How Do You Train a Dog to Accept Their PAWNIX?

The first time you put a PAWNIX on your PUP, should not be the first time you need to put one on. If your dog’s first introduction to wearing a PAWNIX happens when he/she is hurt or terrified, it will be much more difficult to get the PAWNIX on. And harder to use and benefit from the PAWNIX in the future, as your dog will have learned to associate the PAWNIX with the stressful circumstances. Luckily, a dog can be trained to accept PAWNIX if he/she is introduced to it under low-stress conditions, with a step-by-step process, and with appropriate rewards and love.

Using small, soft treats, and making sure they are comfortable with each step before going on to the next.

1. Let them sniff the PAWNIX. Give a treat. Repeat a few times.
2. Touch their nose with the PAWNIX. Treat. Repeat until they indicate that the PAWNIX looks interesting in a good way.
3. Hold the PAWNIX with one hand and a treat with the other hand (inside the PAWNIX), so they needs to put their nose inside the PAWNIX to get the treat. Repeat until this step is no big deal.
4. Gently slip the PAWNIX over their head, and give them a treat. Remove the PAWNIX after they have finished the treat. Repeat a few times.
5. Put on the PAWNIX and sinch the elastic strings. Treat. Remove after they have finished the treat. Loosen the elastic strings I needed to get back on their head. Repeat a few times.
6. Put on the PAWNIX, sinch the elastic strings, and count slowly to five. Treat. Remove the PAWNIX after they have finished their treat. 
7. Put on the PAWNIX, sinch the elastic strings, and count slowly to five. Treat.  Count slowly to five after they have finished their treat, and Remove the PAWNIX.

Each time you put on the PAWNIX, gradually increase the time the PAWNIX is on. SIt with them and give treats.

Some dogs have gone through these steps in less than a day—possibly a matter of minutes. Some dogs have really bad PTSD and may take training over several days to keep it on and see the benefits. We’ve done this with all kinds of dogs, including rescue dogs we’ve fostered. If the dog isn’t interested in treats, you can substitute other rewards. We have used verbal praise, but this is optional.

We also suggest that you try introducing and training around nap/sleep time as well.  This lets your dog know it is ok to fall asleep in their PAWNIX.  This will help you all get back to sleep in the middle of the night quickly.