The lead dog runs at the front of the team. They set the pace, find the trail, and keep the team on the trail. They know and listen for musher commands of “gee” (right turn) and “haw” (left turn). Lead dogs must be alert and intelligent so they can find and follow the trail when the weather or trail conditions make it challenging to see. Some mushers run one dog in single lead but two lead dogs in a pair up front is far more common.