The Husky has been described as a behavioral representative of the domestic dog's forebearer, the wolf, exhibiting a wide range of its ancestors' behavior.[17] They are known to howl rather than bark.[18] Behavioral issues include a tendency to roam and to make escape attempts - they have been described as escape artists; which can include digging under, chewing through, or even jumping over fences .[1][19][20]
The ASPCA classifies the breed as good with children. It states they exhibit high energy indoors, have special exercise needs, may pursue cats, and may be destructive "without proper care."[1] A 6 ft (1.83 m) fence is recommended for this breed as a pet, although some have been known to overcome fences as high as 8 ft (2.44 m).[20] Electric pet fencing may not be effective.[20] They need the frequent companionship of people and other dogs.[9]
A fifteen-minute daily obedience training class has been shown to serve well for Siberian Huskies.[21] Siberians need consistent training and do well with a positive reinforcement training program. They rank 45th in Stanley Coren's The Intelligence of Dogs, being of average working/obedience intelligence. They tend to run because they were at first bred to be sled dogs. They were historically bred to be working and companion animals by the Chukchi people, and should always be gentle in nature. The Chukchi people use Siberian huskies to look after their children.[22]