Since the guardians live with the flock and offer a form of protection to the sheep the sheep develop a type of blind trust in the guardian dogs. Hence when the guardian dog travels the sheep often follow and should the guardian dog stop, all the sheep stop. In this relation there is little allowance for the shepherd (we are the outsider) and while we have influence over our guardian dogs we do not have a partnership that allows for control of their actions and movements. Because of the trust between flock and guardians often times the guardian dog can make decisions that work against us when we are trying to get the sheep somewhere in particular (the sheep trust the dog more than us). If we’re lucky the guardian dogs can take the sheep right where we need them to go. If the guardian dog causes a real hold up then I’ll remove the guardian. Often times me moving in and telling the dog that while I appreciate his work I really need him/her to bugger off right now will do it. If not, or if I foresee a bigger problem I lease the dog and bring them with or tie them up. In the past I have had guardian dogs where by it was necessary to remove them prior to working with the sheep because the dogs could not stand idly by and allow a stock dog to work.
The stock dog on the other hand acts with predatory intent which the sheep are wary of. The stock dog and the shepherd have the trusting relationship, versus the sheep and the dog. With a stock dog the sheep are steered where needed by virtue of wanting to avoid the stockdog who is hunting them. The shepherd has influence of the maneuvers of the stock dog and hence some control over where everyone is going. When it comes to taking the flock somewhere they haven’t been for awhile the stock dogs are a huge asset. Most stock dogs are so keen to work they have little notice of the guardian dogs and simply work around them.
Usually the shepherd is along in any movement of the flock, thereby helping to keep peace on their merit as leader. For the most part, the stock dog and the guardian dog get along by virtue of the broader relationship of the whole. The shepherd is guiding that whole and aiming for peace for all. However should this relationship break down and the guardian dog decides he/she has a problem with a stock dog, the guardian dog nearly always wins.
Typically the dogs will sort out their objections very quickly with a look or a subtle gesture in passing. You’d miss it if you didn’t know to watch for it. Also, dogs who know each other and are crossing paths frequently in work have their places and roles established so major upset is not very common. New dogs get extra supervision and a get to know you period. When a dog takes serious issue with another then the worse case scenario is a fight and the outcome of that is highly dependent on the dogs involved, however, the guardians have the advantage of size and intent (seriousness is part of their role against predators so they fight in a serious manner).