A science-based program that helps you understand what your livestock guardian dog actually needs—whether they’re working livestock, living as a companion, or somewhere in between.

Works for ALL your dogs—livestock guardians, other farm dogs, and family pets.

What if your livestock guardian dog’s behavior isn’t the problem… but your plan is?

If you have a WORKING livestock guardian dog, you might be dealing with:

• Livestock chasing instead of protecting
• Not bonding with the animals they’re supposed to guard
• Fence escaping and roaming the neighborhood
• Too much independence – acting like you don’t exist

If you have a COMPANION livestock guardian dog (family pet, not actively working livestock), you might be dealing with:

• Excessive barking at everything that moves
• Roaming and escaping – they want a “territory” to patrol
• Aloofness – not bonding with family like a typical pet dog
• “Stranger danger” – being suspicious of visitors
• Destructive behavior – bored and unfulfilled without a job
• Too much independence – doesn’t seem to care about pleasing you

And if you have multiple types of dogs, it feels even more complicated. Your Border Collie responds instantly to commands, but your Maremma acts like you’re speaking a foreign language. Your family dog wants to be with you constantly, but your livestock guardian dog prefers to be outside surveying the property.

You’re not failing. You just need to understand that livestock guardian breeds are fundamentally different, whether they’re working dogs or companions.

Most LGD training focuses on commands and obedience. But livestock guardian dogs aren’t supposed to be obedient pets—they’re independent thinkers bred to make their own decisions.

What you need isn’t another list of commands. You need to understand:

• For working LGDs: How to set up their environment and routines so their livestock guardian instincts work FOR you
• For companion LGDs: How to meet their breed needs when they DON’T have livestock to guard
• For all LGDs: How to work WITH their independent nature instead of fighting it

And if you have other dogs? You need to understand how each breed’s unique traits affect their behavior—so you can stop expecting them all to act the same.

🎯 Bonus Value for Multi-Dog Households

Got more than one dog? This program helps you understand ALL of them—not just your livestock guardian dog.

Learn why your:

• LGD won’t “come” like your Border Collie (and why that’s actually a good thing)
• Herding dog and LGD clash (and how to help them coexist)
• Family pet acts completely different from your working dogs (breed drives matter!)

One program. All your dogs. Finally, everything makes sense.

What You Get

Complete Video Program (40 Minutes Total)

Four focused modules that walk you through exactly how to set up your dog (and your household) for success:

Module 1: Understanding Your Dog’s Needs
Learn to read what your dog is actually communicating—and what you might be unintentionally communicating to them. Discover how breed history shapes behavior.

Module 2: The Dial Framework
Discover the visual tool that helps you spot where things are going off-track (routines, communication, environment, expectations) and where to start.

Module 3: Building Better Patterns
Create routines and habits that support your dog’s working role (or companion role) AND fit your real farm life—not some ideal scenario.

Module 4: Putting It All Together
Get a clear, actionable plan for moving forward with confidence instead of second-guessing every decision.

Understanding Livestock Guardian Dogs in Different Roles

The Dial Method® works for livestock guardian dogs in ANY living situation:

Working Livestock Guardian Dogs

If your LGD lives with and protects livestock, this program helps you:

• Understand why they’re not bonding with livestock (and how to encourage it)
• Set up routines and boundaries that support their working role
• Reduce livestock chasing and inappropriate play
• Work with their independence instead of expecting obedience
• Create an environment where their livestock guardian instincts can develop properly

Companion Livestock Guardian Dogs

If your LGD is a family pet or farm companion (not actively guarding livestock), this program helps you:

• Meet their breed needs without livestock – livestock guardian breeds need mental stimulation, something to bond with (including humans or other pets), and a sense of purpose
• Understand why they’re aloof, independent or suspicious of strangers (it’s not personal—it’s genetics)
• Channel their protective instincts appropriately (barking, territorial behavior, vigilance)
• Provide fulfillment so they’re not bored, destructive, or constantly trying to roam
• Set realistic expectations (they’ll never be a Golden Retriever—and that’s okay)

The core principle is the same: Understanding what your dog was bred to do, and working WITH their nature instead of against it.

Works for All Your Dogs—Not Just Your LGDs

Understanding Every Dog on Your Farm

Do you have more than one type of dog on your farm?

Maybe you have:

• A livestock guardian dog (or two) watching your animals
• A herding dog helping you move stock
• A farm dog who rides in the truck and helps with chores
• Family pets who live in the house but interact with your working dogs

Here’s the powerful part: The Dial Method® helps you understand ALL of them.

Each breed was created for a specific job—and understanding what your dog was bred to do explains SO much about their behavior:

• Why your Border Collie is obsessed with controlling movement (and sometimes clashes with your independent LGD)
• Why your Livestock Guardian Dog doesn’t “listen” like your other dogs (they’re supposed to think independently, not take orders)
• Why your Labrador wants to be involved in everything (bred to work closely with humans as retrieving partners)
• Why your terrier is intense, focused, and sometimes reactive (bred to hunt and dispatch small prey independently)

When you understand the “why” behind each dog’s natural drives, you can:

✓ Set up your farm so different dog types can coexist peacefully
✓ Adjust your expectations for each dog based on what they were actually bred to do
✓ Communicate more clearly with each dog in ways that make sense for their temperament
✓ Reduce conflict between dogs with different working styles
✓ Stop expecting your livestock guardian dog to behave like your herding dog (or vice versa)

The Dial Method® gives you the framework to work with each dog’s nature instead of fighting against it—whether you have one dog or five.

