Reward Your Dog On Cold Walks Without Freezing Your Hands Off

As a Canadian force free dog trainer, I spend a lot of time working outdoors in freezing temperatures. To make things even more challenging I have terrible circulation, which means my hands get cold very easily.

“What do you do when you have reinforced with treats and now it’s too cold to go outside without mittens?”

I’ve received multiple questions asking to give treats during winter walks, so I thought I’d share four of my preferred methods for rewarding dogs on cold walks without freezing your hands off!

1. Silicone Pouch, Wet Food & a Long-Handled Spoon or Spatula

I frequently recommend this setup to anyone training a short dog that has difficulty bending over to reward repeatedly during walks. Rather than using treats, put some wet down food in a silicone treat pouch and deliver it with a long-handled spoon as the reward.

This setup also works wonders on cold days, as you can still wear thick gloves while using it.

However, if I’m working with a taller dog in the winter I’ll use option 2 instead.

2. Silicone Squeeze Tubes

This is one of my favourites!

Silicone squeeze tubes are ideal for colder weather because they’re easy to carry and you can still wear gloves while using them.

I buy tubes with larger openings so they’re easy to fill and clean. Before heading out, I slightly thin out wet dog food (just enough so it’s easy to squeeze) and fill a few tubes for training sessions. I haven’t had any issues with leaks, so I keep them in my pocket during the walk to prevent the contents from freezing.

If you’re looking for an easy, affordable option this is my recommendation!

3. The EZ Treat Dispenser

Another fantastic option, especially if you prefer using dry treats for winter training, is the EZ treat dispenser.

The EZ treat is a fully contained unit that releases a treat with the press of a button. It’s easy to operate with mittens on, which makes it perfect for winter. However, a couple of things to keep in mind: the treats you use need to be cut to a specific size, and the dispenser must be kept dry to function properly.

If you want to check it out, I’ve also linked it here.

4. Electric Gloves: A Game-Changer for Cold Weather

Now, let’s talk about something that has made a huge difference for me: electric gloves.

As previously mentioned I have terrible circulation, which means my hands tend to get really painful in cold weather (even in thick gloves). They just don’t generate enough heat!

About a decade ago, I found the solution: electric gloves. I didn’t want bulky outer gloves (for dexterity), and instead found a Canadian company that made heated liners! These particular thin liners send heat down through your fingers and last for hours. On the highest setting my hands actually get hot.

Since I retain full dexterity they’re perfect for training dogs. I also wear a light waterproof glove over the electric liners to protect them from the elements (and dog slobber).

I’ll be honest: the brand I use isn’t cheap. However I’ve had mine for almost a decade and haven’t even needed to replace the batteries.

I reached out to the company and they generously provided me with a 15% discount code to share with you if you want to check them out for yourself. I’ll link them here and the discount code “HAPPYHOUNDS_DOGTRAINING” will get you 15% off!

Final Thoughts

Cold weather can make dog training outdoors challenging, but with the right tools, you can still reward your dog without freezing your hands off. From silicone squeeze tubes to electric gloves, there are plenty of options to keep you warm during training sessions. [Please also be cognizant of how your dog responds to cold and whether the temperatures are safe for them]

Want more leash training tips? Check out my 6 Weeks to Dream Walks guide here:

Looking for some fun activities you can do with your dog indoors when the weather is just too terrible to go outside? Watch this:

Happy training!