Saturday, March 26, 2011

Tokyo Picks: EzyDog


Tokyo models her EzyDog Quick Fit harness and Mutley leash

































My people recently bought me a new harness and some cool leashes from EzyDog. EzyDog makes a variety of dog gear including leashes, collars, harnesses, apparel, etc. My people picked up the Quick Fit harness style which has multiple adjustments for a secure fit and indeed is easy for my people to get on and off on me. (That is *if* they can catch me, but that is another story.) Unlike a traditional harness, the Quick Fit does not require "stepping" in; instead it simply slips over your head. A strap wraps under your rib cage with a buckle clip at the side of your chest. My measurements put me in size small. The harness retails between $20-$24 depending on size. The harness paired with my EzyDog Mutley leash means I've been walking around San Diego in comfort and in style. You can check out EzyDog products at http://www.ezydog.com.

Sunday, March 6, 2011

Shiba nail trimming

Tokyo trims Ugly Doll Moxy's nails
Truth is, many shibas do not like to have their paws touched, let alone having to endure the awful torture of having our nails trimmed.  (Do I hear a shiba scream?) Since it isn't necessary to stress out your shiba, I offer the following advice.  First, your humans need to bring your favorite food treats.  I especially like cheese, so I always get little bits of cheese when I have my nails trimmed. Second, it really helps for your humans to remain very calm. The goal is to trim nails with the least amount of stress for the shiba; therefore, the humans really need to remain calm and not act rushed. Third, having a good pair of clippers is a must (some people opt for a dremel tool instead.)  The trimmers my people use are from Drs. Foster and Smith http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3307+5+790&pcatid=790  We have size small. The design has a soft rubber grip handle; they cut clean and easily spring open and closed. Fourth, there is no reason to do all the nails in one sitting. Sometimes, spreading out the trimming really is better for all. Of course, the most important step is to give lots of treats to yield a happy shiba.  

Lately, the biggest prank I've been up to is practicing circus tricks during the middle of nail trimming. This usually involves me forcing my people to attempt to trim my nails while I am acting silly on my back.