"It's also a problem," Childermass adds, having carefully continued on a few steps farther out onto the frozen lake by the time Strange had caught up. He doesn't sound awed, just a little annoyed. That may have something to do with the fact that the Growlithe is leading them straight out across the frozen lake itself.

That's a lot of ice to cross, but apparently, that's where the trail is leading, whatever the trail even is, and Childermass is about as ill-equipped to stroll across a frozen lake as Strange is. Though once the little dog (and undoubtedly much lighter than these other two idiots) realizes they aren't following along as closely as before, he'll pause, look back, and let out a bark or two.