Blogs - Table of Contents
(updated 5/20/2021)
New To LGDs – How Does It Work???
Online Training Course & LGD Training Manual
https://www.bensonmaremmas.com/post/online-training-course-lgd-training-manual
Tell Me About Maremmas
https://www.bensonmaremmas.com/post/tell-me-about-maremmas
Biddability & LGDs
https://www.bensonmaremmas.com/post/biddability-lgds
One Dog Or Two – This Breeder’s Opinion
https://www.bensonmaremmas.com/post/one-dog-or-two-this-breeder-s-opinion
Everything Right
https://www.bensonmaremmas.com/post/everything-right
No Illusions
https://www.bensonmaremmas.com/post/no-illusions
A Language All Their Own
https://www.bensonmaremmas.com/post/a-language-all-their-own
Why LGDs Bark & How To Manage This
https://www.bensonmaremmas.com/post/why-lgds-bark-how-to-manage-this
Using An Older LGD To Train The New Puppy – My Thoughts On This
https://www.bensonmaremmas.com/post/using-an-older-lgd-to-train-the-new-puppy-my-thoughts-on-this
Follow Available Litters
Age of Placement
https://www.bensonmaremmas.com/post/age-of-placement
How We Train Our Pups – The “Follow Blush’s Litter” Series
Follow Blush’s 2019 Litter – Birth to Four Weeks:
https://www.bensonmaremmas.com/post/follow-blush-s-2019-litter-birth-to-four-weeks
Follow Blush's Litter (2)- Move to Field 1 - 5 Wks
https://www.bensonmaremmas.com/post/follow-blush-s-litter-2-move-to-field-1-5-wks-6-13-19
Follow Blush’s Litter (3)– Move to Field 2 – 8 Wks
https://www.bensonmaremmas.com/post/follow-blush-s-litter-3-move-to-field-2-8-wks-7-9-19
Follow Blush’s Litter (4) – Novel Stimulus Tunnel– 10 Wks
https://www.bensonmaremmas.com/post/follow-blush-s-litter-4-novel-stimulus-tunnel-10-wks-7-16-19
Follow Blush’s Litter (5) – Unplanned Adventure – 10 Wks
https://www.bensonmaremmas.com/post/follow-blush-s-litter-5-unplanned-adventure-10-wks-7-15-19
Follow Blush’s Litter (6) – Creek Transition – 10 Wks
https://www.bensonmaremmas.com/post/follow-blush-s-litter-6-creek-transition-10-wks-7-16-19
Follow Blush’s Litter (7) – Novel Stimulus/Movement – 10 Wks
https://www.bensonmaremmas.com/post/follow-blush-s-litter-7-novel-stimulus-movement-10-wks-7-17-19
Follow Blush’s Litter (8) – Creek with Sheep – 10 wks
https://www.bensonmaremmas.com/post/follow-blush-s-litter-8-creek-with-sheep-10-wks-7-17-19
Follow Blush’s Litter (9) – Ramps – 10 wks:
https://www.bensonmaremmas.com/post/follow-blush-s-litter-9-ramps-10-wks-7-20-19
Follow Blush’s Litter (10) –Barrier Challenges – 10 Wks
https://www.bensonmaremmas.com/post/follow-blush-s-litter-10-barrier-challenges-10-wks-7-20-19
Follow Blush’s Litter (11) – On Leash – 10 Wks
https://www.bensonmaremmas.com/post/follow-blush-s-litter-11-on-leash-10-wks-7-22-19
Follow Blush’s Litter (12) – Ramps & Grooming Table – 10 Wks
https://www.bensonmaremmas.com/post/follow-blush-s-litter-12-ramps-grooming-table-10-wks-7-22-19
Follow Blush’s Litter (13) – New Field – 11 Wks
https://www.bensonmaremmas.com/post/follow-blush-s-litter-13-new-field-11-wks-7-28-19
Follow Blush’s Litter (14) – Food Exchange – 12 Wks
https://www.bensonmaremmas.com/post/follow-blush-s-litter-14-food-exchange-12-wks-7-31-19
Follow Blush’s Litter (15) – Grooming During a Fear Period – 12 Wks
Follow Blush’s Litter (16) – Training During a Fear Period – 13 Wks
Follow Blush’s Litter (17) – Pool Party! – 13 Wks
https://www.bensonmaremmas.com/post/follow-blush-s-litter-17-pool-party-13-wks-8-11-19
Follow Blush’s Litter (18) – Big Field Transition – 13 Wks
https://www.bensonmaremmas.com/post/follow-blush-s-litter-18-big-field-transition-13-wks-8-11-19
Follow Blush’s Litter (19) – Leash Work & Car Rides – 14-15 Wks
https://www.bensonmaremmas.com/post/follow-blush-s-litter-19-leash-work-car-rides-14-15-wks
Follow Blush’s Litter (20) – Overnight In The Big Field – 15 Wks
https://www.bensonmaremmas.com/post/follow-blush-s-litter-20-overnight-in-the-big-field-15-wks
Follow Blush’s Litter (21) – Guarding Cows – 16 wks
https://www.bensonmaremmas.com/post/follow-blush-s-litter-21-guarding-cows-16-wks
Follow Blush’s Litter (22) – Learning About Chickens – 16 wks
https://www.bensonmaremmas.com/post/follow-blush-s-litter-22-learning-about-chickens-16-wks
Follow Blush’s Litter - It’s a Wrap – The PennHIP Scores Are In!
