Towlines, Tug Lines, Neck Lines
(and more)
This diagram is part of a comprehensive walk through to make your own Ganglines, which can be read here.
Most lines are made out of hollow-braid polyethylene rope of varying thickness
10mm is the thickest rope and is usually used for the center line or tow line
8mm would be used for a tug line
6mm for neck lines (connecting the dog by the collar to the center line)
A fid kit can be used to create your own lines, as per the video linked to the left.
Most individuals use brass snaps to connect the dogs to the tug lines and neck lines, but use smaller clips (1/2”) on necklines than tug lines (5/8”).
Necklines are built to ‘snap’ if needed, so that the dog’s neck is not injured.
Lines may be ordered ‘cable filled’ so that a dog cannot easily chew through the main line.
Always carry the right tool to cut your lines
Dogs can become tangled, especially while running larger teams, or wrapped around obstacles if the trail winds around corners. The fastest way to ensure a dog is safe may be to cut the line attaching the dog.
Hollow-braid polyethylene rope can be purchased online through 10 Squared Racing.
2-Dog Set Up
For a smaller team, the tow line ends in two tug lines. The tow line may also have built in shock absorption. Even if you are only running one dog, you may want to invest in a 2-dog set up so you can borrow a dog. When not in use, the second tug line can be clipped to the dog’s harness with the first. Adanac and Alpine Outfitters both offer a high quality set up that will last for years.
Adding More Dogs
Most pre-made ganglines are set up for 4 dogs with two tug lines branching off of the center line and two leader tug lines attached to the end. The black line is the center towline in the set up above, and the blue lines are the tug and necklines.
Lines can be connected to other pre-made sections to create larger team ganglines. If you are asked for a ‘leader’ line, the individual is asking for a single tug line that can be attached to the front of the gangline.
Some pre-made ganglines have the team sections fidded into the center towline, which makes storage easy but does not allow for the individual lines to be modular and adjustable. Pictured above is Alpine Outfitters 4-Dog Cable Gangline.
Attaching to the Musher
Some set ups come with a ‘quick release’ to attach the dog to the human. Our club primarily uses locking carabiner though, as the quick releases have been known to come loose at the most inopportune times. When attaching a gangline to a sled, multiple locking carabiner may be used to secure both the dogs as well as the snow hooks. Pictured is the 3-Stage locking carabiner available through 10 squared racing.