grooming a scared dog

205 pounds and afraid of scissors and clippers...and aggressive when afraid?[sm=eek.gif] 
I would brush them 2-8 times a day!!
What a situation...Have you tried de-matting solutions?
I know Tropiclean sells a de-Mat spray at Petco.  Frizz-Ease hair serum for people works pretty well, too (probably even better).  You could also use the Frizz Ease serum on all of the parts that are prone to matting- this makes it harder for them to form in the first place. 
Good luck[sm=happy.gif]

First of all, DON'T use scissors to try to cut mats out. It's to dangerous, even with a docile dog. Another thing is, sometimes the clippers you buy at Pets****, etc are just not worth the money and can't get through thick hair without pulling and such. Maybe, when you are trying to get the mats out, you (or should I say the clippers) are hurting them. The "behind-the-ears" mats can be a nightmare and I agree with Stacey. Try not to let them form in the first place or use some of the de-matting products (that professionals use). The Tropiclean De-Mat works great, but any of those HORRID ear mats do take time to work out regarless of what product you use. Just don't wet the hair with water first. Spray with the solution first and comb or use a slicker brush to "break up" the mat.
 
I have never use this product called "The Stuff" but have heard it works wonders.

I use a rake that has blades that cut out the mats.The dog doesnt seem to even notice the difference between it and a regular brushing.I have used the "stuff" it untangled my daughters hair great! Worked pretty good on the dogs too!

I have a comb that has blades in it too, the blades are covered and isnt dangerous to the dog, its just like a basic comb to my dogs.

Thanks for all the replies.  I went to PetSmart and bought the $179 clippers with the 10 blade, the cooling spray, and an extra 10 blade.  Long story short, I can't use them.  I resorted to scissors.  I know, I know...
 
I'll get the rake with blades and one of the sprays you all recommend for next time and try to keep him out of the mud.  I don't know why he loves to turn himself into a chocolate lab, but he sure loves caking himself up with mud.
 
Again, thanks for your advice and I look forward to chatting with everyone in the future about better topics.  I'll post some pics of the bears in a few days.

The Stuff for Dogs is the best!  With regular brushing and combing and the Stuff my shaggy mutt is virtually matt free and his coat looks great too.  His is a poodle/wheaten mix and everything sticks to his fur (leaves, grass etc)  and it really helps keep him clean. 
When he does get a matt I use a matt breaker to cut it out.  The vet showed me how to use it and actually had the cheapest price around for one. 

Ok, I need suggestions where to buy "stuff for dogs" and a good matt breaker.  You can see my St is a long hair, so I need industrial strength and a LOT of advice.  You see from last week's email I had to scissor cut some matts out.  Well, we had rain storms the last 3 days and he played muddy dog under my sundeck.  Now the same matts are back behind his ears and all over his back.  This time they're back in the short hair that was left from scissor cutting.  I'm at a loss...
 
So, please provide your best advice on where to get the "stuff" and a good matt breaker.  Any advice or how-to tips for doing this without causing him too much discomfort will be appreciated.
 
By the way, my female (long hair St.) has a beautiful coat and hates to get dirty, so I'm only dealing with the big guy now...

Well you do need to brush them everyday. I use one of those plastic teasing combs w/ the tail I work them out always holding the hair closest to the skin so I don't pull their hair, and if I do  have to cut I always have that comb go all the way through between skin and matt so that there is no way they get cut. I usually do it while watching tv and have great treats when I'm done, they are fine now, just don't pull their hair and they will get better. work out a little everyday to build the trust.