't have insurance on my dogs (because I have so many), but that day, I wished I had!
I don't know which brand is best, as I am only familiar with Trupanion. My vet told me that Trupanion is the only company that pays the vet directly, which is easier than paying out of pocket and getting reimbursed later.
My son recently got insurance through Costco for his Corgi-mix dog, Rooster. They got the insurance after Rooster cut his stomach on a tiny nail poking out from a tree stake in their backyard, resulting in a $1500 vet bill.
Do you have health insurance for your dog? If so, what brand do you use and why did you choose it?
*
*
*
*
*
#prancingponyfarm #livestockguardiandog #maremmasheepdog #maremma #pastoremaremmano #maremmano #maremmasheepdogclubofamerica #herdguardian #maremmasmile #flockguardian #workingdog #trupanion #petinsurance #veterinarian #veterinarymedicine
2 CommentsComment on Facebook
I have insurance on my dogs. Came in handy when one had a Mast Cell Tumor and needed a $5,000 surgery. She was able to return to work after a few weeks.
We got insurance too! Unfortunately it doesn’t cover any existing so the fact that you are now offering it with the puppies is an amazing idea! Plus when you start so young, the cost is cheaper to begin. I also highly recommend it, ours got into the trash and ate some nitrile gloves and had to have surgery, covered 90% of costs!
You go through a LOT of dog food when you breed livestock guardian dogs. The biggest monthly expense in my Maremma breeding program is dog food. How much I go through in a month depends on how many puppies and dogs I have on my farm at the time, and that fluctuates, but it's a lot!
Thank God for Amazon Subscribe and Save, which allows me to have all that dog food delivered straight to my door every 2 weeks. People often recommend Costco brand food, but Costco doesn't deliver, and I do not want to shop for dog food every week!
I chose Diamond Naturals because I can get it delivered by Amazon, but if I run out of food between deliveries (it happens!) I can get food from Tractor Supply or my local feed store. You can't risk running out of food when you have as many dogs as I do!
What about you? What brand of dog food do you feed, and why did you choose it? And how much do you go through in a month?
4 CommentsComment on Facebook
Victor high Performance
Here is our trapper joe!
We used to use Royal Canon but we switched to Diamond Naturals after we got our dogs from you. It was much cheaper and everything I read about it, it seemed to be a quality food. And if it was good enough for you, I figured it was good enough for us!
Are you looking for a "plug and play" livestock guardian dog puppy? Act fast to reserve your Prancing Pony Maremma Sheepdog.
Comment "Maremma" for more info.
1 CommentComment on Facebook
Maremma
Throwback Thursday: Marcella's June 2024 litter of tiny three-week-old Maremma puppies were exploring their world on a nice day, with mom watching over them.
Our pups start life in the puppy parlor for safety and health reasons but are out meeting goats as soon as they can toddle. This happens around three weeks old, which coincides with the beginning of the critical socialization period.
We built the Puppy Parlor so our puppies would have the best of both worlds - a safe environment without compromising proper livestock socialization.
If you're looking for a breeder who doesn't compromise on everything that matters in producing well-bred, healthy, properly socialized LGDs, comment "Maremma" to get a link to info about our breeding program.
1 CommentComment on Facebook
How many puppies did you get? 6? Was it the first time for the mom?
Controversial question: do Maremma Sheepdogs make good pets?
Answer: It depends. Ethically bred, properly socialized puppies placed in well-prepared homes by a breeder who supports their clients can thrive and bless their owners. But a puppy bought on a whim from a backyard breeder can be a disaster.
As breeders and owners of both working and companion Maremmas, we can help you decide if a Maremma would be a good pet for you. Comment "Maremma" for more info.
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Who knew that such an easy behavior to train could have so many uses?! And livestock training wasn't even mentioned, but I could definitely see ways to use the behavior for LGDs.
Chin rest is one of the behaviors I trained Luna for the KPA Professional program chain. It's so easy and fun. And so useful. I will definitely be using this more for my Maremma puppies and including it in my upcoming digital course.
