Lisa
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The place I live and work is getting a Maremma pup, a male, this weekend. He will (when he is older of course) be in charge of nine horses, three sheep, one goat, four pigs and a bunch of ducks and chickens. He will be living in a small trailer with me and my cat (if it doesn't work out that he is alright with the cat and vice versa he will be in the house, but there are six dogs already in the house-they breed Border Terriers) until he gets old enough to stay in the barn. I love Maremmas, but this is the first one that I will be caring for. I have several questions, and will welcome any advice. I do have to say though, that he will be cuddled and a "puppy", as well as learning to be a Maremma LGD.
1) We are planning on putting him in the barn during the day while I'm out there, to start with. He will be in the heated tack room so he can get used to the barn. I will start introducing him to the animals. What is the best way for him at this stage to start bonding with the animals he will be guarding? He's only just weaned, so is too young to stay by himself yet.
2) What should be our "training plan" as he gets older, since he will be living in the barn and guarding at night?
3) With Maremmas, I've been told they should not bond too much with their people, otherwise they will not bond with the animals. Is this true? How much is too much bonding for us?
4) Do they get house trained the same as other dogs, or because of their independence is there another way to train them?
That's all the questions I can think of just yet. Also, to put everyones mind at ease: The entire 4.5 acre property is fenced!!! That is the first question I asked when they mentioned they were getting a Maremma (I am the person who suggested this breed when they mentioned they were planning on getting a guard dog). Any other advice, please feel free!!!
1) We are planning on putting him in the barn during the day while I'm out there, to start with. He will be in the heated tack room so he can get used to the barn. I will start introducing him to the animals. What is the best way for him at this stage to start bonding with the animals he will be guarding? He's only just weaned, so is too young to stay by himself yet.
2) What should be our "training plan" as he gets older, since he will be living in the barn and guarding at night?
3) With Maremmas, I've been told they should not bond too much with their people, otherwise they will not bond with the animals. Is this true? How much is too much bonding for us?
4) Do they get house trained the same as other dogs, or because of their independence is there another way to train them?
That's all the questions I can think of just yet. Also, to put everyones mind at ease: The entire 4.5 acre property is fenced!!! That is the first question I asked when they mentioned they were getting a Maremma (I am the person who suggested this breed when they mentioned they were planning on getting a guard dog). Any other advice, please feel free!!!