New owner advice

[Liv.python]

Hello everyone

I've been following this forum for a while and finally I got my first ball python 1 month ago. I'm so in love! He's so beautiful and has a great temperament.
However, I need a little advice.

I think most of you don't recommend hook training for ball python, but I bought one just in case.

I wanted to ask you what is the safest way to take him out of his enclosure with my hand. Because yesterday I was in a big reptile show and a guy told me that it's better to take them from behind, but this is impossible as the opening of the enclosure is on the front and he's always facing the front glass as it's where he can see, so my hand is always coming from the front, so towards his head...

They also told me that it's better to touch his nose with the hook in case they are asleep, and turn them around with the hook if they face you, to take them from behind.

What do you recommend? I would like to take the maximum precautions to avoid a bite, either defensive bite, for startling him or for him confusing my hand for food. Basically to be able to safely put my hand inside and change his water or take him out of his enclosure in the safest possible way, especially when he grows (he already bit me once, entirely my fault, and it hurt nothing, but mainly for when he's bigger).

And a last question... They do recognize you right? I'm not saying they love you like a dog or a cat, but do they recognize their owners? Because someone told me that they don't because they don't have that capacity, but I've always thought they do!

Thank you!