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Prancing Pony Farm
Ethically bred, professionally trained livestock guardian dogs and family companions
Livestock Guadian Dog Consulting
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Hi Reader,
Over the past 12 weeks, you've watched this litter transform from helpless newborns into confident young livestock guardians.
You've seen the science, the methods, the dedication, and the countless hours that create properly prepared livestock guardian dogs.
But here's the truth I need you to hear:
What I do in the first 12 weeks matters immensely, but it's only part of the equation.
I can provide the perfect foundation—and I have. But without educated, committed owners who understand how to continue this development, even the best-prepared puppies can struggle.
The Pattern I See Over and Over
After 10+ years of breeding and consulting, I can tell you the #1 predictor of success, beyond what I put into them in the first 12 weeks:
It's not the puppy's pedigree. It's not their genetics or health testing.
It's whether the OWNER invests in their own education.
I regularly consult with heartbroken owners whose expensive, well-bred, properly socialized dogs failed.
Why? The owners assumed good breeding was enough. They didn't educate themselves.
Meanwhile, I watch families with rescue dogs, poorly socialized adults, and challenging situations succeed beautifully.
Why? Because they studied. They practiced. They learned.
What Your Puppy Has Learned
Let me be clear about what 12 weeks creates—and what it doesn't.
Your puppy has:
- Lived with livestock since 3 weeks old
- Been mentored by Auntie Genny and other experienced LGDs
- Met dozens of people including young children
- Experienced constant environmental variety and stimulation
- Been introduced to clicker training basics
- Learned gate manners, how to get attention without jumping, and basic handling
Your puppy has NOT:
- Completed their training
- Finished their development
- Learned to handle all situations independently
- Magically "figured out" how to be a perfect livestock guardian
At 12 weeks, they're confident, well-socialized BABIES with an exceptional foundation.
What happens next is YOUR responsibility.
The Critical Preparation Window
If you're picking up a puppy in the next 1-2 weeks, you need to act NOW.
Physical Prep (The Easy Part):
✓ Safe space near livestock
✓ Supplies (food, bowls, collar, leash)
✓ Vet appointment scheduled
✓ Insurance set up (I'll provide Trupanion breeder code)
Educational Prep (THE MOST IMPORTANT PART):
This is where most people fail—and where you cannot afford to.
Before your puppy comes home, you should:
1. Take the Karen Pryor Academy Dog Trainer Foundations Course
Not eventually. Not "when I have time." BEFORE pickup.
This $249 course teaches how dogs actually learn, how to read body language, and the foundation skills every dog owner needs.
Learn more about the KPA Course →
2. Enroll in The DIAL Method® Program
This isn't traditional training—it's understanding what your livestock guardian dog actually needs and how to work WITH their independent nature.
$50 for the program, $150 for program + personalized consultation (consultations are free to our puppy clients)
Learn About The DIAL Method →
3. Read These Books:
- "Meet Your Dog" by Kim Brophey
- "On Talking Terms with Dogs: Calming Signals" by Turid Rugaas
Combined cost: Under $30. The education: Invaluable.
Why This Actually Matters
I just published the most important post in this entire series.
It's not about what I've done with your puppy. It's about what YOU need to do next:
- Continuing the foundation I've built
- Understanding livestock guardian breed needs
- Setting up for success rather than struggle
- Knowing when to push forward vs. step back
- Reading your dog's signals correctly
- Having a plan for livestock integration
Everything you need to know is in this final post:
Read: "Beyond the Puppy Parlor - What Your Livestock Guardian Needs Next"
This is required reading for every puppy family. Seriously. Print it out. Take notes. Follow the guidance.
The Choice
You have two options:
Option 1: Assume the puppy will "just figure it out" based on instinct and my preparation. Wing it when problems arise. Skip investing in your own education.
Result: Struggle, frustration, possibly another failed livestock guardian dog.
Option 2: Recognize this requires YOUR growth as much as your dog's. Invest in education. Practice what you learn. Reach out to me when you're stuck.
Result: Success, confidence, the LGD partnership you envisioned.
Which will you choose?
My Commitment to You
Picking up your puppy isn't the end—it's the beginning of our partnership.
I provide lifetime support:
- Free email and phone consultations
- Training guidance
- Problem-solving help
- Celebration of your wins
And soon: A membership program with monthly training modules, community support, and direct access to my expertise.
Current puppy families get priority access.
Final Litter Update
Our 11-week-old future livestock guardians are ready for their next chapter. They're confident, healthy, livestock-bonded, and beautifully prepared.
What they need now are educated, committed families who will finish what we've begun.
If you're picking up a puppy soon: Read that blog post. Take those courses. Reach out with questions. Prepare yourself as thoroughly as I've prepared your puppy.
If you're following along for future litters: You now understand exactly what comprehensive livestock guardian development looks like—and what successful families do differently.
Thank You
Thank you for following this journey. Thank you for caring enough to learn. Thank you for choosing to do this right.
The next chapter is yours to write. Make it a success story.
Questions? Concerns? Need help getting started with education? Just hit reply. I'm here.
Talk soon,
Kim
P.S. - If you're picking up your puppy in the next week and haven't started those courses, START TODAY. Don't wait. Your puppy's success—and your livestock's safety—depend on your preparation, not just mine.
P.S.S. - New way to reach me! You can now leave voicemail questions directly on my website using the "Leave Kim a Voicemail" button. (At the top of my homepage and other pages.) Ask about available puppies, training challenges, or anything LGD-related. I'll send a voicemail reply to you and may feature great questions in future content! Leave a voicemail →
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Beyond the Puppy Parlor
What Your Livestock Guardian Dog Needs Next
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