We’ve all heard jokes about the dreaded “cone of shame,” that plastic lampshade that makes dogs walk into walls and trip on the stairs. Although it may look silly, wearing a cone can be incredibly distressing for dogs. But that doesn’t make a cone any less mandatory after surgery or an accident. Rather than forcing your dog into a cone, teach them how to tolerate wearing one in advance. Then, if they ever need one, they can recover stress-free.

Why Do Dogs Hate Cones?

A cone is a safety device. It prevents your dog from licking or biting at an injury, surgical site, hot spot, or other wound. That lets the area heal faster without risk of further injury, suture removal, or infection by your dog. So, depending on the health issue, your vet will recommend your dog wear one for several days to several weeks. And as stress may hinder healing, the calmer your dog is while wearing the cone, the better.

But a cone alters your dog’s experience of the world. For example, it blocks their peripheral vision and interferes with how sounds entering their ears. Not to mention it makes it much harder for your dog to move around. They bang the cone into furniture, can’t reach their food and water dishes properly, and can’t get comfortable when they sleep. It’s no wonder they show signs of stress. Some dogs find it so traumatic they even refuse to eat and become lethargic as soon as the cone goes on.

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How to Choose the Right Cone

In many cases, a dog will get their first collar at a veterinary clinic or hospital. There, you’ll work with a veterinarian or veterinary technician to choose which collar is best for your dog. They’ll also likely discuss how and when your dog should use the collar.

There are several kinds of cones. Some cones are made of clear hard plastic and others are made of fabric with a rigid internal structure to keep them spread out. There are even fabric cones designed to look like lion manes or flowers. Some inflatable or stuffed collars are shaped like a donut rather than a cone. And for dogs who simply can’t handle the restrictions of a cone, there are recovery suits that look a bit like long john pajamas. They cover a dog’s wounds with breathable fabric and have special pockets for gauze pads.

Usually, your vet will be the one who is prescribing and recommending cones for your dog. The trick is to find the right cone or collar for your dog and their situation. For example, a hard plastic cone might prevent access to more of your dog’s body but be more uncomfortable to wear. Also, plastic cones are cheaper and easier to clean, but a donut can provide better visibility and therefore cause less distress. Talk to your vet about options, and what the best cone would be for your dog’s recovery situation.

How to Teach Your Dog to Wear a Cone

Most dogs will need a cone at one point or another. And if they’ve never seen one before, it most likely won’t go well. Sometimes, as with spay or neuter surgery, you have advance notice and therefore time to train your dog. But with an accident or injury, you won’t, so it pays to prepare your dog just in case. In the same way you should teach your dog to wear a muzzle, you can teach them to tolerate wearing a cone.

Before you start working with your dog, be sure you’re comfortable assembling the cone and fitting it correctly. If you don’t feel confident, your dog may read that emotion and feel nervous. In the beginning, it can also help to make the collar looser than it needs to be, so it’s easier for your dog to stick their head in and out. And watch your dog’s body language as you work with the cone. Any sign of anxiety or discomfort, like pinned back ears or a tucked tail, means you’ve gone too far too fast. Take a step back in the process and don’t progress until your dog is enthusiastic about participating at the current stage.

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Here is a step-by-step procedure for teaching your dog to tolerate wearing a cone:

1. Place the cone on the ground and scatter treats around the outside. Then let your dog explore and gather the food at their own pace. This allows them to become familiar with the sight and smell of the cone, as well as build a positive association with it.
2. Once your dog is at ease around the cone, pick it up and show it to them. Reward your dog for any interest. That could be sniffing or touching the cone with their nose or simply looking at the cone. But as soon as they interact, praise and offer a treat. You want your dog to look forward to seeing the cone.
3. When the cone’s presence excites your dog, turn it, so the wide end is facing them. You want to encourage them to stick their head inside, and the wider end will make that easier. Reward them for any movement into the cone. If you need to, lure them inside by sticking your hand through the narrow end and drawing it back as your dog follows.
4. If your dog will happily stick their head in the wide end, it’s time to turn the cone around, so the narrow end is facing your dog and repeat the step above.
5. Once your dog will pop their head in and out of the cone, build duration by feeding a series of treats while their head is inside and slowly increasing the time between each treat. To reset the exercise, toss a treat on the floor, then start again. You want your dog to enjoy placing their head inside when asked and holding it there for as long as possible.
6. Now you can fasten the collar and encourage your dog to make small movements while wearing it. You can also gently tap on the sides to help your dog get used to the noise. But reward each tap.
7. Finally, take short walks around the house with your dog while they are wearing the cone. Ask them to sit or lie down to get used to those movements. Heavily reward your dog the entire time to ensure they enjoy the experience and look forward to spending time in the cone.

It might take you several weeks to progress through all the steps. Keep each training session short and positive rather than pushing your dog, and don’t be stingy with your praise or treats. Although you hope they never need a cone, it’s helpful to know your dog is willing to wear one, if necessary.

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