Can you please advise me on how I can keep a tiny toy poodle still enough on the table to do his legs and feet. He will let me bathe him and dry him okay. He is fine with the clippers on his body, face and tail. But gives me a really hard time when it comes to his legs and feet. Its the whole kit and caboodle, from brushing to scissoring and clipping. I have tried lifting up one leg while i do the other but we both end up hot and sweaty with Biscuit doing a very good impression of Superman trying to jump off the table!

I really need to resolve this as I have got the point where I dread grooming him. He is white with that very fine silky fur that matts easily and very quickly looks a mess. He is clipped into a very utilitarian cut as i dont show him, just do agility. His little bones are so tiny though I wonder if maybe I have hurt him in the past.

I do have an H frame with a couple of restrainers but dont think i am using them correctly either. Any advice gratefully received - thanks - Jane

Are you familiar with the training technique called 'clicker'?  I think this would be an ideal opportunity to 'shape' this dogs behaviour by using a clicker to mark the moment you want (ie all four feet on the table) and giving him a small reward (food?) for maintaining it - you'd need to teach him first that 'click' means a reward is coming, and he'll soon work out that it's keeping his feet still that makes you click ;)

Will give it a try - thanks