Commands and Terminology

Mat and Tush (brothers) are both command leader

For the Command Leaders:

Haw/Vänster: turn left.

Gee/Höger: turn right.

On By: keep going/straight ahead.

Line Out: form a straight line. Return to ready position.

For the Whole Team:

Hike: start running!

Easy: slow down

Woah: we're stopping

Sled Team Roles

• Command leaders are the dogs at the very front of a guide sled. They’re the smartest, most patient, and problem-solving dogs, trained over years to understand directions like “haw” and “gee” (or “vänster” and “höger”). A younger dog is often paired with a veteran until they learn the role.

• Follow leaders head the guest sleds behind the guide team. They don’t need to know commands but must be patient and focused enough not to spin the team around if the sled stops. Not every dog can handle that role.

• Swing/Point dogs are the dogs directly behind the command or follow leaders. They help ease the team around corners, and can also listen to the commands in case the leaders need help.

  Team dogs run in the middle. Their job is simple: pull.

• Wheel dogs are at the very back, closest to the sled. They’re usually the strongest, since they bear the most weight at the start. Some wear nansen-stick harnesses, which help spread the weight more evenly.

  
  

  

  The roles of a sled dog team. Image from National Geographic Education Blog