Pulling Power: Meet Fauquier County's Ashlee Pezzuto and her racing Huskies

For Ashlee Pezzuto, owner of the Dog Spa in Warrenton, her six Siberian Huskies are part of her family. They are also powerful competitive racing sled dogs. 

Pezzuto grew up with a variety of dogs but didn’t get her first Husky until she was an adult. She had an active lifestyle and loved being outdoors, so she started researching dog breeds that would take joy in the same things she did. 

A Siberian Husky, a breed developed to work outside, was the answer. 

But, she explained, “Once I got one, I was hooked. They’re like potato chips: You can’t have just one. Also, they’re pack animals, they’re better with companions.” 

Pezzuto spoke with Warrenton Lifestyle about her dogs and her sport. 

What was your inspiration for getting into dog sledding? 

When I first got into the breed, I wanted to be active with my dogs and find things they found joy in doing. Given the breed’s original purpose, I researched and started walking and jogging with them for exercise and mental stimulation. I was introduced to racing by Ron Gagne, who lives in Fauquier and trains and races his Huskies. I helped with his dogs and learned a lot from him. My love for the sport blossomed even more from there. 

Are your Huskies pets as well as working dogs?

All of our dogs are first and foremost our beloved pets and family members. They just happen to also be amazing athletes who love to work alongside their humans. 

Where do you get your dogs? 

Either from a reputable breeder or we breed them ourselves. 

Are they good family dogs? 

When the breed originated, they were out running sleds. Even though they worked every day, they became “nanny dogs” at night, sleeping with the family’s children to keep them warm. Well-bred Huskies are very easy to live with. Mine sleep on the couch, but they’re ready to go any time. Even more than physical activity, though, they need mental stimulation.

You have two young children. Are the dogs protective of them?

Huskies aren’t protective or aggressive at all. Some people think they look scary, but it’s only their appearance that deters. They’ll welcome anyone into their home. 

Do they bark a lot? 

Huskies don’t bark, they talk. It sounds like something between “Aroooo” and a howl. 

Can you describe the process of training and conditioning the dogs?

There are many details for training and conditioning, but a short summary would be introduction to a harness, light physical work in harness, gradually increasing distance, speed and weight. While training, it’s important to properly warm up and cool down the dogs, and make sure they are properly fueled with food and supplements for their activity level. Training is all weather-permitting to ensure our dogs are safe. 

How much time is spent on training?

Lots of very early mornings and late nights on the weekends, and time during the week if it can be fit in. Serious racers ideally run at least 5 days a week. 

How do you train in the summer?

In the summer I personally enjoy letting my dogs embark on other sports they also enjoy. In order for our dogs to do sled dog activities, the weather also has to meet certain conditions as far as temperature, humidity, and rain. The dogs’ health and safety are our main priority. 

What types of races do you compete in?

When we compete, it is typically sprint races where the distance of the race depends on how many dogs you are running on your team. I personally have only competitively raced a few years, earned some placements and miles, and helped some dogs earn their sled dog titles. I haven’t raced in a couple years due to growing our family and running a business, so right now we do recreational running and appear in the Warrenton Christmas Parade. 

Do you participate mostly for competition or for fun?

I personally participate to have fun with my dogs. Sure, the placements and trophies are awesome to win but nothing else is better than being out on the trail with your beloved pets doing what they were bred to do and love. 

How do the dogs react when racing?

The pure joy and eagerness to run when the dogs are about to run is something that has to be witnessed in person. They truly enjoy being hooked up in harness and running with their team, it is ingrained in their DNA. 

How expensive is the sport? 

The entry fees themselves aren’t crazy expensive, but the traveling, gas, and all the gear and upkeep certainly adds up. 

How fast are the dogs?

Siberians were bred to pull light loads at a moderate speed for long distances. Their speed ranges per team and at what point they are in their journey. Take-offs can go upwards of 20 mph and a steady pace over a distance ranges from 8-15 mph. By themselves in a sprint the breed can run 24-29 mph. 

What else do you do with the dogs?

Our dogs are our pets, so just like anyone else we enjoy your typical walks and outings. We also do other fun sports with them to keep them active and mentally stimulated, such as Fast Cat (a hundred-yard dash with a lure), Rally (a teamwork competition with handler and dog), Obedience, Barn Hunt (a type of dog scavenger hunt), Agility, and learning tricks. 

What are your favorite things about dog sledding?

My favorite thing about mushing is the connection I form with my dogs and being out on a nice quiet trail listening to the dogs quietly and effortlessly work together as a team with me.