I found mine to be a case of getting used to you. My JCP was very cage aggessive when i first got him in Feb. But I started off handling him with heavy hawk gloves to get him out of the cage then takign the gloves off. did that for about 3 times a week about 2 months lateri can reach in with out the glove to pick him up. it wasn't the fact that he struck all the time but the fear of being bit I had to get used to. now I've never had to deal with a big snake like a burm or retic so cant say ive had to use a hook or shield method. but calmness comes with handling and time