Should You Get a Maremma Sheepdog?

Quiz Questions

• 1.
   How large is your property? Do you live in a rural or suburban area?

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  • A.
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    Rural. Over 20 acres.
  • B.
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    Rural. 10-20 acres.
  • C.
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    Rural. 1-5 acres..
  • D.
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    I live in a suburban neighborhood with a small yard.
• 2.
  What type of livestock do you own or plan to have? Choose all that apply.

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  • A.
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    Poultry (chickens, ducks, etc.)
  • B.
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    Sheep, goats or other small stock.
  • C.
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    Horses, cattle, or other large livestock.
  • D.
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    No livestock. I am interested in owning a companion Maremma.
• 3.
   How prevalent are predators in your area? Check all that apply.

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  • A.
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    Rarely encountered.
  • B.
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    Occasional sightings.
  • C.
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    I have lost livestock to predators.
• 4.
  What types of predators do you have in your area? Check all that apply.

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  • A.
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    Small predators. (raccoons, possums, skunks, cats)
  • B.
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    Foxes, Coyotes.
  • C.
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    Bobcats, Mountain Lions, Bears.
  • D.
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    Roaming dogs.
  • E.
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    Human predators. (thieves)
• 5.
  Do you have companion dogs or visiting dogs? If so, what role do you envision the Maremma having with those dogs? Check all that apply.

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  • A.
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    I do not have any companion dogs or any visiting dogs.
  • B.
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    I own companion dogs or visiting dogs, but my Maremma will not interact with them.
  • C.
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    I have companion dogs or frequent visiting dogs who will interact with my Maremma.
• 6.
  What is your experience level with Maremmas or other Livestock Guardian Dogs? Check all that apply.

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  • A.
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    I currently own one or more Maremma or other LGDs.
  • B.
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    I have owned a Maremma or other LGD in the past.
  • C.
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    I have never owned any LGDs but have spent time with them.
  • D.
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    I have never met an LGD in person but have done research on them.
  • E.
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    I know absolutely nothing about Maremmas or any other LGDs but I'm excited to learn about them!
• 7.
  How do you envision the role of a Maremma in your life? 

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  • A.
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    I would like the Maremma to be a working Livestock Guardian Dog primarily focused on protecting livestock and not a pet.
  • B.
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    I would like the Maremma to be more of an all-around farm dog and to interact regularly with family members. The dog will live outside with livestock full-time.
  • C.
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    Besides its guarding duties, I want the Maremma to interact regularly with family members and be considered part of our household. The dog will have house privileges.
  • D.
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    I want the Maremma to be a loyal family or personal companion. It will not have any livestock-guarding responsibilities.
• 8.
  How much time can you dedicate to training and socializing a Maremma?

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  • A.
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    I'm dedicated to investing the necessary time and effort. I understand the importance of consistent training and socialization.
  • B.
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    I'm willing to put in some effort but prefer a dog that is easier to train.
  • C.
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    I prefer a dog that is already highly trained when I get it and doesn't require extensive effort on my part.
• 9.
  Will a dog that may bark frequently to ward off predators be a problem for you or your neighbors?

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  • A.
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    Not at all. I understand the purpose of barking, and it will not be a problem for me or my neighbors.
  • B.
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    I understand LGDs bark as part of their job but limited barking is preferred.
  • C.
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    Too much barking will definitely be a problem. It could get me in trouble with the neighbors.
• 10.
  How do you feel about big, hairy dogs?

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  • A.
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    I love big, fluffy dogs! I'll manage shedding and grooming, no problem.
  • B.
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    I'm okay with some shedding and grooming, as long as it’s not too much.
  • C.
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    I prefer a dog with minimal shedding and grooming needs.
• 11.
  Do you have children or frequently have children visiting? Check all that apply.

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  • A.
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    I have young children (under 12) of my own.
  • B.
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    I occasionally have children visitors.
  • C.
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    No, I don't have children or have them over often.
• 12.
   How important is it for you to have a dog that gets along well with strangers and visitors?

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  • A.
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    Very important. I expect my dog to be naturally friendly with visitors.
  • B.
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    I want a friendly and social dog and am willing to socialize my puppy regularly to help it be comfortable with visitors.
  • C.
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    Moderately important. Some reserve with new people is okay. If my dog is uncomfortable with visitors, I will give it the space it needs to feel comfortable.
  • D.
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    Not important. I prefer a more reserved or wary dog and don’t plan to have my Maremma interact with casual visitors.
• 13.
  How would you handle a challenging behavior in your Maremma Sheepdog? Choose all that apply.

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  • A.
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    Set up the situation so the dog can succeed. Choose livestock that is appropriate to the puppy's developmental needs. (No flighty stock, poultry, etc for a young dog.)
  • B.
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    Patiently work on training using positive training methods such as clicker training, lots of praise for correct behavior and reward based training.
  • C.
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    Use a balanced training method and tools such as e-collars and dangle sticks to discourage unwanted behavior.
  • D.
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    Seek guidance and advice from my breeder.
  • E.
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    Seek guidance from a professional trainer.
  • F.
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    Go to social media such as Facebook groups for advice.

Quiz Outcomes

• 1.
  Congratulations! A Maremma Sheepdog is the perfect dog for you!

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  Congratulations! You have what it takes to succeeed with a Maremma Sheepdog.Your quiz responses show you understand these dogs' needs and have the right environment for them to thrive.But here's what even perfect situations can't guarantee: choosing the right dog from the right breeder.30% of livestock guardian dogs fail - not because their owners weren't prepared, but because crucial details were overlooked during selection.Success requires more than the right setup - it requires the right guidance.Over the next few days, you'll discover what separates livestock guardian dog success stories from expensive mistakes.Want to discuss this further? Book a free Maremma discovery call and get answers to all your questions.
• 2.
  Congratulations! A Maremma is probably a great choice for you!

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  You're on the right track for Maremma success.Your quiz results show you have most of what's needed, and with proper guidance, a Maremma could be perfect for your situation.But "probably" isn't enough when investing money and many years into a livestock guardian.The difference between "probably" and "definitely" comes down to knowledge - knowing what questions to ask and how to set your dog up for success.Let's turn your good result into guaranteed success.Over the next few days, you'll learn the insider secrets that predict livestock guardian dog success.Prefer to get your questions answered by phone? Book a free Maremma discovery call today!
• 3.
  A Maremma Might Work for You - Let's Explore Further

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  Don't give up on your dream of owning a Maremma yet.Your quiz suggests some challenges, but many "impossible" situations can work with the right approach and support.I've seen people with perfect setups fail and challenging situations succeed brilliantly.The difference? Having the right information, realistic expectations, and proper guidance.Before you decide against a Maremma, let's explore what's actually possible.Over the next few days, you'll discover how to turn challenging situations into success stories.Wanna learn more? Book a free discovery call to discuss how you can succeed with a Maremma.