Dave is one of the lead dogs in the sled team and is killed by Hal, the incompetent and cruel owner of the team. Hal attempts to force the dogs to pull a heavily loaded sled across a frozen lake, despite the warnings of his partner, Charles. The dogs struggle and ultimately fail, and Hal, in a fit of rage, whips Dave mercilessly. The strain, combined with Hal's brutal treatment, results in Dave's death.
John Thornton, who is introduced later in the story, becomes a friend and protector of the dogs. He is appalled by Hal's cruelty and takes action to rescue Buck, the main protagonist, from Hal's brutal ownership.