Welcome to Husky Park’s blog! In this blog, we explore the different roles in a husky sled team and the exciting world of husky safaris!
Building the Husky Team
In husky sledding, each sled dog has a specific role. Lead dogs are in front of the team, behind them are the team dogs, and closest to the sled, we have the wheel dogs. They’re placed in a team from the fastest to the slowest so no one gets run over, and the sled’s weight is efficiently shared between them. Each husky safari team consists of 10-12 strong and well-trained sled dogs, pulling sleds that fit 2-4 people, offering an unforgettable husky adventure.
Lead dogs
Lead dogs are positioned in front of the team. Lead dogs are the most intelligent and responsive sled dogs in the team, knowing the main commands given in Finnish: MENNÄÄN (let’s go), OIKEA (right), VASEN (left), and SEIS (stop). Lead dogs are crucial in guiding the husky sled through the snowy trails, ensuring a smooth and controlled husky ride. The lead dogs communicate with their driver. For example, when getting the command left, they take the left side of the tracks. They’re intelligent, fast, tough, and clear-headed.
There are times when the lead dogs may take a wrong turn after receiving a command. When the sled driver notices this, they apply the brake and give the command again. Usually, the lead dogs correct themselves, but sometimes, the sled driver needs to intervene and physically guide them back on the correct track.
Criteria for Lead Dogs
Lead dogs play an essential role in husky safaris because the sled drivers cannot steer the team without them. They also keep the sled dog team on the right path and push forward with determination. Most lead dogs are small and light-structured, making them fast and agile. They need to be quick so they don’t get in the way of the dogs behind them, ensuring the team moves efficiently through the snowy terrain without getting tangeled to each other.
Training the Lead Dogs
Training lead dogs begins at the age of 1.5 – 3 years. Young huskies are usually paired with older, experienced lead dogs, who show them how to respond to commands and communicate with the driver. This mentorship ensures that the young huskies learn the skills necessary for successful husky sledding and husky safaris.
However, not all young dogs are suited to lead from the start. If a husky struggles in the lead position, it is moved back to work as a team dog. Some huskies develop into excellent lead dogs over time as they gain experience and confidence in husky sledding.
Team Dogs
Team dogs provide the main pulling power in a husky safari team. While they do not have a specific steering role, they work together to ensure a smooth and even pull. A well-balanced husky team consists of 2-4 larger males in front of the wheel dogs, while females and smaller males are positioned behind the lead dogs. In a 12-dog husky sledding team, the six rearmost, bigger dogs act as “horsepower,” while the six frontmost provide speed. This careful placement prevents faster dogs from running over slower ones and ensures effective teamwork during husky safaris.
When forming husky sledding teams, drivers must consider which dogs get along with each other to prevent unnecessary fuss or fights. Conflicts among dogs can stop the entire husky safari mid-run, which is why compatibility and teamwork are essential.
Wheel Dogs
Wheel dogs have the heaviest role in a husky sled team, making them some of the strongest sled dogs. Typically, wheel dogs are large males because their natural strength helps pull the sled and handle the weight of passengers during husky rides and tours.
Positioned closest to the sled, wheel dogs play a crucial role in turning. Since there is no steering wheel on a husky sled, the wheel dogs help the musher steer by pulling the sled in the right direction. Strong and skilled wheel dogs allow the musher to navigate curves smoothly without braking too much, helping the entire team conserve energy for long-distance husky safaris and Arctic adventures.
Whether you’re joining a husky safari, learning about sled dog teams, or simply enjoying the excitement of husky sledding, every dog in the team has a unique and essential role. Stay tuned for more insights into the thrilling world of Husky Park, Arctic adventures, and sled dog experiences!
