Quote Originally Posted by Aercadia View Post
One thing that has really helped me, most especially in handling my GSD puppy, but also in respect to other animals, is understanding that animals on the general whole do not perceive things the way to do - they have no ability to discern "higher" concepts like right/wrong. When Lucca runs off with a towel after I've told her "no", it's not because she's just being a defiant little brat - she's determined that towel = fun, mom chasing her = fun, and my "no" has not provided her with enough assurance of danger to override the fun.

I feel like reptiles probably do not even have the concept of fun - they probably don't do things for enjoyment (someone correct me if I'm wrong!), their modes of operation are more basic. Fun is a concept one step above safe/dangerous, and that's probably the level where snakes are - hides are safe, big things with threatening-looking grabbers hovering over them might be dangerous. So, in theory, providing a very standardized ritual we want to handle our snakes will give them cues that our presence is not dangerous, and they don't need to be threatened. Providing reassuring experiences while handling will probably also help build their confidence that handling = safe.

I don't expect Vincent to look forward to being picked up, but I have high hopes that with enough positive experiences in my hands, he will grow to be as confident hanging out over my shoulder as he is climbing the walls of his enclosure, because he will know that I'm not threatening him, and he's safe there.
That is an excellent point, they are more simplistic in their thinking so they are associating me holding them with either safety or danger not fun or comfort. These are good things to keep in mind while handling Bentley, thanks!