I have used my dog in cattle that have never seen a dog, and where there have been a lot of coyotes. It was tough for about a week, until the cattle got used to her. She/we would get swarmed when I would ride through them, but as long as Tators stayed with me and the horse, the cattle eventually got used to her.
A good down is extremely important, in my books. No I AM NOT a dog trainer, but my dog save many miles on me, my horses, and the 4 wheeler.
She is a female, and if I tease her wrong before we leave the house, she MAY just decide to take the day off. I kinda think she may be union, or something. She will work 5 days, then takes a day off.