What is the Maremma?
An introduction to the Cane da pastore Maremmano-Abruzzese
What is the Maremma?
To give it its full name, it’s the “Cane da pastore Maremmano-Abruzzese”. The name literally means “dog of the shepherds of Maremma and Abruzzi regions”. These regions are found in Italy. Maremma is in Tuscany, while Abruzzi/Abruzzo is in Lazio.
These are mountainous regions, known for dairy sheep and goats. It is also home to predator animals such as wolves, foxes, eagles, hawks; even wild boar, bears, and cats such as the lynx.
In summer, the sheep and goat herders take their flocks into the mountains, chasing the short-lived but rich browse and grasses. They’re accompanied by their dogs - at least one or two Maremmas.
Each day, the flock drifts around one particular area, followed by the human and animal guards. When the flock stops to eat or for a snooze, the human is on guard, watching for predators - four-legged ones, two-legged ones, and flying ones. They’re also watching for animals that get themselves in trouble; lambs and kids that get stuck in rocks or branches, or lost from mum. Pregnant animals looking for a quiet place to give birth away from the flock. Bullying or trouble in the flock itself.
And particularly, animals that have just given birth and are thus at their most vulnerable. Maremmas will find and stay with the ewe/doe until the human comes and brings them back to the flock.
While this is happening, the Maremmas will be taking it in turns to doze and even have a deep sleep.
Because at night, it’s their turn to guard. As the human gets sleepier and the flock gathers into their night-time group, the Maremmas start patrolling.
They will go around the edges of the flock, barking into the night to tell predators that there is a guard, and it’s big enough to take them on, so KEEP AWAY.
Should a predator come closer, the Maremmas will get noisier. Too close, and the dogs will chase - and kill, if they catch it. But one Maremma will always remain with the flock, while another takes on the predator; that’s why multiple dogs are generally need for larger flocks.
At the end of summer, the well-fed flocks return to their winter holdings, where they’re sheltered against alpine harsh weather.
During this time, the Maremmas will stay with their flocks - predators will still try during the winter - but they will often have access to the human flocks. Some may come inside the house for attention and affection and feeding.
So. Maremmas were developed with a broad and, sometimes, outright contradictory set of instincts and habits. It’s crucial to understand these instincts and tendencies, in order to correct direct, train, and effectively work with a Maremma in any situation - companion or large or small areas, working dogs in large or small areas, or anything in between.
In summary
LGDs are bred to work with their human, as a second-in-command.
The breed started by accompanying the shepherd taking their sheep/goat flocks to alpine feeds during the Italian/French/Swiss summers. They live with the person, watching for threats and sleeping during the day, when the human was awake; and patrolling and protecting at night, when the human slept.
In winter, the flocks are moved to the permanent house, and the dog lives with the family and their flocks.
They are therefore more human-oriented than many realise.
They are enormously affectionate and cuddly to their bonded humans - and also very protective of them, as protective as they are of their bonded livestock.
You don't have to be scared of giving Maremmas affection. It won't affect their ability to protect against threats at all.
You definitely want to socialise the dog/s. Puppy pre-school at the local vet is an excellent idea. You'll need to take them to the vet occasionally, or have the vet out to deal with injury, illness, and to desex them.
You also need to be able to handle them for clipping nails, brushing out the spring moult (they're double-coated), and putting on a leash to evacuate in case of emergencies.
If you have shearing animals that you work with herding dogs, you may need to separate the Maremma while that's happening; it's likely to regard the herding dogs as threats. Again, this is why you need some basic obedience, socialisation, and handling.
Basic obedience is an excellent idea. "Sit" at the very least.
Give up now on "come", however. The breeds are notorious for their disdain of recall!
Much the same as cats, really. They'll come IF they're not doing anything else.
Maremmas aren't mature until at least 2 years of age.
They're not suitable for leaving alone with flocks until at least 18 months old.
Under this age, they still have a lot of puppy behaviours, and can and will play with flock animals as if they were also puppies, which often results in accidentally-dead stock.
The guarding instinct is deep. Your job is to direct it appropriately. Positive reinforcement, as said above, works extremely well with LGDs. Reward the behaviour you want with food treats or even a pat - they're not particularly food-oriented, but they love attention and affection from their people.
You must never use violence against an LGD unless it's literally a life-or-death situation. They don't forget, and they don't forgive.
They protect by barking at everything they regard as a threat.
When puppies, everything is a threat until you've taught them what's a threat, what's to be protected, and what's to be ignored. (Give up on the full moon now).
Thus, young LGDs bark a LOT until at least 18 months of age.
For the best and most detailed coverage of Maremma instincts and traits, visit this excellent website written by an Australian farmer. Read every page. It will make things much, much clearer for you, as it certainly did for me!