Adnil444 Posted July 17, 2014 Share Posted July 17, 2014 Hi everyone, I work with a lovely lady who has just paid a deposit on a Maremma puppy - she believes the breeder is a registered breeder but not sure?? The family has 2 primary school children. They recently had their 14 yr old much loved Samoyed pts due to illness. They live on 1 acre and their property is fully fenced. They have regular visitors especially other children coming over to play. Her husband is the one that is pushing for a Maremma. Both parents work (nearly full-time) so the puppy/dog will spend 7-8 hrs alone. They are not committed owners to do regular training apart from puppy school - they seem to think that puppy school is the be all and end all. I tried to explain that's like sending your child to kindergarten but not following up with sending the child to school. I advised her to do lots of research before getting this puppy. I said that I would rather lose my deposit than purchase the wrong breed for my situation. I am certainly no expert, but I would not get a livestock guardian breed as a family pet, especially as they have so many visitors to their home and from what I have read about Maremmas, this may not be a good mix. I suggested another Samoyed or a Golden Retriever (they like coated dogs and are happy to groom). But the real concern is they may not be committed owners to train and socialise properly (however, this may change - hopefully). Are there Maremma owners out there that can give some pros and cons of owning a Maremma and if you believe this breed would be ok in this situation? Thanks :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
persephone Posted July 17, 2014 Share Posted July 17, 2014 Not experienced - but this doesn't sound a match made in heaven - Someone with much more experience will be along to help you :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lasareina Posted July 17, 2014 Share Posted July 17, 2014 not much experience in the breed, but I have pet sit one before. He was a lovely dog, but I was getting nearly a shopping bag's worth of hair from him when brushing him each day lol... that might make them think twice if they are not going to be all that dedicated to grooming etc. :laugh: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BC Crazy Posted July 17, 2014 Share Posted July 17, 2014 I have no experience with the breed either but from what I have read they are breed as guarders of live stock. Like to roam & are pretty strong willed. Not for the inexperienced. With both adults working almost full time,& only 1 acre of ground, not so sure. They are a gorgeous looking dog. There are breeders on Dol . I know Clyde has them. Hopefully someone in the know will be able to assist you :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve Posted July 18, 2014 Share Posted July 18, 2014 Maremma make great pets in the right home. The fact they have lots of people coming and going isn't an issue but they need to be aware that the dog will need to be part of the family so their job is guarding the family as it would a flock of sheep - being alone for long hours isnt an issue either .it will work out very quickly what is and isnt normal and fit in and adjust without a problem. Biggest issue is the dog will bark at anything it sees as not normal and in suburbia this can be an issue - car doors slamming, passers by etc - because thats how they work. I have placed many in pet homes including with autistic kids and the elderly but thats where the dog is by the owners side all day every day . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve Posted July 18, 2014 Share Posted July 18, 2014 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve Posted July 18, 2014 Share Posted July 18, 2014 (edited) This is my web site - all you need to know about Maremma as Pets My link And Working Maremma - My link Edited July 18, 2014 by Steve Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dame Aussie Posted July 18, 2014 Share Posted July 18, 2014 What Steve said, my boy is half Maremma and the barking is the biggest issue. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Little Gifts Posted July 18, 2014 Share Posted July 18, 2014 A couple of years back I stayed at my sister's farm for a month. She had a house yard maremma and another that stayed with the goats. So even though I was there day in, day out, every time I left that yard and was by myself that dog would bail me up like I was an intruder when I tried to return. She took her job of protecting my sister, who was often there by herself, very seriously. Her bark was quite soft but it was persistent. So if the kids of have lots of friends coming and going the bail ups and barking could be problematic. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
teekay Posted July 18, 2014 Share Posted July 18, 2014 Maremma make great pets in the right home. The fact they have lots of people coming and going isn't an issue but they need to be aware that the dog will need to be part of the family so their job is guarding the family as it would a flock of sheep - being alone for long hours isnt an issue either .it will work out very quickly what is and isnt normal and fit in and adjust without a problem. Biggest issue is the dog will bark at anything it sees as not normal and in suburbia this can be an issue - car doors slamming, passers by etc - because thats how they work. I have placed many in pet homes including with autistic kids and the elderly but thats where the dog is by the owners side all day every day . Not exactly by his side Steve Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve Posted July 18, 2014 Share Posted July 18, 2014 (edited) A couple of years back I stayed at my sister's farm for a month. She had a house yard maremma and another that stayed with the goats. So even though I was there day in, day out, every time I left that yard and was by myself that dog would bail me up like I was an intruder when I tried to return. She took her job of protecting my sister, who was often there by herself, very seriously. Her bark was quite soft but it was persistent. So if the kids of have lots of friends coming and going the bail ups and barking could be problematic. Ive got kids and people coming and going all the time and they bark to let me know Ive got a visitor but as long as they know them or their car etc its not bailing them up. Mine know that normally if I like you I will let you onto my front porch once you are on the porch with me their isnt a sound. Its about what they are used to - your sister's dog clearly wasnt used to people coming and going but if its normal from day one the dog sees it as normal. Edited July 18, 2014 by Steve Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve Posted July 18, 2014 Share Posted July 18, 2014 Maremma make great pets in the right home. The fact they have lots of people coming and going isn't an issue but they need to be aware that the dog will need to be part of the family so their job is guarding the family as it would a flock of sheep - being alone for long hours isnt an issue either .it will work out very quickly what is and isnt normal and fit in and adjust without a problem. Biggest issue is the dog will bark at anything it sees as not normal and in suburbia this can be an issue - car doors slamming, passers by etc - because thats how they work. I have placed many in pet homes including with autistic kids and the elderly but thats where the dog is by the owners side all day every day . Not exactly by his side Steve Yeah - we have one thats all over my hubby like this - sometimes I wonder if he is wearing it never me though because they know I dont like it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dogsfevr Posted July 18, 2014 Share Posted July 18, 2014 Boarded alot over the years varying from the burbs to acres not one worked but all family pets that where wonderful dogs ,very well adjusted . Very few have prior experience or did alot of training & they all worked .No issues with barking . I certainly am not saying everyone should own one but these people had good canine citizens . