How do you keep warm walking your dog in Winter?

maggie_12

We got our new dog from a dog home in August in Summer and we loved big long walks with him wearing only a t-shirt and jeans. Now I feel like I have to spend 15 minutes getting all the layers on before getting the dog out and I'm still cold when I'm outside!!! I end up all hunched up trying to stop the wind getting in any gaps. My hands get cold even with gloves on. And it's only going to get worse, we're only in November! I've got the proper branded expensive wind/water proof jackets but I can't say I feel really warm when I'm wearing them.

My dog is still learning how to walk properly on the lead, as although he's between 5 and 8 he doesn't resemble to have had much training in his life! I'm getting a bit worried for the ice to hit and being pulled by the dog. I see many incidences of falling on my backside! :eek:

How do others keep themselves warm when they're out in this weather???

lostinrates

maggie_12 wrote: »

We got our new dog from a dog home in August in Summer and we loved big long walks with him wearing only a t-shirt and jeans. Now I feel like I have to spend 15 minutes getting all the layers on before getting the dog out and I'm still cold when I'm outside!!! I end up all hunched up trying to stop the wind getting in any gaps. My hands get cold even with gloves on. And it's only going to get worse, we're only in November! I've got the proper branded expensive wind/water proof jackets but I can't say I feel really warm when I'm wearing them.

My dog is still learning how to walk properly on the lead, as although he's between 5 and 8 he doesn't resemble to have had much training in his life! I'm getting a bit worried for the ice to hit and being pulled by the dog. I see many incidences of falling on my backside! :eek:

How do others keep themselves warm when they're out in this weather???

Dressing properly and getting off pavements/roads asap onto a less slippery grass suface, that ill hurt less if you slip, then walking really briskly, keeping active, doing a few jumping jacks, whatever. The dogs love the odd jump and silly mother behaviour.

dressing is about what is underneath as well as what the top layer is Fleece gloves under waterproof gloves help a lot, warm feet are vital...sheepskin insoles in boots (I wear thermal boots actually) and good thermal underwear under a looser upper layer under your waterproofs.

jellymid

Firstly, aim to stop the gaps - long sleeved t-shirts, tucked into trousers and gloves. Loads of layers, padded trousers,or tights under trousers, but mainly keep your torso warm. That's the advice given by a consultant to keep my teenager warm, she suffers from very poor circulation. Keep gloves, coat and hat on radiator for a while before going out.

If you are anywhere near a Decathlon store, they have great silk gloves for under a fiver, which fit under ordinary gloves, also cheap thick fleeces. Consider an all in one skisuit, if you can find one - keeps you all covered, and easy to put on over your indoor clothes.

Hope that helps. Can't help on the dog pulling front, as we don't have one, but sympathise with your cold problems.

kte

I did venture out this morning with one of those mini hot water bottles tucked into the waistband of my jeans under my thick coat. Not the most flattering of looks I'm sure but lovely and warm!

shegirl

Pup is only 10 weeks old so only goes out into the garden for business but we can be out there a while,he likes playing out too.So far,despite the ice and cold weather I've been fine in just a jumper dress,leggings and knee high boots,sometime chuck my mac on on top but I'm not freezing out there!No matter how long we're out!!!

Am looking for some new knee high boots with wedges though and a new winter coat for longer periods out,but it can't get much colder than it is at the mo lol

The key though to keeping warm is layering!

toby_puppy

I must admit I have been leaving my Primark fleece pj's on underneath my clothes when I'm walking my dog - very warm and cheap!

I also wear a cheap bodywarmer from TJ Hughes and most importantly of all a woolly hat as most of your body heat is lost through your head, I got a thinsulate one at the local petrol station £2.99 with my fuel purchase

hoogervaaner

Hello, I work outdoors and have dreadful circulation so hope to offer a few tips to avoid winter chills. Firstly I agree with the other posters, base layers and making sure there are no gaps to allow draughts in are great places to start. My personal favourite outdoor items are neoprene lined wellies, these are not cheap but a decent pair will last for years and they stop the cold coming up through the ground. On a tyical winter's day I will wear: polar neck long sleeved thermal base layer top which is tucked into thermal leggings which are tucked into thin socks which have a thick pair of wool wellie socks over the top! Then a long sleeved t-shirt, followed by a thin longsleeved jumper which are tucked into thick trousers. Then a fleece followed by a waterproof and windproof coat (waterproof over trousers stay in my backpack until needed). I always wear a scarf and to avoid a chapped face a 'headover', I also favour fleece hats that can be pulled down to cover your ears. I always carry a spare pair of gloves in case mine get wet and keep reusable handwarmers in my backpack for long days. You could do without the backpack items but if you're out for the day they are useful.
My other advice would be to walk briskly with your arms moving, keeping in mind the conditions underfoot.
As for the dog pulling, they can be trained out of it, mine are rescues and used to pull like steamtrains, after lots and lots of training they walk on a slack lead and it makes taking them out far more pleasurable. Hope this is of some help.

Dave101t

walk faster

bulchy

I sometimes keep my pj's on underneath a pair of waterproof golf trousers I was given, if not I wear a pair of old leggings under them,very warm and dry. I wear one of those 3 in 1 coats too, think its Karrimor, my scarf and gloves and I'm set,hands do seem to be where the cold still reaches though, even with gloves, so if anyone can recomend a pair suitable for dog walking in, would be appreciated, they need to be either easy to slip on and off or suitable for cleaning up dog poop, as in flexible iyswim I do worry about slipping though as my dogs a puller too. I have long mudrucker wellies and some hiking boots and touch wood have been ok so far, hope I havent tempted fate here
Sue

Sorny

hi i have a trekmates hat with bits that cover my ears! berghaus jacket worn over a berghaus fleece over any t shirt! and craghoppers trousers! for some reason i can't get on with wearing scarves no matter now many i have bought for me!

and a little red coat for our king charles spaniel because she keeps trying to pee when it's cold even though there's nothing to come out! the coat stops that! awwwwwwwwwwwwww!

MoneyAnt

Send the wife

Seriously though, I think a couple of coats are now in order along with a 'deer stalker' hat to keep ears warm

We have all black Border collie / German Shepherd cross and we have just purchased him an xxl 'red and blue thermal dog coat. Not only is he more warm than we are, but it keeps him dry as well + oncoming people are not as suprised as they seem him coming .... :rotfl: