Big Paws Only Dog Forums

Does anyone have a much trouble as I do trying to trim your Pyr's nails and brush/comb the knots out of their fur?  We adopted Joey from the local shelter 4 years ago.  What a wonderful companion and friend he is to us.  He was 14 months old when he came home with me and had been in a home with toddlers.  We have no children but he did get an instant "sister" when he joined our family.  She is a mixed (shepherd/husky/cattle dog) breed, the same age as Joey but 100 pounds lighter!  They bonded immediately and are inseparable, even though she is so bossy.  When he first came home to us I was able to groom him with very little problems.  I never hurt him.  He seemed to love the attention.  Now he runs from the brush & comb like I am going to kill him!  Help!  He really needs some serious grooming and would never trust a professional groomer.  Joey only sees my husband and me daily, we live in the mountains of Colorado on a couple of acres, so he is only exposed to us and the couple we socialize with.  Any suggestions would be very much appreciated.