This next exercise builds upon the last one where we first introduced the traces to your dog. In that exercise your dog became familiar with the sensation of resistance (and slight resistance was important) while working in harness. In this exercise, your dog will again experience some resistance as well as some noise that seems to be following him where ever he goes. We will accomplish this by allowing the traces to drag behind your dog and by moving your dog over various types of surfaces.

Before we begin, there are some important things that you, the handler, need to be ready for.

• First, as you move your dog at heel watch the dangling traces to make sure they do not get caught around your dogs feet. The best way to avoid this is to move fairly slowly and straight.
• Second, reassure your dog that this too is normal and the "clinking clanking chiming" sound following him is OK too.

When you are ready, simply repeat the previous exercise (the traces should be connected in a "V-shaped" fashion) allowing the traces to drag on the ground. Make sure you move your dog over smooth surfaces (start with a concrete surface), semi-rough surface (blacktop or gravel) and finally a grassy surface.

If your dog is overwhelmed at any point (most are not) simply stop and re-introduce him to something he was OK with... maybe working with traces that were being carried. If that is the case, its OK... do it and end the day's training session on a happy and positive note. Try this exercise again in a day or two. Eventually, your dog will grow accustom to this and be ready for the next step.