Dog Fail.

Wow.  I had a total fail this morning.  I had made an appointment to take our two amazing (and huge) Karakachan to get neutered.  I had to leave the house at 7am in order to get them there on time... which meant I had to start attempting to get them into the truck by about 6:20.  These sweet dogs are working dogs.  They take their job very seriously.  These are not your typical pet dog... they have an independent nature.  The breed is a breed of problem-solvers.  Karakachan are guardians, and they think on their feet.  Following commands is not typical for them.  Sure, mine will "come", or "sit"... but only if it makes sense for them.  If they feel it is not the right time, or that their charges are not in the right place, or if they sense any sort of danger, they will not sit.  They will not come.  They are simply amazing creatures, and I am thankful for these characteristics that the good Lord gave them.

These things that make them great also make them impossible on days such as today... when I need to crate them and get them into the truck.  I woke up all four kids at 6:15, and by 6:25 we were standing in a pasture.  The dogs come and eat every single morning in the same place.  They come into a little chain-link area so that they can eat without other animals trying to steal their food.  (I have watched them on many occasion allow guineas or chickens to steal their food... and the dogs just walk away!)  On this morning, however, they must have FELT that something was different.  We were out there hours earlier than normal, and it was dark.  There were more of us out there than typical.  The dogs simply would not come anywhere near.  They actually stared at us and marched to the very back of the pasture... and sat.  They would not budge.  They would not trust.  We were stuck.

After 30 minutes of trying, I realized this was not going to work.  I had to call and reschedule our appointment.  I called around to ask if there were any vets that were used to livestock guardians and might have suggestions.  I was left with some silly suggestions from receptionists that were obviously unfamiliar with working dogs.  So, I am still stuck. 

I moved the crates into the area where to dogs eat... and hopefully they will get the hang of them being around.  I plan to try my best to stay "normal" the morning of the next appointment... and see if we can get them crated.  They are 11 months old, and this should have been done months ago... but here I am!  The next attempt is in early January.  Wish me luck!