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Honestly I don't think retics are as bad as most people make them out to be. I would really relate it to owning an energetic, food driven, and highly intelligent dog. Similar to a border collie. They need constant training and working with otherwise they will cause trouble and call you on your mistakes as a handler. If the only time the snake gets handled is when it's getting fed it associates you with feeding time. My guy isn't hook trained, I just reach in and grab him. I try to take him out of his enclosure daily (except after feeding) even if it is for only 2 minutes. I feed him in his normal viv but he will never see me bringing him the prey. I normally take him out for handling then with my free hand I toss the f/t in his enclosure. As he's going back in his enclosure he suddenly realizes food is waiting there for him. They will easily learn your routine. Me approaching, opening the door, or reaching in is not related to food. He has only struck out once and that was in defense because he was sleeping, in a corner and was suddenly disturbed by me cleaning his enclosure.
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