Fideaux Fundamentals

09/11/2025

09/11/2025

A lot of my clients seem to be very uncomfortable with the idea of separating their dog and child for safety reasons. But I recently had an epiphany - they all assumed that separation was the same as isolation. And it's not.

Using management strategies, such as using a pen to cordon off an area for a child to play, provide separation between the dog and child. But neither the dog or child is isolated. Everyone can still see each other. The parent can still interact with everyone. And with time and patience, everyone can be very comfortable and safe with such an arrangement.

So now, I am always reminding clients that "Separation is not the same as isolation." It's simply a way for parents to function and do the impossibly difficult job of raising kids and dogs together.

Need a helping hand? I've got you. You don't have to figure it all out alone.

09/11/2025

Should we interfere?
Why not just let them “go for it”?
Nothing builds confidence like a great play session with a new or trusted friend.
Nothing ruins it faster than letting it go on for too long.

Play can turn quickly for many dogs. What starts as fun can shift and morph before we even realise.
If your dog has had limited exposure to other dogs or they are a quieter or less social dog, little and often is a good rule.

Over arousal and over stimulation are easy lines to cross. When that happens, things can change fast.
Reading the other dog’s body language becomes harder, they stop taking those small pauses to assess what’s happening, and they miss the moment the vibe has shifted.

If play only ends when someone collapses from exhaustion, growls, or gets a correction from another dog, that pattern can stick.
For some dogs, that can knock confidence and cause further issues going forward.

If your dog struggles with social interactions, little and often is the key.
Short, positive, well matched play sessions build far better social confidence.
Choose their playmates wisely.

07/11/2025

We love hearing “He’s so kid-friendly!” — but that phrase can do more harm than good.

It can make us drop our guard, forget to supervise, or ignore small signs of discomfort

No dog is automatically “kid-friendly.”

They’re living, feeling beings who deserve safe space, gentle introductions, and understanding.

Together, we can help teach kids and adults alike to be Dog Aware - it’s one of the best life lessons they’ll ever learn. 🐾

07/11/2025

06/11/2025

🎯 Myth-Busting Time! 🎯
Let’s talk about one of the most common dog-training myths we hear…

“You should never play tug of war with your dog!”
❌ FALSE!

When played with structure and rules, tug is not only safe — it’s one of the best games you can play with your dog!

Here’s why 👇
✅ Builds confidence: Tug can help shy or sensitive dogs come out of their shell and engage with you in a positive, empowering way.
✅ Strengthens your bond: It’s interactive play that teaches teamwork and trust — not competition. Plus can help you build a toy that you can use as a reinforcer.
✅ Provides great exercise: It’s an outlet for energy and mental engagement, especially on days when outdoor activity is limited.
✅ Reinforces impulse control: Practicing cues like “take it” and “drop it” during the game helps dogs learn self-control even when excited.

🚫 The only time tug becomes a problem is when there are no rules. If your dog becomes too over-aroused, grabs at hands, or doesn’t yet understand how to release on cue, it’s best to work on some foundations first (we can help with that!).

So go ahead — grab a sturdy toy and have some fun! 🎉
Structured tug can be a safe, healthy, and enriching way to play with your pup.

As you can see, Livvy's puppy Shroom gives Tug 10/10.

06/11/2025

06/11/2025

Why Do Dogs Bark (and What Can You Do About It)?

Barking is totally normal — it’s one of the main ways dogs communicate! However, when it becomes nonstop, it can be frustrating for everyone at home.

The key isn’t to “stop” barking — it’s to understand why it’s happening. 👀
👉 Is it stress?
👉 Boredom?
👉 Attention-seeking?
👉 Or just part of your dog’s breed tendencies?

Once you know the cause, you can make a plan to manage it, redirect it, and help your dog feel calmer and more understood. 💛

📖 Check out our newest blog post to learn how to identify different types of barking and what to do about each one:
https://www.pawsitivefutures.com/single-post/why-dogs-bark-understanding-vocalizations-and-what-to-do

06/11/2025

They're just "off".
Something has unsettled them and we just cant see it.
There's no dog around.
No people either, but they are struggling.
Time to look a bit deeper.

Candles, diffusers and even a change of your perfume can be deeply unsettling for a dog.
If you have two dogs and need to take one to the vet or the groomers, sometimes the welcome home is confusing.
Colder or even aggressive.
Their friend looks the same but they smell totally different (and scent is everything to a dog).

Of course dogs can be stressed by storms but before that thunder and lightning they may be acutely aware of a change in the atmosphere, long before we even notice.
It doesn't need to be an actual storm either, a change of weather is sometimes enough to unsettle dogs.

Those ultrasonic devices we have in our homes, the pest control devices can cause dogs anxiety but so can our modern TVs and devices on standby. Some can emit high frequency sounds that we can barely hear. Even a heat pump turning itself on and off and adjusting output can trigger dogs and even the compressor unit outside cause stress.

We often think of triggers they can see and miss all the other ways our dogs can be affected.

Back to the candles, oil burners and plug in air freshener units for a second.
They may be pleasant for us, but deeply disturbing for a dog.
For some dogs, they can really take a toll.

Maybe rethink if you really need them.

You may be surprised just how relaxed your dog is when you don't use them.

16/10/2025