Winter Training Hack

Now that winter is here, training outside gets more complicated if you want to reward your dog. Stick the mitts in the treats? Pull the glove off, deliver the treat then stick your hand back in? If neither option appeals to you, consider using a lickable treat instead!

Squeeze tubes are great for this. Simply find whatever soft food you'd like to use (i.e. canned dog food, plain pumpkin, peanut butter, liver pate, etc.), get it to the right consistency (not too chunky, not too runny - this may require mixing it with something else), put it into the tube and dispense as needed!

Great for using in the winter, as all you need to do is remove the lid and squeeze a bit for your dog to lick, so they are mitten friendly.  

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The specific tube in my picture above is one I got with something else a couple of years ago, but I've heard good reviews of Coghlan's Squeeze tubes from other trainers that use soft food for training and I've seen them available with the camping supplies in my local Canadian Tire (you can also find them on amazon).

​If you want inspiration, a google search will bring up recipes for squeeze tubes that other trainers have used.  But the key is to mix it to a good consistency (not so runny it runs everywhere, and not so thick it doesn't want to dispense), to not have chunks large enough to jam the dispensing hole, and to use something that your dog really enjoys!

Even simpler option - squeezable baby food packages.
As always, check to make sure no ingredients contain xylitol!
Then head out and have fun with your pup! ​