Originally posted by Smilla
I'd thought about putting a muzzle on him, but the groomer had said she didn't think that was very good for a dog (to be forced to wear a muzzle to be forced in turn to do something it doesn't like). The thing is, once he had the muzzle on at the vet's he was just fine. It was almost as though he was thinking, "Well, there's nothing I can do, so I might as well let him do whatever he needs to." He was also good about having the muzzle put on him in the first place.
I agree you should find a new groomer.
A lot of dogs calm down once they are muzzled, and if you make it a positive experience each time, chances are that he will learn that the world won't end with a bath. He will probably never loves baths nut he can learn to tolerate them.

We have an akita that comes in that was kicked out of 7 grooming shops before she came to us. She used to have to be muzzled for everything. Now she doesn't have to be muzzled for anything.

I'm glad Lefty has a home with you, as you are willing to work with his issues.