I'm sure there have been posts about this, but I can't seem to find them. I apologize!

My red tail boa is about 3' long, and he's very nippy. Any suggestions on how to get him to calm down just a bit? I don't mind the nipping so much for right now, but when his teeth get bigger, I'm hoping he'll settle down some! Even if he doesn't, I'll still completely adore him, as I do now. I'd just really like to "make friends" with him, and let him know I'm not a threat, like he thinks I am.

When handling, if he nips, I put him back in his enclosure. Is that the right thing to do, or is that a mistake? Am I teaching him that if he misbehaves, he gets his way?

I've had him for a few months now, and just figured I'd attempt to get some suggestions from people with more experience with these snakes, before he gets his massive size and it's too late for taming.