How To Introduce the Rucksack Walk to Your Dog

The Rucksack Walk is a pressure-free bonding and enrichment experience that allows your spaniel to explore using all their senses, with you right there alongside them. Developed by Steve Mann of the Institute of Modern Dog Trainers (IMDT), it combines mental stimulation, sensory enrichment and calm physical exploration in one simple session.

For spaniels who thrive on connection with their owner, this shared experience builds trust and deepens your bond. It's particularly valuable for rescue spaniels or anxious dogs, as the calm, predictable structure helps them decompress and grow in confidence.

What you'll need

• A rucksack or backpack

• High value treats

• A long line lead

• Four small boxes or containers with lids:

  Box 1 – a novel scent: a teabag, grass, leaves

  Box 2 – the “Thing”: an interesting object to investigate (hairbrush, phone case)

  Box 3 – a novel food: something safe but new. Check it's dog-safe (avoid grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, chocolate, xylitol). Spreadable foods work well, as licking calms dogs

  Box 4 – a chew: something for your spaniel to settle with while you sit together

Step 1: Pack your rucksack.

Place each item in its own box and pack in order: chew at the bottom, then novel food, then the Thing, then novel scent on top. The anticipation your spaniel builds around the rucksack over time is part of what makes this activity powerful.

Step 2: Walk slowly to a quiet spot.

Choose a location roughly five minutes from home. Let your spaniel sniff and explore along the way at a relaxed pace. If they pull on the lead, gently stop and wait for them to return focus to you before continuing. If your spaniel is easily distracted or lacks confidence outdoors, start somewhere familiar like your garden. You can build up to new locations over time.

The golden rule: No mobile phone. No stopping to chat with people. This 15-20 minute walk is for you and your spaniel only. Keep talking to a minimum or a whisper.

Step 3: Practice a recall exercise with your dog.

Practice a couple of rounds of gentle recall to redirect their focus from the surroundings to you. Keep your energy relaxed and calm, you're aiming for gentle engagement, not excitement.

Step 4: Find a comfortable spot and settle together. 

Sit down calmly. Take a breath. Now, slowly unzip the rucksack. The magic of the Rucksack Walk is almost entirely in the delivery. Treat every item as though it is something precious. Open the bag slowly, handle each box carefully and build anticipation. Think of it as holding a baby bird.

Step 5: Introduce the novel scent.

Bring out the object slowly. Turn it gently in your hands, tap it, scratch it softly. Your spaniel's curiosity will be sparked by watching you interact with it. Allow them to investigate fully, then calmly return it to its box and the rucksack.

Step 6: introduce the Thing. 

Bring out the object slowly. Turn it gently in your hands, tap it, scratch it softly. Your spaniel's curiosity will be sparked by watching you interact with it. Allow them to investigate fully, then calmly return it to its box and the rucksack.

Step 7: Introduce the novel food. 

Open the food box and allow your spaniel to eat or lick at their own pace. If it's spreadable, let them lick from the box or your hand. No rules here, just let them enjoy it. Close and replace the box as before.

Step 8: Bring out the chew and simply be together. 

This final stage is about stillness. Offer the chew and sit quietly alongside your spaniel while they settle and enjoy it. This is that time for just the two of you to be present with each other.

Common mistakes to avoid

Turning it into a training session. The Rucksack Walk has no performance expectations. The moment you introduce commands or corrections, the nature of the activity changes. Let it simply be what it is.

Rushing through the boxes. The slow, deliberate pace is the point. Each box should be opened and closed thoughtfully. If you rush, you lose the calming atmosphere that makes it work.

Doing it only once. Your spaniel will recognise the rucksack and associate it with calm, positive experiences. Aim to do it weekly or fortnightly and vary the contents to keep it fresh.

Skipping it when the weather is bad. This is perfect for grey, rainy days when a full walk isn't appealing. You can do it in your living room, garden or even your car.

Using the same items repeatedly. Novelty is key. Change at least two items each time to maintain curiosity and engagement.

Once your spaniel is comfortable with the Rucksack Walk at home or in familiar places, gradually introduce new locations. Try quiet parks, woodland paths or beaches during off-peak hours. The portable nature of the activity makes it ideal for building confidence in anxious dogs.

For dogs who struggle to settle, you may find they need several sessions before they fully relax into Step 8. That's completely normal - let them progress at their own pace.

Steve Mann's book Easy Peasy Puppy Squeezy covers the Rucksack Walk in further detail and is well worth reading for any spaniel owner. For rescue spaniels particularly, this simple, gentle activity builds trust, confidence and connection in a way that structured training cannot replicate.