by Debra Macapagal

Created on: February 05, 2009

An Overview of Mushing Terminology

There has been increased interest in the Iditarod race since aired on the Discovery Channel. Below is an overview of the mushing terminology and commands you may find handy when watching the race or if you are interested in becoming involved with the sport.

Basket: Is the main body of a sled, where gear may be carried.

Booties: Are slippers or gloves for the dog's feet. They are to prevent cuts and ice forming between the dog's toes. Booties are made from a wide range of fabrics including polar fleece, denim and Gore-tex.

Brake: An aluminum bar with claws fastened to the back of the sleds designed to grab the snow. The bar is stepped on by the musher to slow down or stop the dog team

Brushbow: The Brushbow acts like a bumper which is designed to stop brush from damaging the sled.

Dog Bag: Is a fabric bag carried on the sled to put a sick or injured dog until they reach a check point for the dog to be cared for.

Drag: Is an additional type of brake used to pace the team on slippery or uneven parts of trail, or when going downhill.

Easy: The command for slowing down the dogs.

Gangline: Also called Mainline or Centreline. It is the main line runs from the lead dogs and is attached to the sled.

Gee: Is the command for the dogs to turn right.

Handle Bar: Attached to the sled and is used by the musher to hang on during the race.

Harness: Harnesses allow the dogs to pull. The harness includes the Gangline, Neckline, and Tugline. There are many styles to choose from so it is important to find a harness that promotes the greatest pulling force with the least amount of effort from the dogs.

Haw: The command for turning left.

Hike Up: Command for start moving or go faster.

Ike: Is the command to get the dog team moving.

Leader or Lead dogs: 1 or 2 dogs that are at the front of the team. The lead dogs are usually the smartest dogs on the team. They also usually possess the drive and perseverance needed during a race.

Musher: Is the person who drives a sled dog team

Neckline: Connects to the dog's collar and the Gangline.

On By: The command given when there are distractions such as another dog team.

Point or Swing Dogs: Are located directly behind the Lead Dogs. They help the lead dogs keep pace.

Runners: The skis in which the sled sits. The musher will sometimes stand on the runners.

Safety Line: An added line that goes along the Gangline to the sled. It is there in case the main line breaks.

Seat: Allows the musher to sit and take a break from standing. Not all sleds have a seat for the Musher to sit.

Straight Ahead: The command for going straight ahead when the team comes to intersections or when passing other teams.

Team Dogs: Are all the other dogs other than the Lead Dogs, Swing Dogs and Wheel Dogs.

Tuglines: the line that connects the dog's harness to the Gangline

Wheel Dogs: the two dog's directly in front of the sled.

Whoa: the command for stop.

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