What kind of brush are you using? The Madan pin brushes (blue or green one, link on my siggy
) do not hurt & even the most resilient of puppies will sit still when brushing them w/this. I know, bc a couple of mine will attack the brush! If I find a mat, I just cut it out if I can't work it out w/a comb or brush. That way, they don't associate grooming time ='s ouch time. A yummy treat at the end of the special bonding session also helps.