RE: Burrs
You can try spraying the burr with a little PAM (the stuff that prevents food from sticking to the frying pan), and tease them out. I had a water spaniel that picked up burrs like a magnet picks up iron filings! I swear they jumped out at him when he walked by them. Anyway, try that; one note: don't let the dog on the furniture after unless you bath him as well....his coat will be an oily mess.