Dear Miss Behavin’: I’m looking to adopt my first dog. I see a lot of huskies in the shelter and they’re so pretty! What do I need to know about this breed before I take the plunge?

Congratulations on your decision to adopt! You’re correct that many shelters see a good amount of huskies, who are very energetic, intelligent, and independent.

First let’s talk exercise—huskies were originally bred to be endurance sled dogs. Think Iditarod! This is the dog for you if you’re looking for an exercise partner. If you aren’t already a very active person, you may want to consider another breed, as exercise is not optional with these dogs. How will you recreate your own mini Iditarod in your everyday life? Daily walks are essential of course, but huskies also need room to run. If you don’t have a yard, consider where you will take your dog to run on a regular basis. A well socialized husky can do just fine at a dog park, however if you adopt an adult dog, get to know her very well before trying it out.

Huskies can be very independent and tend to wander off. If not given plenty of mental and physical exercise, a husky can easily find a way out of their yard if left alone for the day, whether by hopping a six foot fence, or unlatching the gate. Always make sure your dog has had plenty of exercise and is relaxed before being left alone for the day.

The tendency to roam along with an independent personality also means that a lot of training is required before letting your dog off leash to ensure that they come back to you. If your husky doesn’t run off when in the yard, she still may decide that chasing a squirrel in the park sounds more fun than coming back to you. Enrolling in a training class will help build foundation skills, and will also help strengthen your relationship with your dog! Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA not only has many huskies available for adoption, but also offers an array of training classes and consultation. Good luck!