Out of our 26 huskies, we've got 6 perfect leaders, and several new leaders in training. Not all of the dogs fit the job of leading the whole team, but here's how we prepare new leader dogs:

Leader dogs are the brains of a sled team, setting pace, direction, and responding to your voice in all conditions. Begin with a confident, people-focused dog that enjoys problem-solving and has solid basic obedience. Introduce harnesses and light pulling gradually, pairing the future leader with an experienced dog when possible. We practice clear, consistent commands in Norwegian such as høyre (right), venstre (left), stå (stop), and rolig (slow) on quiet trails.

Reward quick, correct decisions with praise and short, fun runs. Expose the dog to varied terrain, other teams, and distractions so they learn to stay focused. Keep sessions short, end on success, and avoid overcorrecting—leaders must feel confident making choices. Over time, increase distance, complexity of routes, and speed, always prioritizing safety, trust, and a strong bond between musher and dog.

Structure training in progressive stages: start on foot or with a bike, then move to a small sled or rig before full teams. Use wide, gentle turns at first so the dog can easily understand directional cues. Practice stopping and standing calmly, reinforcing that control matters more than speed. Rotate positions in the team so the dog experiences wheel, team, and finally lead, building understanding of how the whole team moves.

Work on independent thinking by occasionally allowing the leader to choose the safest path around obstacles or bad ice, then rewarding good judgment. Maintain excellent physical conditioning and regular health checks, as leaders work mentally and physically harder than other dogs. With patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement, a promising young dog can grow into a reliable, confident leader that keeps the entire team safe on the trail.