eyedoc, try brushing your new bundle after he has played and a little tired out, he will proably submit more to the grooming. Also let him smell the brush before you start and during the grooming process. This has helped me in the past with grooming. I groom mine on a rotation basis due to the fact I have seven. But the more you do it the less time it takes to brush them out and less likely to find mats. Everyone gets their eyes and rears checked daily. Stay at it, it will get easier as time goes by.....
