Alen Stefanovic scratching a Sarplaninac dog on the chest while standing on a hill.

Best Places to Pet a Dog (And Areas to Avoid)

Rub the chest or the base of the neck to help a dog settle down. These are the spots where your pet cannot reach to scratch, so a touch there usually stops it from fidgeting. While most dogs will stand…

Sarplaninac vs German Shepherd dog comparison.

Sarplaninac vs German Shepherd Dog

Sarplaninac or German Shepherd – depends what you actually need the dog for. My family’s raised Sarplaninac since 1990, and my dad had a German Shepherd before that, back in 1978. Their traits, training needs, and guarding instincts aren’t the…

Close-up of a man covering his mouth in fear while a dog shows its teeth and growls during an attack.

How to Safely Back Away From Growling Dogs?

Turning your back or running from a dog that growls is the fastest way to trigger an attack. When the dog blocks your path and his body stiffens, your survival depends on fighting the urge to panic. Every step you…

A Sarplaninac and an American Pit Bull Terrier meeting on neutral ground for socialization.

Sarplaninac vs Pitbull – Myths and Truths

Forget the usual charts showing weight, height, or bite force. Those numbers are easy to find, but they don’t tell you much. I want to talk about how these dogs behave day to day – the things that matter when…

Breeder sitting by a tree in the yard with three adult Sarplaninacs and one puppy.

Can Treats and Play Win a Dog Over?

Growing up as the child of a breeder, I learned that a Sarplaninac’s respect is lost the moment you start bribing him. Getting a dog to follow you is not about being a “pet parent” or buying treats. It takes…

Two Sarplaninac dogs following an owner through deep mountain snow.

Finding Walking Spots That Fit Your Dog’s Energy

Finding a good spot for a walk takes more than just looking at a map. You need a place where dogs can sniff and explore without the stress of heavy traffic or crowds. City parks, hiking trails, sandy beaches, and…

Three Sarplaninac dogs standing in a yard with 'no dog pooping' and 'private property' signs on the lawn.

10 Ways to Keep Dogs Off Your Grass (Safe & Fast)

A neighbor’s dog turning your lawn into a public toilet – ruins your grass? Yellow spots and the smell alone are enough – most people just don’t know what to do about it. I’ve seen everything from useless home remedies…

Dog licking face of owner while sitting with other dogs in a yard.

Why Dog Licks Your Face or Hands?

Dogs lick your face or hands because of a survival reflex, to show submission, or to taste salt on your skin. A young pup licks the mother’s snout to make her bring up food for the litter. Licking your skin…

Sarplaninac vs Caucasian Shepherd: Breeder's comparison of two livestock guardian breeds.

Sarplaninac vs Caucasian Shepherd: A Breeder’s Opinion

A question we often get from people hearing about the Šarplaninac for the first time is whether it is a “small Caucasian.” When we say no, they usually ask next: “What is the difference?” I understand why many people confuse these two…