Many commercial truck drivers, especially those who spend a few days and weeks on the road, love to have a companion along with them. Most of the time, they can’t bring their spouse or even a friend, so they settle for the next best thing, a furry friend! That being said, not all dogs are suited for life on the road. You need to choose carefully, in order to make it a good experience instead of a bad one.
Here are some of the best dog breeds that you may want to consider.
- Pugs and Bulldogs. These dogs are quite lazy. They don’t require a lot of exercise, and would be just as happy to be sleeping beside you no matter where you go. The one thing that you have to think about is their need for cooler temperatures. They won’t do well in a hot truck. You will need to keep the air conditioning running if you are trucking in hotter weather.
- Boxers. Boxers are often loyal companions, so they might be a good partner to have in the truck. That being said, they are bigger dogs, and they will need frequent pit stops and walks in order to sit quietly in the truck.
- Toy breeds. Smaller toy breeds make great companions on the road. They are small enough that they can move around in the cab of the truck. Many hotels even allow small dogs, so you can take your companion wherever you go.
- Older dogs. Older dogs can be the perfect dog for the road. They don’t have the energy of their younger counterparts, and they would love nothing more than spending the day with you sleeping away. You can even adopt an older dog at the shelter and give him or her a second chance at a good life.
If you do decide to get a dog to keep you company on the road, you need to consider the following:
- Are you allowed to have a pet with you? If you aren’t an owner operator, you are going to have to check with the company that you drive for. That being said, even if you are an owner operator, you may not be able to bring your dog along, if you are leasing your truck. Make sure that you are allowed to have your pet, before you start the whole process.
- Start slowly. Your dog needs time to get used to life on the road! You can’t expect to just to put your dog in the truck and drive away to spend a few days on the road. Instead, you need to get him or her used to the sounds of the truck and the road. Take your dog out on the road for an hour or two at a time, until you are able to take him or her out for a few hours.
- Pet-proof your truck. The first thing that you should do is find a way to create a barrier so that your dog can’t get to the petals and your clutch. You don’t want your dog hitting the brakes when you are on the highway! After your dog gets used to it, you may be able to talk this barrier away. You also need to make sure that your dog can move around the cab safely, without getting stuck. You may need to have a cabinet or compartment so that you can safely store things that your dog may want to chew, such as your medicine, food, and trash.
- Have fresh water available at all times. You may want to keep a water dish on the floor of your truck so that your dog can get a drink whenever he or she needs to.
- Take along plenty of food and treats for your dog. You should always take along more food and treats than you think you will need. It is a good idea to bring at least an extra week or two of food with you. Your route may take longer than you thought, or you might get asked to take another load. You don’t want to turn away more work simply because you didn’t bring enough food along for your dog. There are also times when you may be late getting home due to the weather.
- Don’t forget a leash. Even if your dog only weighs a pound, you are going to need to keep a leash in the cab of your truck. Not only does your dog need regular bathroom breaks, he or she is also going to need some exercise, even when you are on the road. In fact, this may be a good excuse to take a few breaks and walks while you are driving.
- Or products to clean up after your dog. No matter how well-trained your dog is, accidents happen. You should always take paper towels, baby wipes, and cleaning supplies along.
- It is a good idea to bring along your dog’s vaccination records. If your dog is going to go on the road with you, he or she needs to be up-to-date on vaccinations. It is also a good idea to have him or her on a good heartworm and flea and tick protection. Your dog may be exposed to more things than normal, depending on where you are hauling! Not only that, but you need to carry the paperwork with you, just in case you need it. If you are driving for a company, they may need to see your dog’s rabies certificate before they allow you to take him or her with you.
The truth is that it can make your job a lot easier if you are able to bring your beloved dog along with you! However, you need to choose the right dog (and get him or her trained properly). You should start slowly until your dog is used to the truck. Then, make sure that you take plenty of breaks to give you (and your dog) enough exercise while you are on the road.
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