🐾 Vet-Approved 2025 Guide: Teaching Your Dog to Love the Cone of Shame 🦁💖

By Dr. Duncan Houston, BVSc

The "cone of shame" 😅—officially known as the Elizabethan collar—is often dreaded by both dogs and their humans. But with some patience, tasty treats, and a little fun, you can teach your dog to feel comfortable, or even enjoy, wearing their cone! 🐶🦴

🎯 Why Dogs Need Cones

Elizabethan collars serve important purposes, including:

• 🩹 Preventing licking of surgical sites or wounds
• 🐾 Keeping dogs from chewing on bandages or splints
• 👂 Stopping scratching of ears or face during healing

Various types are available, including soft-sided, inflatable, and clear plastic cones. Each has pros and cons depending on your dog's comfort and the purpose 🛑💬

🐕 Step-by-Step Desensitization Guide 🧘‍♂️🧀

Training your dog to tolerate a cone uses gentle, consent-based desensitization. Here’s how to do it—vet-approved! ✅

1️⃣ Step 1: Introduction 👋

• Place the cone in a familiar room 🏡
• Set it wide-side-down so it’s stable 🔽
• Put treats around the outside rim 🍗
• Repeat daily, adding fresh treats if needed

If your dog approaches and eats the treats comfortably, proceed to the next step ➡️

2️⃣ Step 2: Interaction 🐾🎁

• Lay the cone on its side 🌀
• Scatter treats in and around the inside
• Encourage your dog to approach and explore it 💬
• Let them move the cone to get the goodies 🧀

Repeat as needed until your dog sees the cone as a game 🥳

3️⃣ Step 3: Holding the Cone ✋🧀

• Hold the cone gently in your hand
• Offer treats through the wide opening
• Move the treat slowly toward the narrow end, encouraging them to reach in 🐶
• Let your dog back out freely—no pressure 🚫

If your dog shows fear, go back to Step 2 or try higher-value treats 🧈🧀

4️⃣ Step 4: Head in the Cone 👃➡️🦺

• Hold a treat deep inside the cone 🎯
• Encourage your dog to slip their head through to get it
• Hold the cone so it doesn’t catch on their neck when exiting
• Repeat several times—head in, treat, back out, repeat 🔁

This builds confidence and comfort with the feeling of the cone 🌟

5️⃣ Step 5: Wearing the Cone 💪

• Gently slide the cone on and let it rest on their neck 🧘‍♀️
• Feed treats as they wear it—lots of praise and love! 💖
• Encourage walking around while wearing it 🚶‍♂️
• If they’re uneasy, remove it and back up a step

Practice regularly and gradually until they’re cone-comfy 🐕🎉

🐾 Finding the Right Fit & Feel 🎩

Every dog is unique. Some love inflatable cones; others prefer soft-sided or clear plastic. Test what works best:

• 🦁 Soft cones (like lion-themed ones!) are cute and less intimidating
• 🎈 Inflatable cones are good for short-term restraint
• 🔍 Clear plastic cones offer visibility but can be rigid

🔍 Watch for These Signals 🧠

Understanding your dog’s body language helps tailor your training:

• 👅 Lip licking, turning away = nervousness
• 🧍 Stepping away = too much too soon
• 🐕 Approaching willingly = progress! 🎉

If they’re unsure, change your approach or increase treat value 🍖

💡 Pro Tips from the Clinic 🏥

• ✨ Keep sessions short—3 to 5 minutes at a time
• 🎵 Pair the cone with happy vibes—music, praise, pets
• 🎯 Use a mat or rug to give them grip while moving
• 🍦 Offer soft, lickable treats (cheese spread, baby food)

🏁 Final Thoughts: From Dread to Delight 💞

With the right approach, your dog can learn that the cone is no big deal—and maybe even fun! 🥳 Teaching cone comfort reduces fear and builds trust for future care moments 🐶🧠

Need extra help or personalized advice? Visit AskAVet.com or download the Ask A Vet app 📱 for 1-on-1 support, expert tips, and guidance from real vets 🐾💬

🦴 Until next time—train with kindness, treat generously, and cone with confidence! 🐕🧡