I've had two Flemish for, oh wow, two years now and let me tell you they never learned to like being picked up, or even tolerate it. I do it everyday. I'm gentle. I used to give treats before and after. Eventually I learned its a thing thats got to be done, Its got to be done as gentle but affirmative as possible and its a necessary evil. I can say now that Xena thumps less at me, and Conan foot flicks me more sporadically then he used to so i guess its not all that bad.