Q: How to groom a Bichon Frise feet?

I am new to the grooming scene! I have recently began grooming Sports coat on my own. Our previous experience at Pets Mart was horrible ! Well, I have been having trouble with him sitting still long enough for me to groom his paws. I would like to be able to make a close cut on his paws. When grooming a close cut on a dogs paws, do i continue to use the guard or do i free hand with no guard?