Last Updated on March 12, 2026 by Kim Crawmer, KPA CTP, LFDM

autWeZ437PYA7CymJtVSbL What 95% of my clients have in common (it's not what you think)

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.

Introducing: Your Maremma Match

It’s a free, two-minute quiz that helps you figure out which age category of Maremma Sheepdog is the best fit for your unique situation — puppy, older puppy, adolescent, adult, or something specific in between.

I put real thought into five different result categories so that your answer actually means something. Each one explains what that stage looks like in real life, what the challenges are, and what to consider next. (Two of the categories cover unique situations most people don’t think about.)

Think of this resource as the conversation we’d have on a discovery call, distilled into something you can do right now in your pajamas on your phone. (No judgment. That’s basically when I do all my best thinking. And writing.)

Even if you’re already on my Maremma wait list or you’re a current client — I’d love for you to take the quiz. It’s a great way to confirm you’re thinking about things the right way, and it might surface a question you hadn’t thought to ask yet.

Take the Maremma Match Quiz →

And if you want the full picture before you dive in, I wrote a detailed post on the blog this week walking through all the age categories and what to consider. It pairs well with your quiz result.

Read It Here →

You Can Do It!

Here’s something I want you to know before you take it, especially if you’re new to livestock guardian dogs and feeling a little intimidated by the whole thing:

You don’t need experience. You just need the right start.

I know that might be hard to believe if you’ve spent time in LGD groups online where it can feel like you need years of expertise just to be allowed in the door. But here’s the truth: somewhere around 95% of the families I’ve placed Maremmas with over the past decade were first-time livestock guardian dog owners. A few had never owned any dog at all.

And they are doing great.

Not because they came to me knowing everything — they absolutely didn’t. But because their puppy was properly started before it ever left my farm, and because I stayed in the picture when questions came up. That’s the part that actually matters. A well-prepared dog and a breeder who picks up the phone.

So if part of why you’re leaning toward an older dog is that you’re worried you can’t handle a puppy — take the quiz first. Find out which age is actually the right fit for your situation. Then we can talk about the rest.

email What 95% of my clients have in common (it's not what you think) — 3-week old Prancing Pony Maremma puppies

Pupdates!

Now, a quick farm update since we’re on the topic — I have dogs available across the whole spectrum right now.

My youngest babies just turned three weeks old. Their eyes are open, they’re making the most ridiculous tiny sounds, and I have been completely useless as a productive human being because I can’t stop watching them. They won’t be ready to go home until 12 weeks, but if you’ve been thinking about a puppy, now is a great time to reach out.

I also have a few four- and five-month-old pups available — past the early puppy phase, working with the goats, personalities really starting to shine. And I have some older dogs, too, including dogs with real working experience.

Apply here if you’re ready for an amazing LGD of any age. (Or a great family pet. We do sell puppies to qualified companion homes.)

Apply for a Maremma

If your quiz result points you toward something specific, hit reply and let’s talk about what’s available. Or book a free Maremma discovery call to discuss your results.

Talk soon,

Kim

P.S. — The quiz landing page also has info about our program, available dogs, and next steps no matter where you land. Start there, and reach out when you’re ready.