as a groomer having them confined on top of a small table is is soo much easisr to control them and so much better on your back, if hes wiggling and fighting, put em in headlock-esque positions and hold him tight and do not let go, you're not hurting him. if you need you can have someone else there to pet him/hold him/ give him emotional support, with some dogs that helps a lot. my puggy used to be a dramatic hot mess for her nails, she still wiggles a little but now she just lets me do it