In the dog world, it is often easy to tell if a dog has recently had surgery, or is dealing with some type of skin irritation. The plastic “cone of shame” around their heads is a dead giveaway.
- But while dog cones are a nuisance to dogs — and seem a little odd to pet parents — they serve an important purpose.
If your pup is unhappy and a traditional e-collar isn’t working, there are plenty of dog collar alternatives you can consider. Let’s dive into the world of dog cones see why they are sometimes necessary and explore different options for our fussy canine companions.
Top Tips for Training Your Dog to Wear a Cone
Buster collars can be fiddly, so practice without your dog first. This will help you learn how to make the collar correctly and feel confident using it, which can help your dog feel confident too. If you’re not sure how to fit it, ask your veterinarian.
- It may help to start with a larger collar, so your dog can easily get his head in and out.
- Keep sessions short. It may be tempting to rush ahead, especially if your dog is performing well, but taking things slowly means you can both feel confident every step of the way.
- Repeat each step several times so that your dog becomes familiar and comfortable with what you are doing. Keep telling your dog how well they are doing and reward them. If either of you are struggling, go back to an earlier step (even the beginning) and practice a little longer before moving on again.
Start when your dog is happy and relaxed.
Keep an eye on your dog while you go. If you notice any changes in their body language that indicate they are anxious or uncomfortable, stop immediately. Understanding dog body language is essential to helping you and your dog work together.
A step-by-step guide for teaching your dog to wear a cone
Desensitize your dog
- Place the collar on the floor and scatter some treats around it for your dog to find and enjoy. This is so they can get used to seeing, or even touching, the collar and associate it with yummy treats.
positive reinforcement
- Place the collar with the opening at the top, like a bowl. Scatter some treats inside the collar, so your dog has to put their head through the opening to eat them. It’s safer for your dog to learn this way as they can easily remove their head if they suddenly feel worried.
Encourage your dog’
- Lift the collar up. Your dog should pop their head through straight away if they’re expecting treats. If they back away or become excited, then go back a step for a little bit longer to build up their confidence. Treat them once their head is through, then remove the collar and throw another treat out for them to chase and enjoy.
Build up the length of time your dog keeps their head in the collar. Continue to feed one treat at a time, waiting longer and longer in between treats. Your dog should learn that keeping their head inside the collar isn’t anything to worry about and it means that treats are coming.
Move with the cone
Slowly begin to move while holding the collar around your dog’s neck. Be ready to feed treats as soon as your dog pops their head through and keeps it there, then every few paces.
This teaches your dog that moving with the collar around their face is nothing to worry about and can be enjoyable. Then remove the collar and throw another treat out for them to chase and enjoy.
cone master
Scatter some treats onto the floor and loosely fasten the collar around your dog’s neck while they’re eating them. Let go of the collar and continue to feed your dog while they’re wearing it.
Encourage them to move while wearing it by feeding them by hand every step, then every few steps they take. You could also lay a trail of treats on the floor for them to follow. You can then unfasten and remove the collar and throw another treat out for them to chase and enjoy.
- Now your dog is prepared should they need to wear a buster collar for real.
Helping your dog while they’re wearing a buster collar
- If you know your dog is going to have an operation and might need to wear a buster collar afterward, prepare your home in advance to help them move around easily and safely.
- Prop doorways open and tidy walkways to help your dog move comfortably around the home without bumping into things.
- Block access to stairs by closing doors or using a child gate. However, be aware this might upset your dog if they’re used to going everywhere, so be prepared to help your dog settle.
- Remove anything valuable to avoid accidental breakage as your dog might not be able to gauge how wide the collar is to begin with.
Watch your dog eating and drinking, as it might be difficult with the collar on. Even a quick chew of a wound could cause problems, so if you remove the collar for mealtimes, always supervise and replace it straight away afterward. Raise food and water bowls onto a slightly higher, secure surface to make it easier for your dog to reach them comfortably whilst wearing the collar.
- Your dog can sleep with the corner on, just keep an eye on them in case they need help whilst unsupervised.
- Keep your dog on a lead when outside with a cone. If necessary, keep to toilet walks. Your vet will be able to advise you on how much and what type of exercise your dog needs whilst in recovery.
- Healing wounds can be itchy, so keep your dog occupied if they need a distraction. Use long-lasting food-releasing toys and give them lots of company and attention.
If your dog is still fearful or displaying uncomfortable body language with a corner, speak to your vet with any concerns you might have and they will be able to advise you further.
Why choose a cone of shame alternative?
Those plastic cones from the vet are great – they keep most pets from dislodging the stitches and causing more problems for them.
But they are not a one-size-fits-all solution. Pets of certain proportions may have trouble moving around, feeling comfortable, or even eating and drinking with others.
Some common cone problems are:
- Dogs with short legs tend to hit the edge of the cone around turns and other obstacles while walking.
- Determined pets tend to rub wounds on the sharp edges of the cones while trying to reach their stitches.
- Dexterous animals (especially prone, scrawny cats) make a traditional cone slippery
- Sensitive souls who cannot get comfortable and sleep with their heads in plastic cones
- Decor-conscious pet parents horrified by a conure breaking and scratching their walls and furniture
- Dirty puppies who can’t master eating or drinking with a cone
- Optimistic animals that keep getting stuck in the gap because they forget the cones have their heads set too wide
- All of the cone options we tested are designed to deal with one or more of these problems.