frustrating cocker

Question
I have a large cocker spaniel, (about 30 lbs). He has only been groomed outside of our home once, and my husband stayed the whole time because the little elderly lady thought it necessary. Thor is a sweet good-natured dog who has been fixed, he doesn't get violent or aggressive really, he just doesn't like to be groomed and he tends to need a lot of breaks when my husband and I do it. He is generally fine with his back being groomed and we talk him through it, but if you need to do his tummy, legs or feet he ends up struggling out of your grasp. I have lost my clippers and really need to get him cut and bathed but am not even sure if any place will actually put up with his behavior. Any advice? Also, when we do it ourselves, the clipper always gets hot and we like to trim him pretty close, if you have any tips in that area as well I would appreciate it.

Answer
I do have several things you can try. First, if you and your husband are going to tackle this scare little man one and only one needs to be the boss. Dogs get confused very easy when two people are correcting.
If your clippers are getting hot then change blades frequently. If using clippers with screw on blades you will need to purchase a different pair. Andis 2-speed with a 7 finishing blade works best for body work. It has a good clean cut that leaves the coat about 1/4 inch long. The #10 blade should be used on the rectal area and tummy. The #40 blade would be used strictly on the pads on the feet.
In using the different blades if one gets too hot, shift to another blade and body area. This ensures that the dog doesn't get burned.
I don't mean to be critical of store bought clippers but Cocker hair is one of the toughest hair of all breeds on blades and screw on blades are disigned for touch up work only.
If you want someone else to tackle this project. Call ahead and talk with the person that is personally grooming the dog. Make sure they know about any behavior problems in advance and ask if they work with you.
I personally do not allow owners to stay with the dog. The one main reason is I want the dog to lesson to Me. Owners are like parents they want them to act right because Mom or Dad says so and it confuses the dog. I am the Master in my shop and dogs will listen to me if I can keep their attention.
You also need to find someone younger to groom your dog. I takes alot of strengh to hold a struggeling dog.
Most dogs do not like their front feet and legs shaved. They are the most important tools for dogs. They eat with them, clean with them and fight with their front feet. So pulling away makes alot of sense if you thing about someone you don't know holding your defense against harm. Plus the clippers sound and feel scarey.
I hope that you find a compasionate person to help keep your big boy's coat in shape.
I know that if you look hard enough they are out there. Good Luck!