I'm sure you'll get him used to it. He probably just needs to experience it a few times to understand that it is no big deal. Most things can be solved with a little patience and some treats
With my girl I tried both since desensitization and positive reinforcement has worked well for most things. But in the end I found that she was stressing no matter what. So holding her firmly and getting it over with actually seemed to be less stressful for her. (At the groomers anyway).
Can't wait to try it on my own, guessing I should expect it to take a few days here too. I can already feel the frustration so time outs will be necessary (for me)
I've been using both the furminator and thinning scissors lately so she looks alot better than she did. But she is still very fluffy and already panting in the sun even though spring is barely here. Not to mention she never dries afer swimming and the house is covered in golden, red dust bunnies minutes after I finish hoovering. Drives me crazy!
So I think it will be worth the hard work for both her and us
I've noticed I have to shampoo and condition her fur almost once a week if I want to be able to brush her, and with tick season upon us washing her weekly is not an option. And having a long, thick, fluffy coat in this area will require tick prevention as there are tons of them here
Swapping dogs sounds like a plan, too bad we live so far from each other! Allthough I don't think I would be brave enough to clip other peoples dogs. My only experience with clippers is from the vet clinic and if anyone has seen a shaved down cat fresh from the vets they know that most vet nurses are NOT trained groomers