https://www.bensonmaremmas.com/post/follow-blush-s-litter-it-s-a-wrap-the-pennhip-scores-are-in-17-wks
Husbandry
Toenail Trimming – How To Go About It and Why It Matters -The Grooming Series
https://www.bensonmaremmas.com/post/toenail-trimming-how-to-go-about-it-and-why-it-matters-the-grooming-series
The Grooming Series - Maintaining Maremmas with a Plan - ***Read This One First ***
https://www.bensonmaremmas.com/post/the-grooming-series-maintaining-maremmas-with-a-plan-read-this-one-first
Criteria For a Perfect Grooming Area - The Grooming Series
https://www.bensonmaremmas.com/post/criteria-for-a-perfect-grooming-area-the-grooming-series
My Favorite Grooming Tools and How I Use Them - The Grooming Series
https://www.bensonmaremmas.com/post/my-favorite-grooming-tools-and-how-i-use-them-the-grooming-series
Clippers - Selection and Tips For Using Them - The Grooming Series
https://www.bensonmaremmas.com/post/clippers-selection-and-tips-for-using-them-the-grooming-series
The Secret to My Grooming Success - This Magic Blower - The Grooming Series
https://www.bensonmaremmas.com/post/the-secret-to-my-grooming-success-this-magic-blower-the-grooming-series
Partial Late Winter "Triage" Clipping - The Grooming Series
https://www.bensonmaremmas.com/post/partial-late-winter-triage-clipping-the-grooming-series
Benson Maremmas - How to Wash a Dog in the Field
https://www.bensonmaremmas.com/post/how-to-wash-a-dog-in-the-field-the-grooming-series
Fencing Options & Considerations for Maremmas
https://www.bensonmaremmas.com/post/fencing-options-considerations-for-maremmas
Compassionate Use of Electric Fencing For Maremmas
https://www.bensonmaremmas.com/post/compassionate-use-of-electric-fencing-for-maremmas
Diet and Feeding Protocol
https://www.bensonmaremmas.com/post/diet-and-feeding-protocol
Toys & Bones & LGDs
https://www.bensonmaremmas.com/post/toys-bones-lgds
A Sleeping Place For The Dogs – Think “Duplex”!
https://www.bensonmaremmas.com/post/a-sleeping-place-for-the-dogs-think-duplex-3
Maremma Mansion
https://www.bensonmaremmas.com/post/maremma-mansion
When To Spay and Neuter Our Pups
https://www.bensonmaremmas.com/post/when-to-spay-or-neuter
Our Maremmas At Work
Young Maremma shows Bravery:
https://www.bensonmaremmas.com/post/young-maremma-shows-bravery
For New Owners Of Our Pups
Renzo and Kathy - A New Pup's First Days With His Owner:
https://www.bensonmaremmas.com/post/renzo-and-kathy-flynn
Manding -What It Is:
https://www.bensonmaremmas.com/post/manding-part-1
The First Minutes, Hours, and Days With Your New Pups
https://www.bensonmaremmas.com/post/the-first-minutes-hours-and-days-with-your-new-pups-1
Perfect First Housing For Your New Pups
https://www.bensonmaremmas.com/post/perfect-first-housing-for-your-new-pups-2
Livestock Selection For Your New Pup
https://www.bensonmaremmas.com/post/livestock-selection-for-your-new-pups-4
Introduction To The Established LGD & Household Pets
https://www.bensonmaremmas.com/post/introduction-to-the-established-lgd-household-pets
Introducing Puppies To New Livestock
https://www.bensonmaremmas.com/post/introducing-puppies-to-new-livestock
In Consideration Of Theft
https://www.bensonmaremmas.com/post/in-consideration-of-theft-5
Transitions – Managing Barking
https://www.bensonmaremmas.com/post/transitions-managing-barking
Gate Protocol – Step By Step
https://www.bensonmaremmas.com/post/gate-protocol-step-by-step
Gate Manners & Using Our Harness
https://www.bensonmaremmas.com/post/gate-manners-using-our-harness
Positive reinforcement Training – What It Is & Why It Matters
https://www.bensonmaremmas.com/post/positive-reinforcement-training-what-it-is-why-it-matters
The Difference Between a Command and a Cue
https://www.bensonmaremmas.com/post/the-difference-between-a-command-and-a-cue
Why Clicking and Correction Doesn’t Work
Using a Clicker To Teach Confidence
https://www.bensonmaremmas.com/post/using-a-clicker-to-teach-confidence
Why Can’t I Just Say “No”?
