Grooming Your Cocker Spaniel: Help I dont know what to do!!

» jayncris - Help I dont know what to do!!

I own two wonderful cocker spaniels. My oldest (Andre) is 10 yrs old. When we started grooming him we decided to take him to a professional. However, after a really bad experience with one, (GOD knows what she did to him) I have taken over the job. But since his ordeal, he doesnt let me touch or even come near his paws, he will squirm and cry and wiggle till he cant anymore. I dont want to force him because I know that wont help. I have tried positive reinforcement, bribes, etc. I hold him everyday constantly and try to touch his paws everytime, but to no avail. We once took him to the Vet and he sedated him, no luck made it worse. Then he used anesthesia, but my poor baby went into a seizure. He has had several seizures in the 10 yrs he's been with us. So, anesthesia is OUT, sedatives (ACE) is not recommended by Dr. To make matters worse he has a bad back so even holding him down will hurt him. His nails are so long...they are starting to curl and I am heartbroken because I feel useless. He is otherwise a very happy and lovign pup, but very anxious and jumpy. He lets me cut his top hair and even around his ears (not too happy about the ears but I can manage with that with him)
What am I to do? Please help!!

-- posted by jayncris