The only times I pick my dog up is to let her see out the window. That and if I see glass on the ground. My dog is a yorkshire terrior and she was the runt of the pack, always being picked on by her brothers. We rescued her from the pet store, she has been worth every penny. Because of her childhood she doesn't like to be touched other than belly rubs. She also flinches really easily and gets nervous a lot, always needing constant attention. I guess I pampered her too much. Oh and I almost forgot, I squat down and she lies with her back on my knees and I become a portable cradle for her
