The Rucksack Walk

[Mabel’smummy]

Unfortunately Mabel’s not at her best at the moment those elbows are causing so many problems. She has been back to the vets and has some muscle wastage on the right leg so she is booked in with the specialist on 25 July. I’m staying strong and taking the days as they come. I’ve decided to do something really special every week with her so today we went on a rucksack walk.

I’m not sure where the idea came from I think it may have been Fiona @snowbunny. This morning I filled my bag with a flask of coffee for me, water for Mabel, a bit of chicken we could share. Breakfast for me and biscuits for Mabel. We then have a lovely walk along the river and found a quiet spot to just enjoy being silent with nature. It was glorious sitting looking at the river.

If I remember rightly the idea of the Rucksack Walk is to create a connection between dog and owner using food and toys. It’s also away of encouraging recall by being interesting to your dog. Mabel was prone to wonder off but as soon as she saw me rooting around in the bag she was back to take a look.

It’s something I’ll definitely be doing again.

 

[Hollysdad]

That's a good idea. We've picnicked with Holly on long walks, and I can see how she'd enjoy that as she gets older.

 

[HAH]

This is a lovely idea, and particularly your just sitting and being silent with nature. It sounds fabulous.

 

[Plum's mum]

That sounds lovely @Mabel’smummy.

I remember being given something like this as an exercise when doing puppy classes and the trainer described it as making ourselves the centre of our puppy's world.

I might give it a bash too.

 

[SwampDonkey]

Sorry Mabel's no doing so well. Sounds a great way to spend time together. Xxx

 

[Natalie]

Oh, yes, I remember this, taking things in and out of the rucksack, alternating treats and toys of different values, I think? So sorry for lovely Mabel, she's been through so much already. Xx

 

[MaccieD]

So sorry to hear that Mabel is causing concern at the moment . I've had quite a year with Juno so far so hoping we both have a better few months coming up. x

 

[Selina27]

I'm sorry to hear that Mabel is up against it health wise

I'm very interested to read your post. Yes I too remember reading about a rucksack walk somewhere. Just lately I have been taking dummies and toys on walks in a rucksack (the one my daughter took to school aged 6 ) as I don't yet have a game bag. But it's great because everytime I take it off she comes running over to see what's in it ! She just can't resist! And that's without any food, but I do have it in mind to go on a picnic walk with her once it is not so hot.

 

[Mabel’smummy]

So sorry to hear that Mabel is causing concern at the moment . I've had quite a year with Juno so far so hoping we both have a better few months coming up. x

It’s hopeless isn’t it Rosemary one step forward six back. Fingers crossed for Juno. Xx

 

[Lab_adore]

I hope both Mabel and Juno see big improvements soon

 

[Charlie]

Sorry to hear Mabel isn't at her best I loved reading your story of your day out, that's wonderful and I'm going to get a ruck sack and have days like those when I move. Thanks for sharing xxxx

 

[MaccieD]

It’s hopeless isn’t it Rosemary one step forward six back. Fingers crossed for Juno. Xx

I try not to feel hopeless, or helpless - but it's so hard sometimes. I think I've found it hard as I'd probably become complacent. We had been cruising along with no issues for months - well a couple of years really and then kaboom!

 

[snowbunny]

It's not my idea; I think the idea was originally by Steve Mann from the IMDT. Here's a link which explains it in more detail: The Rucksack Walk

Sorry Mabel isn't doing so well, but I'm glad you have things you can do to enjoy time together. That's the main thing.

 

[Mabel’smummy]

Thank you @snowbunny I’ve just read the article. It’s fascinating.

We are going somewhere different each morning for breakfast rather than having a walk as such, it’s been an invaluable activity to do.