https://www.bensonmaremmas.com/post/why-can-t-i-just-say-no
A Typical Day of Training for an Incredible Maremma Owner
https://www.bensonmaremmas.com/post/a-typical-day-of-training-for-an-incredible-maremma-owner
Leash Work – How It Differs From Companion Dogs
https://www.bensonmaremmas.com/post/leash-work-for-lgds-how-it-differs-from-companion-dogs
Not “Sit”
https://www.bensonmaremmas.com/post/not-sit
Training To Prevent Resource Guarding
https://www.bensonmaremmas.com/post/training-to-prevent-resource-guarding
Thinking of Hiring a Trainer For New Pups from Me? Oh, Please No!
https://www.bensonmaremmas.com/post/thinking-of-hiring-a-trainer-for-new-pups-from-me-oh-please-no
Training - Foundation
Online Training Course & LGD Training Manual
https://www.bensonmaremmas.com/post/online-training-course-lgd-training-manual
Treat Selection & Preparation
https://www.bensonmaremmas.com/post/treat-selection-preparation
Training is about creating behavior – not stopping it
https://www.bensonmaremmas.com/post/training-is-about-creating-behavior-not-stopping-it
Meadow Meets the Goats - **Cues**
https://www.bensonmaremmas.com/post/meadow-meets-the-goats-cues
Introducing Meadow and Benson to Sheep and Baby Lambs Using a Safety Line - **Cues**
https://www.bensonmaremmas.com/post/introducing-meadow-and-benson-to-sheep-and-baby-lambs-using-a-safety-line-cues
Vinny Meets the Goats - Safety Line & Shaping
https://www.bensonmaremmas.com/post/vinny-meets-the-goats-safety-line-shaping
Teaching a Maremma to come when called - recall
https://www.bensonmaremmas.com/post/teaching-a-maremma-to-come-when-called-recall
Why LGDs Bark & How To Manage This
https://www.bensonmaremmas.com/post/why-lgds-bark-how-to-manage-this
Positive reinforcement Training – What It Is & Why It Matters
https://www.bensonmaremmas.com/post/positive-reinforcement-training-what-it-is-why-it-matters
The Difference Between a Command and a Cue
https://www.bensonmaremmas.com/post/the-difference-between-a-command-and-a-cue
Why Clicking and Correction Doesn’t Work
https://www.bensonmaremmas.com/post/why-clicking-and-correction-used-together-doesn-t-work-the-poisoned-cue
Using a Clicker To Teach Confidence
https://www.bensonmaremmas.com/post/using-a-clicker-to-teach-confidence
Why Can’t I Just Say “No”?