If you haven't trained your dog to do a chin rest what are you waiting for?
k9infocus.com/101-things-to-do-with-a-chin-rest/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR0OiSwQ4DXbVd6_X9I2NMj...
101 Things to do With a Chin Rest | Deb Jones Dog Training
k9infocus.com
These days one of the foundation skills I teach my dogs that pays off best is the chin rest. A chin rest is such a useful and versatile skill! It’s at the top of my list for core behaviors that have...1 CommentComment on Facebook
Interesting
Access ATA for $1! 🐶📚🧑💻
atamember.com
Created by animal professionals, for animal professionals. Access industry leading knowledge and connect with top trainers from across the world0 CommentsComment on Facebook
"When you stop relying on aversive controls such as threats, intimidation and punishment, and when you know how to use reinforcement to get not just the same but better results, your perception of the world undergoes a shift. You don't have to become a wimp. You don't have to give up being in charge. You lose nothing of yourself. You just see things you didn't see before."
Karen Pryor. 1932-2025
Nice words, but can you back them up? Oh, you can.
Books:
On My Mind: Reflections on Animal Behavior and Learning – 2014
Reaching The Animal Mind: Clicker Training and What It Teaches Us About All Animals – 2009
Click to Win: Clicker Training for the Show Ring – 2002
Dolphin Societies: Discoveries and Puzzles –ed. with Kenneth Norris; University of California Press, 1998
Don’t Shoot The Dog: The New Art of Teaching and Training – 1984, 1999, 2002, 2006
A Dog & a Dolphin 2.0: An Introduction To Clicker Training – 1996
Getting Started: Clicker Training for Cats – 1999, 2002, 2004
Getting Started: Clicker Training for Dogs – 1999, 2002, 2005
Lads Before the Wind – 1975, 1994, 2000 (Harper & Row 1975)
Nursing Your Baby – 1963, 1973, 1991, 2005 (HarperCollins Publishers 1963)
On Behavior: Essays and Research – 1994
Crunch and Des: Classic Stories of Saltwater Fishing – 2002
How To Teach Your Dog To Play Frisbee – 1985
Pryor, K. (2014). A dolphin journey. Aquatic Mammals 40th Anniversary: Special Issue, 104–115.
Pryor, K. & Chase, S. (2014). Training for variable and innovative behavior. International Journal of Comparative Psychology, 27, 218–225
Pryor, K. & Ken Ramirez, K. (2014) Modern Animal Training. In The Wiley-Blackwell Handbook of Operant and Classical Conditioning. McSweeney, F.K and Murphy, E. S. (Eds.).
Pryor, K.W (2001). Cultural transmission of behavior in animals: How a modern training technology uses spontaneous social imitation in cetaceans and Behavioral and Brain Sciences, 24, 352–352
Pryor, K. & Shallenberger, I. (1991). School structure in spotted dolphins (Stenella attenuata) in the tuna purse seine fishery in the Eastern Tropical Pacific. In Dolphin Societies: Discoveries and Puzzles. Pryor, K. & Norris, K.S. (Eds.). Berkeley: University of California Press
Pryor, K. (1981). Why Porpoise Trainers Are Not Dolphin Lovers: Real and False Communication in the Operant Setting. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 364, 1, 137
Norris, K.S., Pryor, K. (1970). A Tagging Method for Small Cetaceans. Journal of Mammalogy, 51, 3, 609–610
Pryor, K.W., Haang, R., & O’Reilly, J. (1969). The creative porpoise: Training for novel behavior. Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior, 12, 653–661
Lang, T.G., Pryor, K. (1966). Hydrodynamic Performance of Porpoises (Stenella attenuata). Science, 152, 3721, 531–533.
Pryor, T., Pryor, K.,& Norris, S.K. (1965). Observations on a Pygmy Killer Whale (Feresa attenuata Gray) from Hawaii. Journal of Mammalogy, 46, 3, 450–461.
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.
Bear & Chief Take a TV Break
Prancing Pony Farm Maremma Sheepdogs & Dairy Goats January 9, 2025 7:50 am