Defensive Pyr

Most dogs don't like to be hugged, and it's possible that grooming is painful for him.  Dogs have "sensitive areas" in their general geography, such as being leaned over.

Has the vet done a complete blood panel?  At 7 he should have a senior panel run.  Not to disagree with your vet, but, defensive behavior isn't at all uncommon in dogs, particularly ones with "checkered" histories and little to no training.

What type of training has your dog had?  Might be a good investment to look into a behavioralist.

 He has behaved in this way ever since we got him, so it isn't a change due to his age.  He has had a full blood workup.  We have tried "behavioral training"--providing treats and positive reinforcement of grooming, without success.  Our vet contacted a behavioralist at UGA, and he was also surprised by this behavior in a Pyr--the breed is generally quite gentle.  Behavioralist said this behavior does not fall within normal "aggressive" behavior types.  His guess is that Kodiak was abused in his prior home.

well - I'm not an expert on the breed, but this sounds like semi-normal guardian dog traits. they are protective - hense the snapping at random people.

As far as the restraining - most dogs do not like that. My 13 lb dog does not like to be held, restrained, or hugged. Has nothing to do with his breed - just dogs do not like that.

For the grooming - things need to be taken SLOW. There's a thread in the grooming section about desensitizing for nail trims. Start with just touching the paw - treat. Leave the clippers out - do not let them be a sign of what's to come - more treats. Save a special treat just for nail trims, and another one just for grooming - something really really good that he only gets now.

How are his hips? They might be painful - being a larger dog - causing discomfort with restraing and grooming.

 Bring him to me, I'll groom him!!!

And I'm serious. I'm right up the road from you, and I *love* grooming Pyrs.  It's always amusing when there's someone *so* close, online.

 Jennie, if you have experience with defensive types and are willing to handle it, that is certainly something we would consider.  Although Southeast Georgia doesn't sound all that near Atlanta; it can be a pretty big state. 

But in the end, our primary concern is his snapping at other people; we know his reactions when we groom, and we want to improve that, but the unpredictable defensive behaviors are the real problem.

 Oops:) I thought you were in Meridian. I guess I read your post wrong.

Have you done basic obedience? Any advanced work? He sounds similar to my dog (who is small, but same personality type). Underconfident, and reactive. A LOT of attention training, and a LOT of basic obedience (as in, she has her RAE and still attends a basic obedience class at least every other week, just so she can "get it right";) has made a huge difference in her temperament. When she's in pain, she's still hard to handle, but I taught her to accept a basket muzzle for vet visits and the like. She's totally ok, with it, and can eat treats in it. 

Meridian

 Jennie, if you have experience with defensive types and are willing to handle it, that is certainly something we would consider.  Although Southeast Georgia doesn't sound all that near Atlanta; it can be a pretty big state. 

But in the end, our primary concern is his snapping at other people; we know his reactions when we groom, and we want to improve that, but the unpredictable defensive behaviors are the real problem.

And you adoped a Pyr why???  Just kidding, but seriously, this is a LGB and is acting like one.  They don't always accept all "intruders".  This is a breed that is generally good with kids they have been raised with, but your dog is not a puppy, so the jury is out on that at this point, and his willingness to snap when he doesn't like something, or is in minor pain, troubles me when it comes to children and toddlers.  The time to "let him go" is certainly BEFORE he has a bite incident, because rescue may not take him after that.  One thing I do like is that he has not sunk teeth, despite the snapping.  One of our members has experience with the LGB so maybe she'll be along...