Fideaux Fundamentals

07/13/2025

LIPSTICK PEEK-A-BOO

Those of us with male dogs might be all too familiar with the sudden appearance of the colloquially named “lipstick" or "red rocket" as it’s commonly known.

This seems to happen at the most inappropriate times and may leave us feeling embarrassed and believe that our dog only has one thing on their mind!

It’s natural to assume that this display must be related to sexual arousal and yes, it is related to arousal, but it’s generally not sexual arousal.

Arousal is also not necessarily about excitement and may be triggered by a host of other emotions.

The same applies to hu***ng – although both males and females may hump. Hu***ng is commonly seen in a dog that is over aroused.

There are many emotions linked to arousal - see my post about hu***ng here – bit.ly/405MMqm - for more information.

Unless there is a suspected medical reason or your dog is doing this frequently, it’s not usually something to be concerned about.

Ignore it, don’t pay attention or make a fuss and it should soon go back into the tube!

Very often, behaviour is not about the way it looks, but the way we perceive it from our human perspective and how it makes us feel.

07/13/2025

07/13/2025

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07/11/2025

Your legs.
Their friends.
Even your best cushion! 🫠
Where do you even start with this?
Well...it all depends why and when this behaviour is shown.
Some dogs do this when they just don't know what else to do!
Others may be looking for attention....either from us or a dog they want to interact with.

It might look "embarrassing" but it is natural and a way for dogs to release some energy, regulate their stress or they can even do this because they are so frustrated.
Some just don't know what on earth to do in a social situation and suddenly show this behaviour.

Look a bit deeper as to why this could be happening.
That is always key ...so an appropriate solution can be found.

It is natural.
It's normal.

It just may not always be appropriate.

07/10/2025

Not all dogs love all kids—and that’s okay.

It’s a common misconception that dogs naturally adore children, but the truth is, many dogs feel uncomfortable around certain ages or behaviors.

Dogs don’t see “kids” as one big group. They respond to each child as an individual, based on past experiences, energy levels, and behavior. That’s why every interaction should be treated as brand new, with careful support from adults.

What is the dog’s body language trying to tell you?

How can you set both your dog and the child up for success?

Remember, never force your dog into a situation or interaction they may be uncomfortable in or the child may be uncomfortable in.

Respecting individual boundaries is how we create safe, positive experiences—for both kids and dogs!

07/10/2025

We all know a heavy pant can tell us a dog is uncomfortable.
What about a mouth that isn't panting?
Can something as simple as a mouth closing show a dog that is experiencing anxiousness?
Absolutely...but as always, it needs context.

Generally speaking (and that's a big sweeping generalisation there)... dogs that are more relaxed tend to have an open mouth.
Did you notice it shut firmly?
Maybe when that loud car drove past?

What about that panting?
If it is heavier and combined with a "spoon" tongue that is darker or pinker than usual....they may be under stress.

Not all stress is bad though!
Physical exertion and having a run around in a field can produce that scooped tongue and panting.....but if it's at other times?

That may need an extra looksie.

06/30/2025

"What ?.... Lick our lips around dogs?
As crazy as it sounds, yes.

We are mimicking those all important calming signals they can give.
Calming signals can help dogs decipher our intent.

Especially important for nervous or anxious dogs.

✅Don't crowd them, give them space
✅Be mindful how you move, but.....there is a fine line between slow deliberate moving and totally unnatural "stalking" movements.

Limiting eye contact is also important.
Staring for many dogs can be interpreted as "threatening" or "rude".

Watch those feet movements.
Walk lightly and softly.
Big steps with heavy footwear can be scary.

Many people are a bit "taken back" when people that work with dogs just "ignore" their dog.
It isn't because we are being rude.
We want to make a great first impression on them and gain their trust quickly.

The best way to greet?

"What ?.... Lick our lips around dogs?
As crazy as it sounds, yes.
We are mimicking those all important calming signals they can give.
Calming signals can help dogs decipher our intent.
Especially important for nervous or anxious dogs.

✅Don't crowd them, give them space
✅Be mindful how you move, but.....there is a fine line between slow deliberate moving and totally unnatural "stalking" movements.

Limiting eye contact is also important.
Staring for many dogs can be interpreted as "threatening" or "rude".

Watch those feet movements.
Walk lightly and softly.
Big steps with heavy footwear can be scary.

Many people are a bit "taken back" when people that work with dogs just "ignore" their dog.
It isn't because we are being rude.
We want to make a great first impression on them and gain their trust quickly.

The best way to greet?
Well...you don't really.

Sounds harsh but it really is a great way to help a dog relax.

06/30/2025

"They just adore each other" 😍

Do they? 🤔
Sometimes we really want to see signals that just aren't there.

We may focus on one area....like a wagging tail, because it "confirms" what we hope is true.
The reality though is scared, conflicted or anxious dogs can and often do wag their tails.

Unsure what's occurring?
In moments like these....the majority "rules".

A dog "backing away" ?
That can be a pretty clear signal for us to pay attention to.
It can even be combined with a little "happy dance".
That pattering and quick plods....those fast moving feet?

It can look playful but can mean your dog is unsure or even uncomfortable with what is happening.

Scroll back a few posts.
Look at ways to support those nervy greeters.
There are lots of ideas for that on this page.

Forcing interactions is never a way to fast track anything positive.

06/24/2025

Socialisation is a term that many struggle to define.
It's often confused with play, but play is a completely separate and important skill.
In a world that pushes constant interaction ….where dogs are expected to greet and play with every other dog they see, we can unintentionally create a dog who views every other dog as a source of excitement.
This isn’t socialisation… and it never was.

A better way to think about socialisation is acclimation, helping your dog adjust to everything the world offers, not just other dogs.

Weather
Surfaces
Animals
Crowds of people, all ethnicities, ages, and movement styles
Noises
Scents

That’s just a taste of what true socialisation really is.

Acceptance is another way to view it.
Accepting, not reacting.
Building positive associations.

That is true socialisation.

06/22/2025

Povidone Iodine—Nature’s Antimicrobial Solution🌱🦠🐾

If paws are bleeding🩸, have sores, or trauma from licking, I recommend using povidone iodine (Betadine™)—a safe, nontoxic solution that’s antifungal (for yeast and dermatophytes ), antibacterial (even against resistant infections ), doesn’t sting, and promotes wound healing .

If the paws are inflamed or have open sores or abrasions, soak them longer, ideally 2 to 5 minutes. This helps effectively address potential sources of infection, reducing the need for oral antibiotics or other drugs.

There's also a 25+ page "SUMMER ITCH GUIDE" filled with paw soaks, ear cleaners, hotspot remedies, and natural ear infection protocols available to download NOW in the Inside Scoop group!

Heat, moisture, and allergens create the perfect storm for itching, licking, and inflammation.👅🔥 Paws are often the first point of contact with allergens, irritants, and moisture ☀️🌳🏖️ - all of which can contribute to or worsen issues like environmental allergies, yeast overgrowth, parasites, and bacterial infections.

On Sunday's episode of the Inside Scoop, we broke down what’s behind these frustrating issues — and exactly how to prevent and treat them using safe, natural remedies for irritated paws, inflamed ears, and chronic skin problems.

Comment SCOOPERS and we'll message you the link to join Inside Scoop, a Planet Paws monthly subscription group, where all live podcasts are available to watch at any time. Plus, over 5 years of content including: past live podcasts, interviews, ebook downloads, and more!