He doesn’t like it so I’m sat on it. Bloody marvellous! If he does take to it , I think I’m going to get myself one !
Have you tried to put a thin sheet/towel over it? We do that for our dog and she goes in it and it still remains cool
Give them their dinner on it, or give them something tasty every time they sniff it, touch it with their paw, etc. until you've built up to them laying on it. Then you can start treating them for staying on it for longer periods of time. Or give them a longer-lasting chew thing/frozen kong that they can only have whilst laying on the mat. They'll soon get excited anytime they see it. If they're really resistant, try training them to lay down on a different mat or towel and once they've got the idea, bring out the cooling mat.
Aren't they allowed just to not like it? They may feel perfectly cool already and find the experience uncomfortable.
Well, obviously and if that's what the OP wants to do then they can ignore my message. If they want tips to encourage their dog to use it then they can try some of the ideas offered.