What is the most important command for
dog powered sports?
It depends a little on who you ask, but
most people would either answer "line
out" or "on by".
"Line out" is important because
if your dog does not stay out in front,
it's tough to get going down the trail.
If your dog does not line out, then you
have to keep getting off the rig, bike,
scooter, or sled and correcting them.
If your dog lines out on command, then
you can actually start to work on some
of the moving commands. "Line out"
is a command that can be worked on at
home, at the park, or even during a Orioles
game. If your dog already knows obedience
commands, feel free to use the "stay"
command in lieu of the "line out"
command.
"On By" is one of the most
important commands once you start down
the trail. Dogs can be easily distracted
while running down a trail and the "on
by" command is about moving beyond
those distractions. On many of the trails
in Maryland, there is a lot of other trail
traffic, death defying squirrels, and
almost domesticated deer. "On by"
is essential to avoid having your team
chase the local wildlife through the wildflowers.
Below, two dog teams can be seen doing
a head on pass at the Tug Hill Challenge
dog sled race in upstate New York. These
mushers are using the "on by"
command to take their dogs "on by"
another dog team. For a list of other
frequently used dog sledding commands,
see our dog
sledding commands section.
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