There are countless ways to go about training your dog(s) to mush. There is no established'right' or 'wrong' way, and each has it's own ups and downs. Here I will outline some basic guidelines, list a few common terms and give out a few links to get you started. My suggestion is to read everything you can get your hands on concerning dog-driving - be it online or in a book. I've been to a few dozen internet sites and am on my tenth book about mushing/huskies right now. General dog-training books can be a great asset as well. You have to do a lot of research and have a fair amount of patience to raise sled dogs. If simply finding information seems like too much work, perhaps mushing is not for you.

Terminology

Here lies a variety of lingo from the dogsledding world. These terms are pretty standard the world over. You don't have to abide by them, but it will probably make your life easier if you do. For example, if you choose not to use a standard term like "Gee!" for right turn, and someday lend or sell your dog to a fellow musher - there could be a bit of confusion to say the least. To each their own though, these are just a guideline to get you started.

Mush! Hike! All right! Let's go! -Commands to start the team mushing.

Gee! -Command to turn right.

Haw! -Command to turn left.

Woah! -Command to halt. Pronounced 'Wooooooooaaaaaaah'.

Easy! -Command to slow down.

Come Gee! Come Haw! -Command to turn 180 degrees in either direction.Command to turn left.

On by! Straight ahead! -Commands to keep going straight, or 'on by' another team/distraction.

Trail! - Request for right-of-way on the trail.

Line out! -Command to the lead dog to pull the team out straight from the sled, keeping the line taught. Usually used when hooking or unhooking dogs into the team.

Lead Dog / Leader - Dog who runs in front of all others. This dog must generally be smart and fast. When two dogs lead side by side, it's called a Double Lead.

Swing Dogs - Dogs immediately behind the leader. Usually called Left Swing and Right Swing according the the side of the tow line they're positioned on. These dogs job is to help 'swing' the team in turns or curves.

Wheel Dogs / Wheelers - The dogs placed directly in front of the sled. Their job is to pull the sled out and around corners and trees.

Team Dog - Any dog on your team that isn't Lead, Swing, or Wheel.

Tow Line, Gangline - Main rope that runs out forward from the sled. All dogs are connected to this line by other lines.

Tug Line - Line that connects a dog's harness to the tow line.

Neck Line - Line that connects dog's collar to the towline and between the two collars of a double lead.

Snub Line - Rope attached to the sled which is used to tie it up to a tree, etc.

Tether Line - A long chain with smaller peices extending from it. Used to stake out a team when no stakes are available.

Stake - Metal or wooden post driven into the ground used to tie up a dog.

Snow hook / Ice hook - Heavy peice of metal attached by line to the sled. Used as an anchor to hold the team and sled in place for a short period of time.

Stove up - Injured, usually temporarily. Refers to both musher and dogs.

Dog in Basket - Tired or injured dog carried in the sled.

Rigging - Refers to all lines to which dogs are attached. (Tow, tug and necklines).

Runners - The two bottom peices of the sled which ride on the snow. They extend back for the driver to stand on. Runner bottoms are usually wood, covered with plastic or teflon.

Booties - A pair sock of sort designed to protect the dog's feet from small cuts and sores. Can be made of a variety of materials, including fleece, denim, trigger cloth, etc.

Pedaling - Pushing the sled with one foot while the other remains on the runner.

Musher - You!

More Training

Here are a few sites that have some valuable tips on training your dog(s). Check them out!

Build your own dogsled instructions. Courtesy of Ooowoo Racing Kennel.

A group of great FAQs concerning all manners of dogs and sleds. Courtesy of Ooowoo Racing Kennel.