I always approach mine from the side and "pet" him for a minute to get him used to me. Believe it or not, as I'm petting him I can start to reach underneath his body and he'll actually lift that part of his body up for me. He knows exactly what I'm doing and knows the routine. Makes it easier that he lifts his body up so I don't have to grab him with as much force. I can just scoop my hand underneath and pick him up that way.