https://www.bensonmaremmas.com/post/why-can-t-i-just-say-no
Why Saying “Ah!” Didn’t Work
https://www.bensonmaremmas.com/post/why-ah-didn-t-work
Teaching an Incompatible Behavior
https://www.bensonmaremmas.com/post/teaching-an-incompatible-behavior
Interrupting Chase Behavior – Old Style and New
https://www.bensonmaremmas.com/post/interrupting-chase-behavior-old-style-training-and-new
Teaching Touch and Look
https://www.bensonmaremmas.com/post/how-to-teach-touch-look
How To Train and Reward Two Dogs at the Same Time
https://www.bensonmaremmas.com/post/how-to-train-and-reward-two-dogs-at-the-same-time
Why LGDs Bark & How To Manage This
https://www.bensonmaremmas.com/post/why-lgds-bark-how-to-manage-this
Training – Puppies
Clicker Train A Litter – Yes!!!!:
https://www.bensonmaremmas.com/post/clicker-train-a-litter-yes
Clicker Training a Litter – What The Pups Learn:
https://www.bensonmaremmas.com/post/clicker-training-a-litter-what-the-pups-learn
Manding -What It Is:
https://www.bensonmaremmas.com/post/manding-part-1
Manding - Why Teach It?:
https://www.bensonmaremmas.com/post/manding-why-teach-it
Manding – How To Teach It To a Litter of Puppies:
https://www.bensonmaremmas.com/post/manding-how-to-teach-it-to-a-litter-of-puppies
First Clicker Session For This Litter – At 7 Weeks
https://www.bensonmaremmas.com/post/follow-sara-s-litter-1st-clicker-session-7-wks
Manding – 7 Weeks Of Age
https://www.bensonmaremmas.com/post/follow-sara-s-litter-2-manding-7-wks
Manding With Krysta – 7 ½ Weeks Of Age
https://www.bensonmaremmas.com/post/follow-sara-s-litter-3-manding-with-krysta-7-1-2-wks
Barrier Challenge & Novel Stimulus – 8 Weeks Of Age
https://www.bensonmaremmas.com/post/follow-sara-s-litter-4-barrier-challenge-novel-stimulus-8-wks
Tunnel & Grooming Table – 9-10 Weeks Of Age
https://www.bensonmaremmas.com/post/follow-sara-s-litter-5-tunnel-grooming-table-9-10-wks
Leash Work & Chicken Cook Visit – 9-10 Weeks Of Age
https://www.bensonmaremmas.com/post/follow-sara-s-litter-6-leash-work-chicken-coop-9-10-wks
Big Field Transition – 12 Weeks Of Age
https://www.bensonmaremmas.com/post/follow-sara-s-litter-7-big-field-transition-12-wks
Guarding Cows – 16 Weeks Of Age
https://www.bensonmaremmas.com/post/follow-sara-s-litter-8-guarding-cows-16-wks
…For Science Geeks Like Me
Biddability & LGDs
https://www.bensonmaremmas.com/post/biddability-lgds
Genetics and Temperament – How Big Is Your World?
https://www.bensonmaremmas.com/post/genetics-and-temperament-how-big-is-your-world
Resilience & Coping Skills – What You Can Do To Support Your Dog
https://www.bensonmaremmas.com/post/resilience-coping-skills-what-you-can-do-to-support-your-dog
Novel Stimulus & Pavlov’s Dog
https://www.bensonmaremmas.com/post/novel-stimulus-pavlov-s-dog
The Magic Window of Time
https://www.bensonmaremmas.com/post/the-magic-window-of-time
Adolescence – The SECOND Opportunity To Influence A Dog’s Life In A Big Way
https://www.bensonmaremmas.com/post/adolescence-the-second-opportunity-to-influence-a-dog-s-life-in-a-big-way
Training as if the Dogs Have a Choice – They Do!
https://www.bensonmaremmas.com/post/training-as-if-the-dogs-have-a-choice-they-do
Aren’t Treats Just Bribery?? No! Read On….:
https://www.bensonmaremmas.com/post/aren-t-treats-just-bribery-no-read-on
The Training Triangle – This Time Training Six Month Old Pups With Chickens
Not “Sit”
https://www.bensonmaremmas.com/post/not-sit
Littermate Syndrome: What It means and Is It a Concern?
https://www.bensonmaremmas.com/post/littermate-syndrome-what-it-means-and-is-it-a-concern
Personal Stories
The Guardians of Benson Ranch:
https://www.bensonmaremmas.com/post/the-guardians-of-benson-ranch
Thirty Three Maremmas – Bliss!:
https://www.bensonmaremmas.com/post/thirty-three-maremmas-bliss
It Takes a Village To Raise….Puppies!:
https://www.bensonmaremmas.com/post/it-takes-a-village-to-raise-puppies
Rosie Goes To The Vet
https://www.bensonmaremmas.com/post/rosie-goes-to-the-vet
Thirty One Puppies – All Three Litters
https://www.bensonmaremmas.com/post/31-puppies-all-three-litters
Puppy Socialization – A Family Affair
https://www.bensonmaremmas.com/post/puppy-socialization-a-family-affair
2019 Sarika x Milan Litter
Follow Sarika’s Litter (1)
https://www.bensonmaremmas.com/post/follow-sarika-s-litter-1
Follow Sarika’s Litter – The Great Outdoors! (2)
https://www.bensonmaremmas.com/post/follow-sarika-s-litter-2-the-great-outdoors
Follow Sarika’s Litter (3) – Visiting With Gracie – 3-5 Wks
https://www.bensonmaremmas.com/post/follow-sarika-s-litter-3-visiting-with-gracie-3-5-wks
Follow Sarika’s Litter (4) – Sheep!!!
