Have you tried sneaking up on him when he is very sleepy, or pacifying him by holding something yummy for him to chew on with one hand while working on his ear with your other hand? Bully sticks always work well. You could dip a nylabone or a kong in peanut butter and try to distract him that way.
Good luck. I know how tough it can be to try to hold them down. With Mia, sometimes I just let her go because with the way she throws herself around to get out of my reach, I get scared she'll get hurt. She has me trained.
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