Injury - Cone Desensitizing "Dog training"

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I feel that it is important to be proactive and train your dog to like things that could be needed later on or in an emergency. When a dog is injured, neutered, spayed, has hot spots, or any other condition that the dog should not lick, they will most likely have to wear a cone. The vet will provide you with a plastic cheaper cone, but there are a few other cones on the market. I feel that it is less stress for the dog if they are familiar to the cone. It is also a great idea to go to your vet office and do a few training sessions in the lobby, back in one of the exam rooms, or other areas of the vet office that the dog might have to encounter in his lifetime. When I do a training session at the vet, it is short, the dog gets a TON of treats, and I make it a positive wonderful experience. Practice getting on the scale and anything else you can think of. This will make those times that your dog does need to go to the vet less stressful and will help your dog associate the vet office with some good things. Not all bad things happen at the vet. :)

So, to get your dog used to a cone is very helpful in making sure your dog is not scared or fearful when you do actually have to put the cone on.

I wish I had done this when Bandit was a puppy. He broke his leg at 6 months and was so scared of the cone. I did not even think to condition him to a cone when he was that young.

It is an easy process and worth it to keep your dogs stress level as low as you can when faced with an injury or medical reason for having to wear a cone. Being injured, sick, hurt, or medicated is bad enough. It sure would be nice to be confident and comfortable in their cone. It is just one way to make the experience less heartbreaking!

Have a great day!

Pamela Johnson, Isabelle, Bandit, and Twix