I'm all about environmental enrichment for herps by providing more complex enclosures that allow them to make choices, but I'm not really sure how to apply that to handling, or where positive reinforcement would come into it. How do you reward a snake? Treats aren't an option. I suppose our warmth is sort of a reward. Regular, gentle handling sessions, brief at first, may help the animal associate the experience with warmth and comfort instead of danger.

I don't really agree with "don't reward bad behavior by putting them back." I think that if you want handling to be a pleasant thing for the snake you need to know how to read them a little. I don't think it's helpful to force a panicky animal to endure stress for extended periods of time. Keep it brief and positive!