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Companion Maremmas - Do Livestock Guardian Dogs Make Good Pets? Part One

8/13/2024

Mushroom, a Prancing Pony Farm Maremma Sheepdog companion puppy, with her new little girl

Should Maremma Sheepdogs (or other LGD breeds) be kept as pets? This is a hotly debated topic with many strong opinions flying around. The subject is also rife with misinformation on both sides, with many self-appointed "experts" telling others what they should and shouldn't do with their dogs.

Livestock guardian dogs (LGDs) are a unique working dog group traditionally used to protect livestock from predators. They are known for their loyalty, protective instincts, and gentle demeanor with the animals they guard. But what happens when these dogs are kept as companions? While there's a lot to love about LGDs like the Maremma Sheepdog, there are also challenges to consider. Here's an in-depth look at the pros and cons of keeping a livestock guardian dog as a pet, my experience and opinion on the topic, and what you need to know before making that decision.

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Livestock Guardian Dog FAQs: How do I Stop my Maremma Puppy from Biting my Young Goats?

8/1/2024

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5-week-old Prancing Pony Maremma with Messy, an excellent puppy trainer goat

I regularly get replies to my email newsletter and comments on my "Living and Working with Maremma Sheepdogs" Facebook group from people who have a Maremma Sheepdog (or another breed of LGD) that they acquired from someone else. (Not bred by me.) Sometimes, they have a question or two; other times, they struggle with their dog. The breeder or other source (rescue or shelter) they got the dog from is unwilling or unable to help them, so they don't know who to turn to.

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Companion Maremmas - Do Livestock Guardian Dogs Make Good Pets? Part One

Livestock Guardian Dog FAQs: How do I Stop my Maremma Puppy from Biting my Young Goats?

Author

"Above the arch there was a lamp, and beneath it swung a large signboard: a fat white pony reared up on its hind legs. Over the door was painted in white letters:
The Prancing Pony by Barliman Butterbur."
~ from The Fellowship of the Ring: Being the First Part of The Lord of the Rings.

Struggling with LGD training advice that doesn't work?

Categories

Archives

Companion Maremmas - Do Livestock Guardian Dogs Make Good Pets? Part One

Livestock Guardian Dog FAQs: How do I Stop my Maremma Puppy from Biting my Young Goats?

Author

​"Above the arch there was a lamp, and beneath it swung a large signboard: a fat white pony reared up on its hind legs. Over the door was painted in white letters:​The Prancing Pony by Barliman Butterbur."~ from The Fellowship of the Ring: Being the First Part of The Lord of the Rings.

Struggling with LGD training advice that doesn't work?

"Above the arch there was a lamp, and beneath it swung a large signboard: a fat white pony reared up on its hind legs. Over the door was painted in white letters:
The Prancing Pony by Barliman Butterbur."
~ from The Fellowship of the Ring: Being the First Part of The Lord of the Rings.