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VizslaMomma Posted July 18, 2014 Share Posted July 18, 2014 SIL has Mareemas. Has had all of them since they were puppies. Their boundaries are defined and they know their roles. Took a lot of time, work. After the unexpected death of her husband, Mareemas were just what she wanted. Even the alpha male will 'tolerate' visitors he has knows. The grandchildren have been watched over so carefully by him. No rough & tumble ever. :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adnil444 Posted July 18, 2014 Author Share Posted July 18, 2014 Maremma make great pets in the right home. The fact they have lots of people coming and going isn't an issue but they need to be aware that the dog will need to be part of the family so their job is guarding the family as it would a flock of sheep - being alone for long hours isnt an issue either .it will work out very quickly what is and isnt normal and fit in and adjust without a problem. Biggest issue is the dog will bark at anything it sees as not normal and in suburbia this can be an issue - car doors slamming, passers by etc - because thats how they work. I have placed many in pet homes including with autistic kids and the elderly but thats where the dog is by the owners side all day every day . Thanks Steve, this is exactly the type of info I need. Much appreciated. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adnil444 Posted July 18, 2014 Author Share Posted July 18, 2014 Thanks everyone, it's so good to have a place like DOL to get feedback - the good, the bad and the ugly - lol. Much appreciated. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Little Gifts Posted July 18, 2014 Share Posted July 18, 2014 A couple of years back I stayed at my sister's farm for a month. She had a house yard maremma and another that stayed with the goats. So even though I was there day in, day out, every time I left that yard and was by myself that dog would bail me up like I was an intruder when I tried to return. She took her job of protecting my sister, who was often there by herself, very seriously. Her bark was quite soft but it was persistent. So if the kids of have lots of friends coming and going the bail ups and barking could be problematic. Ive got kids and people coming and going all the time and they bark to let me know Ive got a visitor but as long as they know them or their car etc its not bailing them up. Mine know that normally if I like you I will let you onto my front porch once you are on the porch with me their isnt a sound. Its about what they are used to - your sister's dog clearly wasnt used to people coming and going but if its normal from day one the dog sees it as normal. That's true Steve - my sister could be the only one on the farm for days. The dogs would've been used to her kids and grandkids given the frequency of their visits but it was the first time she had ever set eyes on me. The dog was fine if my sister was with me. Sorry if I gave the wrong impression of the breed - like most dogs it still comes down to what each dog is trained to do or accustomed to. For instance one maremma was a yard dog used to focussing on the safety of one person and the house while the other stayed with the goats because that is what they were being kept for. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
espinay2 Posted July 18, 2014 Share Posted July 18, 2014 I would add a couple of things to the good info Steve gave (from the point of view of another LGD owner, though not Maremma. I do see quite a few maremma in my training classes). LGD can make good pets in the right home for the right owners. But some important things needs to be kept in mind. a. They are independinet breeds so don't expect them to act like Golden Retrievers! They don't come when called or jump at performing commands and are not generally trustworthy off a lead outside of a fenced area. Think of them as being like owning a large cat. b. They bark. Sometimes a LOT. It is how they warn predators that they are on duty. It can be controlled most of the time, but generally this involves bringing the dog IN where the family is. Problems with neighbours over barking are not uncommon for LGD owners. c. Shyness and fear related issues can be a problem. Particularly in many maremma that come from less than desirable sources (I have seen many temperamentally 'unsound' maremma from 'farmer joe' type breeders who consider a dog that is shy and fearful to be displaying 'good guardian behaviour' - nothing could be further from the truth). It pays very much to go to a good breeder who understands correct sound temperament of a livestock guardian. d. ongoing socialisation is important for a pet LGD. The first 2 years in particular are crucial. Puppy class will not be enough, unless they are experienced and dedicated enough to get their dog out and about regularly. e. As steve mentioned, in the absence of any other livestock, the family is the flock. An LGD needs to be WITH its flock. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
casowner Posted July 18, 2014 Share Posted July 18, 2014 One of my employees just gt a 4 1/2 month old pup, she went to the shop for milk and came back with a puppy. Her Irish Wolfhound & Chinese Crested were recently put down from old age and they had never been without a dog in 30 years, she came across the people with the pup who realised they had made a poor choice. She is in the suburbs and owns over 20 cats, he is an excavator and barker already :laugh: Not what I would call the most suitable LGD home but she is 100% committed, she adores my Wolff (white floofy CASD) and a lot of our residential customers have Maremma's. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mixeduppup Posted July 18, 2014 Share Posted July 18, 2014 I own a pet maremma and socialising him intensely with everything I wanted him to be ok with for the rest of his life was the most important bit. I got him used to being walked, being introduced to strangers, adjusting to different people and dogs. His barking is the biggest issue and is easily controlled by bringing him in or putting him away for the night. They are fabulous dogs but aren't for everyone and in the wrong hands I've seen it go very very badly so the home is the key to a good maremma. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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