🌞 Your LGD summer survival guide (it’s mostly about water)

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Hi Reader,

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It’s officially that time of year here at Prancing Pony Farm (and maybe where you live) — the “excessive heat watch” warnings have started rolling in, and we’ll see them regularly clear through September.

If you’ve ever wondered how a heavily coated breed like the Maremma Sheepdog handles 110-115°F days, I’ve got good news: they do better than you’d think. Honestly, better than the livestock they guard.

I just updated and republished our full guide on keeping Maremma Sheepdogs (and the rest of the farm) cool all summer, and I wanted to send it your way while we’re right in the thick of it.

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A few things you’ll find in there:

• Why ventilation matters more than enclosed shade
• Our actual water setup (hint: dogs and livestock need separate water, or nobody gets clean water)
• The “hobbit holes” my dogs dig themselves — and why I keep falling in them
• Electrolyte and frozen treat tricks for the hottest days
• A full poultry-cooling rundown, since birds struggle even more than mammals

This one’s packed with everything we’ve actually tested on this farm — what worked, what fell apart in a season, and what we’d buy again in a heartbeat.

​Read the Full Summer Cooling Guide →​

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Speaking of beating the heat — want to see it in action?

I recently filmed our three summer litters having playtime with their moms inside the Puppy Parlor during the hottest part of the day — this is exactly the kind of setup I mention in the guide above, and it’s such a good look at why that building earns its keep every Summer. It may be over 100 degrees outside, but my pups and their moms are cool and comfortable in the Puppy Parlor!

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We currently have three young litters — all born this summer and thriving in the AC and fan-cooled parlor you just watched. They will be ready to go to new homes in August. If you’ve been thinking about adding a Maremma to your life, now’s a great time to reach out.

​Inquire About Our Summer Litters →​

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If you’re raising a Maremma (or thinking about it) and want more guidance like this, our weekly emails are the easiest way to stay in the loop. And if you’ve got summer puppy questions, just hit reply — I read and respond to every one.

Stay cool out there,

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Kim

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P.S. Got a clever cooling trick of your own? I’d love to hear it — reply and tell me what works on your place.

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Kim Crawmer, KPA CTP, LFDM Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner Licensed Family Dog Mediator