What Sled Dogs Can Teach Us About Leadership

Recently, my wife Christina and I had an unforgettable experience of riding with a sled dog team atop Alaska’s stunning Mendenhall Glacier. As we watched these spirited canine athletes dig into the snow with pure joy and unrelenting drive, we were struck by how much their behavior mirrored timeless truths about leadership.

We’re not claiming to be sled dog experts after one ride—but the lessons were impossible to miss.

1. Lead Dogs Must Lead

The lead dog isn’t just out front for the scenery. They listen closely for commands like “Gee” (right) or “Haw” (left), setting the course with confidence. Once they commit, the entire team follows.

Leadership isn’t about waiting for problems to show up, it’s about moving decisively to prevent them. If you’re at the front, lead with clarity, not hesitation.

2. Build the Right Team—and Place Them Well

Some dogs thrive at the front; others are steady powerhouses at the back. Some are better when paired with specific teammates.

Know your people. Know their strengths, their quirks, and who helps them bring out their best. It’s not just about having talent—it’s about putting that talent in the right place.

3. Keep the Lines Taut

In sledding, slack lines mean trouble—an injured or disengaged dog can throw off the entire team. A skilled musher adjusts quickly.

Leaders must reduce slack. Removing slack means creating accountability, checking in, and not hesitating to reassign if someone isn’t pulling their weight. The goal is to share momentum.

4. Dig Deep When It Counts

Sled dog history is full of teams that pushed through whiteouts, exhaustion, and even life-or-death missions. Somehow, they found another gear.

Your team has reserves, too. 

When you lead with purpose and align around shared values, people rise. Expect greatness—and you just might get it.

5. Rest Is Strategic

After a long run, even the most eager dogs relish a moment to roll in the snow and recharge. Smart mushers build in breaks—because recovery isn’t optional.

High performance demands recovery. Celebrate milestones. Breathe. Laugh. Even the most passionate team can’t run forever without pause.

Leadership, like mushing, is a dynamic balance of trust, direction, and care. When we lead with clarity, place people well, push together, and pause when needed, we build teams that can go the distance—joyfully.