Tips for using a pill-pusher on my dog?

I have a dog I love desperately who has just begun treatment for a bad urinary tract infection, which has cause diarrhea and lethargy. He now needs 250mg Clavamox pill, and a Lomotil pill 2x/day and Jack absolutely will not eat at this time, not even the most tasty foods, he feels lousy. So today I got a pill-pusher and am freaked out to use it, i am worried he will choke. Mind you, when he see's me coming with the pill in some cream cheese, or peanut er, he clamps his mouth down tight and i have to force it open and smear the p-er on his tongue so he will get it into him, and it is a messy and unhappy event, and I usually find a piece of the pill on the carpet later. He is an expert at keeping pills from going down his throat. Im hoping the pill pusher will work but i need tips, experience, please help us! Thanks in advance.