I have only had my corn for about 3 weeks, so we are still getting to know each other. Every time I take him out, he flinchs or jerks when I first touch him, but I don't back away. A couple of times after he flinched, he appeared to go on the defensive, but I just leave my hand where it is at (making sure I am still touching him) and let him taste it and after a few seconds he settles down and I take him out.
I am new, but it makes sense that getting to know each other takes time.