The cone is always hard on dogs. Our 2-year old dog has been unlucky , and had to wear it three times in her life so far. We have noticed that spending a lot of time with her helped a lot. Interactive time, not just being in the same room while ignoring her. The Cone of Evil makes dogs sad and depressed, because they feel vulnerable, and reassurance that the humans have things under control and will protect them, is disturbingly good for their state of mind.
Peanut butter is also a very good distraction.
