i have had verry good luck handling monitors like that. my savannaha is calm as could be now i can reach in and just pick him right up not struggle at all. and balckthroats are basically the same as savannahas. there are many different methods. try and see what works for you.

the link marshal gave you is a great read. but keep in mind every species of monitor have different personalites. akies have a verry different temperment than black throats.
matt fisher