I'd probably ask the vet for a mild sedative to give him for the first few trims, wrap him tightly in towels to restrain him and keep him safe, including over his head, expose only one paw at a time and clip or grind and get it over as quickly as possible then lots of positive reinforcement and play time, tossing his ball, playing tugowar to get his mind off it. Many grown or older dogs who are scared fight attempts to do their nails at first but eventually as they come to trust their owner more and find out nothing awful happens to them during it, they begin to accept it.
__________________  Jeanie and Tibbe One must do the best one can. You may get some marks for a very imperfect answer: you will certainly get none for leaving the question alone. C. S. Lewis |