Hi Reader,

After I shared Hudson's story recently, I got different versions of the same question: what actually protects me if my neighbor complains about my dog's barking?

Good question, and one worth having answered before you ever need it.

Here's the short version: right-to-farm laws exist in every state, and they generally protect normal agricultural activity — including a livestock guardian dog doing its job — on properly zoned land. This isn't just for big commercial farms, either. If you've got a few goats and chickens on rural or agricultural-zoned property, you're very likely covered.

That said, "generally covered" isn't the same as "bulletproof," and the specifics vary quite a bit by state and county. I put together a full breakdown of what these laws actually say, plus the exact steps Mary and Dan took when their neighbor situation escalated — including the organization I recommended they reach out to for help, how to write an introduction letter to your neighborhood and when to loop in local authorities. I also explain why you should never punish your dog for barking, even under pressure.

I also want to point you toward the Farm-to-Consumer Legal Defense Fund. It's membership-based, and they have a division specifically for livestock guardian dog issues. If you have any livestock or a livestock guardian dog at all, this is one of those organizations worth joining before you need it, not after.

​Read the full post here →​

A Mystery Thank-You From the Maremmas (and the Goats, Horses, and Donkey)

A box from Chewy showed up on the porch this week, and I didn’t order it.

Inside were two cases of canned dog food and two big bags of horse treats. There was no note and no name. It was just addressed to me.

This isn’t the first time, either. A few times in the past, mystery packages of really nice dog treats have shown up the same way. I’ve never been able to figure out who sent them.

This box had different things in it, so I think it may be a different kind soul. Or maybe it’s the same one switching it up. Either way, I want to say thank you. It really does mean a lot.

Here’s where it’s all going:

• The canned food is something I always keep on hand. I use it to mix in dewormers and medications. My mama dogs get their daily calcium supplement in it after they have puppies. It also makes the best stuffing for the dogs’ Toppls. A whole can goes in, then it gets frozen, and that keeps a Maremma busy for a good long while.
• The horse treats will make my goats, horses, and mini donkey very happy. 😊

Whoever you are, thank you for thinking of my animals. If you ever want to tell me it was you, I’d love to thank you properly. If you’d rather stay a mystery, that’s completely okay too. Just know it was noticed and it’s very appreciated.

With all the very best,

Kim

Dog of the week: Electra Not every adult dog is patient with puppies. Electra is. She'll tell a pushy youngster where the line is, then go right back to being friends. She's 6, has guarded my goats, poultry and horses for years, and she's retiring from breeding. If you'd like an experienced livestock guardian dog to raise your next one, she's my first pick. Bring her home with one of our available Summer 2026 pups for an LGD dream team. ​Meet Electra →​ Meet Electra →

Join Our Free Maremma Community Maremmas Made Easy opens in January: live calls with me, every call recording, and a drama-free place to talk dogs. It's free for all Maremma and LGD owners, and anyone thinking about getting one. Count Me In →

Kim Crawmer, KPA CTP, LFDM Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner Licensed Family Dog Mediator ​Apply for My Maremma​ ​Book a Training Consultation​ ​Book an LGD Readiness Consultation​