See that's what I mean. Obviously he has some form of bond with you or he would be trying to flee which tells me that they experience trust. If he watches you then I think it's reasonable to assume he experiences curiosity too. My dog doesn't speak English but she understands simple commands and she does her best to talk to me. lol I know snakes are about as simple minded as they come but they must have some intelligence or they wouldn't be able to survive. When I brought Skarlette home I was worried because she's so young and looked way too thin to me but she's in a primo viv and seems to appreciate it. I see the evidence of her moving through the warm water dish and slithering around the substrate. She's already picked a favorite hide but comes out sometimes when I watch her. After only a week she already seems comfortable and content. Maybe it's my imagination but if they can experience simple thought then maybe they can be trained to do simple things. Just a thought.