I have rescued many dogs in 14 years and one would think that I’ve seen it all but Ms. Edwina has taught me so much, with the help of Brandon Fouche. Edwina’s “problem” is more of a miscommunication between dog handler and dog, one that I receive e-mails, asking for advise everyday about.
Often, her type of aggression, which is all fear based, scares the dog owner so much that they feel that the dog is on the verge of turning on them or that she is unpredictable when in reality, she is very predictable. Edwina, like a lot of dogs has leash aggression. Going on a walk, even out to the car from the kennel is like walking through a path of land minds. Her mind is immediately racing as she goes through the gate, a tag jiggling, an unfamiliar bark from the loft building across the street can set her off and send her into what many would call “the red zone”. Some would look at her and determine that she cannot be around other dogs or that she is dominant when the reality is she is great off leash all the time with other dogs, even new dogs and she is far from dominant. In fact, she is very fearful and reactive to new stimulus. This makes taking her out to an adoption event pretty challenging.
I believe every dog comes to me for a reason and every dog has something to teach me about dogs and often about myself. I take Edwina to and from work with me every day. She is up for adoption, although we really don’t receive much interest in her. She was adopted and returned because of her leash aggression issue. From my point of view, after Edwina has lived in my home with my pack is that she is one of my all time favorite dogs. If you are looking for a dog to challenge you, consider adopting this blue beauty.