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Why This Works

It’s Not About Training Your Dog—It’s About Training You

Most “training programs” focus on getting your dog to obey commands. The Dial Method® focuses on helping YOU become the guide your dog needs.

When you understand how to read your dog’s signals, set clear expectations, and respond calmly instead of reactively, behavior problems often resolve themselves.

And when you understand breed-specific drives and traits, you stop trying to make your independent livestock guardian dog act like your biddable herding dog—or expecting your companion LGD to be cuddly when they were bred to be vigilant.

Designed for Real Farm Life

This isn’t about achieving perfection with your livestock guardian dog. It’s about making small, practical shifts that fit your actual life:

• Your schedule (not unlimited training time)
• Your property (not a perfect setup)
• Your farm, ranch, homestead OR your companion dog household (with all its chaos)
• Your family dynamics (kids, partners, other animals)
• Your multiple dogs with different jobs and temperaments

Rooted in Science, Built for Working Dogs (And Their Companions)

Created by The Family Dog and taught by certified professionals, this program is built on applied animal behavior principles—not trends, not dominance theory, not one-size-fits-all commands.

While the program uses general dog examples, the principles of understanding your dog’s needs, clear communication, and building good patterns are especially powerful for livestock guardian dogs—whether working or companions—who need patient, knowledgeable leadership to thrive.

The breed-specific insights work for ALL working dogs—whether they guard, herd, hunt, or retrieve.

Who This Program Is For

This Program Will Help You If:

Working Guardian Dog Owners:

✓ You’re preparing for a new livestock guardian dog puppy and want to start off right
✓ Your LGD is chasing or harassing livestock instead of protecting them
✓ Your dog won’t bond with the animals they’re supposed to guard
✓ You’re struggling with fence escaping and roaming
✓ Your livestock guardian dog came from a rescue or backyard breeder without proper socialization

Companion Guardian Dog Owners:

✓ You have an LGD as a family pet/farm companion (not actively working livestock)
✓ Your guardian breed is bored, destructive, or unfulfilled without a “job”
✓ You’re dealing with excessive barking, roaming, or territorial behavior
✓ Your LGD is aloof and doesn’t bond with family like you expected

✓ Your LGD exhibits “stranger danger” with visitors
✓ You want to understand how to meet their breed needs in a companion setting

All Livestock Guardian Dog Owners:

✓ You’re feeling overwhelmed by conflicting LGD advice
✓ You want to understand WHY your dog does what they do—not just get quick fixes
✓ You need practical strategies that work with real life (not ideal conditions)
✓ You value science-based, ethical approaches to working with animals
✓ You want to feel confident instead of constantly second-guessing yourself
✓ You have multiple dogs of different breeds and need to understand each one
✓ Your LGD and your other dogs don’t get along, and you’re not sure why

What Makes This Different

Forget What You Know About Dog Training

“What if your dog’s behavior isn’t the problem?”
👉 Most issues stem from unclear communication or mismatched expectations—not a “bad” dog.

“Stop waiting for your dog to change.”
⚡ Start with YOU—and see what happens when you get clear on what you need and what they need.

“You don’t need another training plan.”
✓ You need a framework that works for your actual life and helps you understand your specific dog.

“Different breeds need different things.”
🐕 Your livestock guardian dog isn’t stubborn—they’re doing exactly what they were bred to do. Same with your herding dog, your terrier, your retriever.

“Companion LGDs need fulfillment too.”
🏡 Even without livestock to guard, your LGD has guardian instincts that need appropriate outlets.

“One session. Real change.”
The 40-minute program gives you tools you’ll use for the lifetime of all your dogs—not just temporary fixes.

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How It Works

Your Learning Journey

Step 1: Watch the Videos
Stream all four modules at your own pace. Watch on your phone while you’re doing barn chores, on your laptop in the evening—whenever works for you.

Step 2: Complete the Workbook
After each module, work through the practical exercises that help you apply what you learned to YOUR dog, YOUR farm (or home), YOUR situation. If you have multiple dogs, work through the Dial for each one to see where each needs support.

Step 3: Implement Your Plan
Use the Dial framework as your compass. Refer back to the videos and workbook as often as you need—you have lifetime access.

Step 4: See the Shift
Many people notice changes in communication and behavior after implementing what they learn in the first module. The focus is on building lasting improvements, not quick fixes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this specifically for livestock guardian dogs?
The Dial Method® works for all dogs and households. The principles of understanding your dog’s needs, clear communication, and building good patterns apply universally. While the program uses general examples, these concepts are especially valuable for LGD owners—whether working or companion—because livestock guardian dogs NEED a patient, informed partnership to thrive. The program also helps you understand how different breeds (herders, guardians, retrievers, terriers) have different natural drives, which is incredibly helpful for multi-dog farms or homes. I provide additional LGD-specific guidance to clients working with livestock guardian breeds through my consultation services.

