Google ★★★★★ 5.0 from 48 reviews (Feb 2026)
942+ dogs trained in the Macedon Ranges Read success stories →

Maremma Sheepdog Training

Do you have a Maremma Sheepdog that needs some training help? Natalie from Crazy Kind Calm dog training can help!

With over 900 dogs trained across the Macedon Ranges, Natalie understands the unique personality and needs that come with this wonderful breed.

Maremma Sheepdogs are large, independent livestock guardian dogs bred to protect flocks. They're calm, loyal, and deeply bonded to their family — but their guarding instinct and independent nature set them apart from more biddable breeds.

Common Maremma Sheepdog traits and training needs

  • Strong guardian instinct — will bark at and challenge perceived threats to their territory
  • Independent thinkers bred to make decisions without human direction — can seem stubborn
  • Naturally wary of strangers and may be suspicious of visitors to the home
  • Can be dog-reactive, particularly with unfamiliar dogs entering their space
  • Nocturnal barking is a common issue — they were bred to guard at night
  • Large and powerful, requiring early lead training before they reach full size

Maremma owners understand they have a guardian, not a typical pet dog. Your Maremma probably patrols the fence line, barks at anything that moves after dark, and positions themselves between your family and strangers. If your Maremma is ignoring your recall, challenging the delivery driver, or barking through the night at possums, that's their breeding. Working with their instincts rather than against them is the key.

Shadow - Maremma Sheepdog dog training

Maremma Sheepdog Training Options

Whether your Maremma Sheepdog is a new puppy or an older dog with some habits to work on, we've got options to suit.

One-on-one dog training
🏠

One-on-One Training

Personalised sessions in your home, where the challenges actually happen. We work together on your specific goals — whether it's pulling on lead, barking, poor recall, jumping up, or something else entirely.

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Puppy school class
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Puppy School

Group classes in Kyneton for puppies aged 8-16 weeks. Build confidence, learn essential skills, and socialise with other pups in a safe, supportive environment.

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Maremma Sheepdog (and others) Success Stories

Ollie
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel • Macedon
★★★★★ Google
"Ollie and I had a great time in our four sessions, learning heaps to work on to create the 'perfect' dog. Ollie responded really well to Natalie's approach and I learnt heaps about how to go about his training. Highly recommended!!"

David Thomas

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dog training in Macedon
★★★★★ Google
"I was really impressed with Natalie's knowledge and experience when she visited our 3 resident dogs at home this morning to advise on the management of a really difficult situation in which one dog is attacking another, with me injured as well, and literally thousands spent on vet bills. The situation has been exacerbated by recent stressors such as moving house and inadequate room, and Natalie gave some important guidance and insights to manage the situation, including where it is likely to go from here (high risk of serious injuries to dogs and humans or a death, which I totally see happening) and what we can do to control and manage the dogs, as I do not wish to euthanise or re-home the stressed-out, attacking dog without trying to work on this. She advised on strategies, equipment and training that will all actually work because it was personalised and done with the doggers present, displaying all their wonderful behaviours. The visit was much better than a phone consult could ever be because Natalie was able to review the house, property and dog pen and suggest points for barriers and ways to provide time out and decompression, including specific types of play to encourage calmness and focus. She also noted behaviours that we didn't see and explained what they meant and what was going on, and how we needed to manage and distract from them. Am really happy with Natalie's services, it was money well spent - but I rather wish I'd sought help for this some time ago before it all escalated to a crisis of serious proportions. I hope that with Natalie's insights, notes and support materials we will be able to develop into a manageable, moderately tolerant 3-dog household. Thank you so much Natalie."

I Dobell November 2025

Vesper & Lenny
Lauriston
★★★★★ Google
"We love Natalie. She has this special talent to make dogs feel at ease, and explain behaviours to us humans that make sense. She uses practical suggestions that have helped us manage a now multi-dog household better. We have a bit more training to do but her follow up notes will safely guide us. We highly recommend Natalie and Crazy Kind Calm."

Tamara Ryf

dog training in Lauriston
dog training in Lauriston
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Some of the Maremma Sheepdogs (and others) We've Trained

Shadow Maremma Sheepdog dog training
Shadow Heathcote
Roxy Kelpie? dog training
Roxy Woodend
Poppy Healer x Kelpie dog training
Poppy Gisborne
Riley Border Collie dog training
Riley Glen Iris
Ollie Bordoodle dog training
Ollie Castlemaine
Mana Australian Kelpie dog training
Mana Sunbury
Nathan Australian Kelpie dog training
Nathan Metcalfe
Gertie Groodle dog training
Gertie Kyneton
Lexi English Staffordshire Terrier dog training
Lexi Gisborne
Gary English Staffordshire Terrier dog training
Gary Gisborne
Koda Cavoodle dog training
Koda Gisborne

Ready to train your Maremma Sheepdog?

Let's talk about your goals and how we can help your Maremma Sheepdog become the best dog they can be.

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