What improves your mood, lowers your blood pressure, relieves stress, and makes you exercise more? As you’ve guessed from the title of this blog post, it’s a dog. However, not just any dog will do. He or she will be spending many hours riding with you within the confined space of your cab and sleeper. This requirement rules out many breeds. Fortunately, there are lots of dog breeds out there, and many of them are well suited for the trucking life. You should also consider mixed breeds because they tend to have fewer health issues than purebreds.
The Requirements
- Small to medium size. The dog should weigh no more than 50 pounds. Remember that your cab and sleeper is a small space filled with many items.
- Laid back or lazy temperament. Your companion will spend most of the day inside your truck, so dogs requiring lots of exercise (typically large dogs) aren’t recommended. Energetic dogs are also harder to control within the confined space of your truck.
- Short hair. Short hair means more manageable cab cleaning.
Suggested Breeds
- Bulldog. Bulldog puppies are playful but they lose this energy as adults. While they are still affectionate, they will have little inclination for outdoor exercise. They are lazy and are content to stay by your side in the cab all day. However, if you were hoping to get some exercise, you will have to get the dog used to an exercise routine.
- Pitbull. These loyal dogs’ reputation for fierceness (whether deserved or not) will serve to discourage break ins. Because they are very active, you will have to give them the exercise they require. If exercise is important to you, they’re perfect. Note that many motels may not allow them.
- Other breeds. These include Boxers, Pugs, Chihuahuas, Miniature Dobermans, and Miniature Poodles.
- Old dogs. If you don’t want to go through the trouble of truck training a puppy, consider adopting an older dog. Older dogs have already been house trained, and have outgrown the high energy of puppyhood. They’re easier to control but will still appreciate walks with you at rest stops.
Contact us at J.E.B. Insurance Services, LLC, if you require or have questions about owner operator insurance in South Carolina.