I have a livestock guardian breed as a family pet, not a working dog. Will this still help?
Absolutely. Livestock guardian breeds have specific drives and traits, whether they’re guarding livestock or living as companions. If your LGD is a family pet, you’re likely dealing with behaviors like excessive barking, roaming, independence, aloofness, or aggression towards visitors—all stemming from their livestock guardian instincts that aren’t being fulfilled or understood. The Dial Method® helps you understand these drives and meet your dog’s needs even without livestock to guard. Many companion LGD owners find this framework essential for creating a happy, fulfilled dog.

What if I have multiple dogs of different breeds?
Perfect! The Dial Method® is incredibly valuable for multi-dog households, especially when you have different types of working dogs. You’ll learn to understand each dog’s breed-specific traits and needs, which helps you set appropriate expectations and reduce conflict. Many farm owners find this framework essential for managing livestock guardians, herding dogs, and family pets together. You can work through the Dial separately for each dog to see where each one needs support.

I’m not “good at training.” Will this still work for me?
Perfect—this program is designed for people who feel overwhelmed or unsure. It’s not about teaching commands; it’s about understanding your dog and yourself. No prior experience needed.

How is this different from traditional dog training?
Traditional training focuses on getting dogs to follow commands. The Dial Method® focuses on helping humans get clear on what’s happening, so their dogs can feel safe and understood. For independent livestock guardian dogs, this approach is far more effective than command-based obedience training. It also helps you understand why different breeds respond so differently to the same approach.

How long does it take to see results?
Many people notice shifts in communication and understanding immediately. Behavior changes often follow as you implement what you learn. The focus is on building lasting improvements through understanding, not temporary quick fixes.

Can I use this with a puppy or an adult dog?
Yes! The program works whether you’re preparing for a new puppy or working with an adult dog. The principles apply at any life stage.

Will this help if my livestock guardian dog and herding dog don’t get along?
Possibly. It depends on the individual dogs. Understanding breed-specific drives and dogs as individuals is often the key to reducing conflict between different types of working dogs. When you understand WHY your herding dog wants to control movement and WHY your livestock guardian dog wants independence, you can set up your farm and routines to support both dogs without them clashing.

Do I need any special equipment or tools?
Nope. Just your dog(s), your willingness to try a different approach, and about 40 minutes to watch the videos.

What if I get stuck or have questions?
You can revisit the course and workbook anytime. If you need personalized guidance specific to your situation, that’s where a training consultation comes in (see options below).

OPTION 3: Both Together – $150

Perfect if you:

• Want the complete learning experience
• Need both the foundational framework AND personalized guidance
• Are serious about getting your livestock guardian dog relationship on track
• Want maximum support and resources
• Have a complex multi-dog situation or companion LGD challenges

What You Get:

• Everything from The Dial Method® program
• Everything from the LGD Training Consultation
• A powerful combination of self-paced learning + expert personalized advice

Currently $150 (No discount – but you get both powerful resources)

About Your Guide

Why I Teach The Dial Method®

As a Maremma breeder, Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner, Licensed Family Dog Mediator, and livestock guardian dog specialist, I’ve seen firsthand how overwhelming it can be to raise and work with these incredible dogs—especially if you didn’t get proper support from the start.

I became a certified Dial Guide because this program gives livestock guardian dog owners something they desperately need: a framework for understanding their dog’s behavior that actually makes sense.

Traditional obedience training methods often don’t work well for LGDs—whether they’re working livestock or living as companions. These dogs aren’t supposed to be obedient pets—they’re independent thinkers bred to make their own decisions while protecting livestock.

The Dial Method® helps you work WITH your dog’s nature, not against it. It gives you the tools to create an environment, routine, and communication style that supports their guardian instincts—whether those instincts are being used to protect sheep or to patrol your backyard.

And if you have other types of dogs—herders, farm dogs, family pets—this program helps you understand ALL of them. Many of my clients have multiple breeds on their farms or in their homes, and understanding breed-specific drives has been a game-changer for reducing conflict and creating harmony.

I use this program with my own puppy families, and I recommend it to anyone working with livestock guardian dogs (working OR companion) and other dogs who want to build a strong foundation of understanding and communication.

Kim Crawmer, KPA CTP, LFDM
Certified Dial Guide
Prancing Pony Farm
Breeding and supporting Maremma Sheepdog families since 2016

Ready to Stop Guessing?

Get Started Today

Choose your option above and gain immediate access to:

✓ Science-based guidance you can trust
✓ Practical tools that fit real farm life (or companion dog life)
✓ Clarity on what your dog(s) actually need
✓ Understanding of breed-specific drives and behaviors
✓ Confidence to move forward instead of second-guessing
✓ A framework you’ll use for years to come—for all your dogs

Questions? Email me at kim@prancingponyfarm.com – I’m here to help you and your livestock guardian dog(s) thrive together.