Terms used to control your dogs (and your direction/speed)

Contrary to common belief, the word "mush" is not used to drive sled dogs. Mush comes from the French word "marche" which is from the verb "marcher" which means to walk. Undoubtedly, the French used this during gold rush days. The word "mush" is felt to be too "soft" a sound to be used as a command. Below is a short list of common commands and terms associated with dog driving sports.

• Hike On: Get the dogs moving
• Gee: Turn right
• Haw: Turn left
• Easy: Slow down
• On-by: Go by a fork in the trail, other dogs, or other distractions without detour
• Whoa: Stop (if you're lucky!)

All commands are spoken in a firm, calm, not too loud voice. During training, you must be certain to use varied turns and trails to be sure that the dog is really executing the commands rather than following a well worn path. You must also anticipate the turn and issue the command at the correct time from the dog's perspective.

Some people get confused when issuing the right/left commands, particularly in the excitement of a race. Some mushers tape the commands on the front of their scooters/rigs, on the right and left sides. You may want to do this while beginning. To train a dog to execute these commands with regularity is not too difficult. To train a dog to do this during the excitement of a race with lots of distractions is much more difficult.

This is all about having fun.  To see your dogs running ahead of you for exercise or in the heat of competition is to experience what these dogs were bred for.  It's the closest you can get to their origins.

Hitting the trail

Gentle turn