i have to agree with scotty_lvr -- please don't feel like you have to stay with a particular vet -- especially if they do things that make you/your dog uncomfortable. just like with human doctors there are vets that are better at "vetting" than other quack jobs. i went to 4 different vets before i found one that met my exacting standards. luckily my current vet is excellent and she even has some knowledge of animal behavior (don't be fooled not all vets do) so she is careful not to interrupt or set back the training we have done.
i also have to agree with the previous dogos that you really do need to start with the desensitization of the feet in puppyhood. everynight perform body handling (ears, mouth --teeth brushing, feet). if you find you cannot handle clipping the nails you might consider the dremmel tool to file the nail down and if you do it on a regular basis you should not have a problem keeping them nice and neat.