https://www.bensonmaremmas.com/post/follow-sarika-s-litter-4-sheep
Follow Sarika’s Litter (5) – The Creek Transition
https://www.bensonmaremmas.com/post/follow-sarika-s-litter-4-the-creek-transition
Follow Sarika’s Litter (6) – Novel Stimulus & The Creek
https://www.bensonmaremmas.com/post/follow-sarika-s-litter-6-novel-stimulus-the-creek
Photos & Videos – The Sarika’s Litter – 3-4 Months Old
https://www.bensonmaremmas.com/post/photos-video-the-sarika-2019-litter-4-5-months-old
2019 Cameo x Milan Litter
Follow Cameo’s Litter (1)
https://www.bensonmaremmas.com/post/follow-cameo-s-litter-1
Photos & Videos – The Cameo Litter 3-4 Months Old
https://www.bensonmaremmas.com/post/photos-videos-the-cameo-2019-litter-3-4-months-old
The Cameo x Milan 11/17/20 Litter
https://www.bensonmaremmas.com/post/available-started-adolescent-dogs
Learn About Our Past Litters -2019 Blush x Centurion Litter
Follow The Blush x Centurion Litter (1)
https://www.bensonmaremmas.com/post/follow-the-blush-x-centurion-2019-litter-1
Photos & Videos – The Blush x Centurion Litter – 3-4 Months Old
https://www.bensonmaremmas.com/post/photos-videos-the-blush-x-centurion-2019-litter-3-4-months-old
2019 Blush x Centurion Litter
Follow The Blush x Centurion Litter (1)
https://www.bensonmaremmas.com/post/follow-the-blush-x-centurion-2019-litter-1
Photos & Videos – The Blush x Centurion Litter – 3-4 Months Old
https://www.bensonmaremmas.com/post/photos-videos-the-blush-x-centurion-2019-litter-3-4-months-old
2021 Sarika x Milan Litter
2021 Sarika x Milan Litter - 5 wks - Clicker Training Begins!
https://www.bensonmaremmas.com/post/2021-sarika-x-milan-litter-5-wks-clicker-training-begins
2021 Sarika x Milan Litter - 6 wks
https://www.bensonmaremmas.com/post/2021-sarika-x-milan-litter-6-wks
2021 Sarika x Milan Litter - 7 wks
https://www.bensonmaremmas.com/post/2021-sarika-x-milan-litter-7-wks
2021 Sarika x Milan Litter - 8 wks - With Sheep!
https://www.bensonmaremmas.com/post/2021-sarika--x-milan-litter-8-wks-with-sheep
2021 Sarika x Milan Litter - 8 wks - Creek Introduction
https://www.bensonmaremmas.com/post/2021-sarika-x-milan-litter-8-wks-creek-introduction
2021 Sarika x Milan Litter - 8 wks - Introduction to Mentors
https://www.bensonmaremmas.com/post/2021-sarika-x-milan-litter-8-wks-introduction-to-mentors
2021 Sarika x Milan Litter - 8 wks - Meet the Baby Goats - Need Plan B!
https://www.bensonmaremmas.com/post/2021-sarika-x-milan-litter-8-wks-meet-the-baby-goats-need-plan-b
2021 Sarika x Milan Litter - 9 wks - Big Field Transition
https://www.bensonmaremmas.com/post/2021-sarika-x-milan-litter-9-wks-big-field-transition
2021 Sarika x Milan Litter - 10 wks - The Plan B Goat Introduction
https://www.bensonmaremmas.com/post/2021-sarika-x-milan-litter-10-wks-the-plan-b-goat-introduction
2021 Sarika x Milan Litter - 11 wks - The Creek Lane Pasture
https://www.bensonmaremmas.com/post/2021-sarika-x-milan-litter-11-wks-the-creek-lane-pasture
Maremma News
Upcoming Webinar with Karen Pryor Clicker Training & Benson Maremmas
https://www.bensonmaremmas.com/post/upcoming-webinar-with-karen-pryor-clicker-training-benson-maremmas
International LGD Broadcast Featuring Benson Maremmas and Cindy Benson
https://www.bensonmaremmas.com/post/international-lgd-broadcast-featuring-benson-maremmas-and-cindy-benson
Online Dog Training Course & LGD Training Manual
https://www.bensonmaremmas.com/post/online-training-course-lgd-training-manual
KPA & the LGD Training Manual - Q/A
Strategies for Using Food Reinforcement with LGDs
https://www.bensonmaremmas.com/post/strategies-for-using-food-reinforcement-with-lgds
My Training Manual as Interactive
https://www.bensonmaremmas.com/post/my-training-manual-as-interactive