My 20 week old Gordon Setter has always hated being brushed, he keeps nipping at my hand and the brush. It is a soft one, so I know it doesnt hurt him - I have tried offering and tempting with treats, but he still wont stand still. As for trimming his feet and claws - well!!! anyone got any tips or advise please???

With the brushing, have a collar on him and keep one hand in the collar, difficult to describe in print, but you need to hold the side of the collar with your hand firmly against his neck.  Don't give in on this position and gently brush him with the other hand.  If you are doing it correctly, he shouldn't be able to turn his head to nip you.

Feet and claws, that is an other issue, this should have been started when he was a baby, makes life a lot easier. Two methods to try.....sit on the floor with your back against a wall, legs out and slightly apart.  Put him on his back between your legs, head towards you, get him used to his feet being felt, comb and clippers brushing against his feet, when he is settled, this may take a few sessions, have a go at clipping a nail.  (I am assuming you know how to clip nails). Praise quietly when good.

The best method is to teach him to lay flat, (as in complete side on the floor/table), don't introduce clippers until he understand this and is happy with you holding a stroking his feet. 

It can be a bit of a struggle at first, but be kind and firm and he will get used to it.

Hope this helps
Sandra

We found that our puppy was a lot happier being groomed on a table rather than the floor - also we gave her something to chew whilst doing it :D

Daisy

Thanks Sandra - did the brushing whilst holding collar - hand stayed in tact!! only problem is he drops to the floor as soon as I start brushing him, but its a start!!! I have been brushing him and trimming his feet and claws since I got him, he has always disliked it though! must admit, dont like doing his nails, as they are black and am always worried will cut too much off, so do little bit at a time. Where we live we are surrounded by fields, so he doesnt get much exercise on concrete - I try to get in as much as I can, but obviously not enough to wear them down that way, so clipping will always be necessary - just hope we can soon get to the stage where its not a struggle, as he is getting bigger and stronger every time!!

Nail cutting  -  first get him used to having feet held in a comfy position as Sandrah has said.  While gently holding foot give treat with the other hand.  Then have the clippers in the hand that gives the treat for a while.  Next hold a match in the same hand as the foot.  Then cut the match before giving the treat. Do this over as many sessions as it takes for him to be relaxed about it. Last stage - cut nail - obviously.  ;)

Sally

CLICKER!!  Its been a god send for us!  I have an afghan pup who is all fluff at six months but I am getting her used to being brushed for when she is older.  With the help of my other half and a bag of liver cake up front I give her a brush and click/reward for staying still - this can mean alot of quick clicks but she really gets it, if she starts chewing on her brush (which she does for a game) then everything gets put away, no click, no treat and no attention.  Five minutes later, start again!  I only brush for short periods though at the moment simply due to lana's attention span but always aim to end on a high note...This has been really effective for me!
Sarah :)