A dog should experience new things from both sides... meaning both sides of the brain. So have your dog sit on your right side and once again have your assistant move the cart past the dog... beginning first with a pass-by on your side and later passing-by on the dog's side.

Next, we will walk the dog at heel as the cart passes us by. Repeat this as needed and ensure you heel your dog on both the left and right and the cart passes on both the left and right. Are you still with me? Great.

The next step of this exercise begins with you and your dog back at home plate along with your assistant and the cart. Move your dog at heel (dog on your left) while the cart follows alongside. To begin, the cart (and assistant) should be on your side with your dog, you, and the cart/assistant all moving along together.

The last step of this exercise is called the bump and it is what we have been building up to. By this time, your dog should be so accustomed to the cart as to not give it another thought. But he is not ready to be hitched up yet because he has not felt the cart. You see, as your dog pulls the cart he will be gently bumped by the shaft poles. So we will give him the feel of this sensation without actually hitching him up. Here is how we do it:

1. With your dog in the heel position (dog on your left) position the cart and assistant next to the dog. From left to right the order will be cart and assistant, your dog, and then you.
2. Move forward together.
3. Check your dog and reassure him
4. If your dog is Ok with this, ask your assistant to bump
5. The assistant will gently bump the dog with the rubber tip of the shaft poles as you are all moving. This is a bump and return to normal not a continuous push.
6. Check your dog
7. If there are problems have your assistant veer away and return to home plate without you.
8. If your dog is Ok with this, continue the gentle bumping.
9. Repeat this with the dog heeled on your right side.

That is how we properly introduce the cart to your dog. This procedure is filled with safety checks and most dogs handle it extremely well. Now, give your dog a good rubbing, unharness, and relax.