Driving a truck across the interstates of America can be a lonely gig. Most spouses and children can’t join you due to school and work commitments. That leaves you to the voices over the radio and the people you meet on your stops to entertain you on long journeys. However, there is someone out there that would love your companionship just as much as you… as long as you love four paws and a tail! Close to 50% of American households have a dog and more than 60% of truck drivers report owning at least one dog. Of those truck drivers, 40% of them report their dog as their main co-pilot in their truck.
Dogs make excellent companions for multiple reasons. They’re loving, loyal, make you feel happier and help you de-stress. There is a reason they are called “man’s best friend” after all. There are thousands of dogs across America looking for forever homes so there is a good chance that your co-pilot is out there waiting for you.
How to Find the Right Dog for You
Check your company’s pet policy
If you’re your own boss then you make the rules, but if you are a company driver then you should check the pet policy. Some companies won’t let you have a pet on the road, while some companies allow you to have a pet under a certain weight. So that Great Dane you’ve been dreaming of might have to stay home with the family. Some companies may also charge you a pet deposit before you can allow your new pet to ride in the truck.
Pick the right breed
Picking the right breed of dog for your personality and your lifestyle can make all the difference. Do a little research before you start “shopping” around for a dog. Dogs like Australian Shepherds and Border Collies are working dogs and require a lot of exercise. For a truck driver, these breeds might be too hyperactive for the long drives. A Saint Bernard is probably too large of a dog to comfortably share the front seat with you. Small dogs like a Beagle or Jack Russell might serve as a better option due to their smaller size. Also, a dog with a lot of hair is probably going to shed all over the place.
Check the shelters first
Unless you have severe allergies and need a hypo-allergic breed, check the animal shelters first. Many shelters, especially in the south, are overrun with animals where they have to euthanize the unwanted animals. Most shelter dogs are mutts, but they often make the best dogs. Since many of them are mixed breeds, they tend to have less health issues, such as hip dysplasia, that purebreds tend to have as they age. Shelter dogs deserve a second chance in life so make sure you check one before shelling out a lot of money for a purebred dog from a breeder.
Give your new friend a test ride
Not every dog is going to love riding in a truck. Start with a few shorter rides to introduce your dog to the truck and the noise. Some dogs who are new to riding in cars and trucks can be anxious or have motion sickness. Is the dog panting a lot and not settling down? Does the dog vomit? Most dogs will outgrow this as they become more use to riding in a vehicle. The ASPCA has a great resource for training dogs for riding in vehicles. There are a few dogs that aren’t meant to be a trucking dog, it’s okay. Most shelters will let you return a dog if it’s not the right fit for you or the dog can just stay home with the family.
Dogs need to be trained to ride in the truck
Once you determine that your new friend enjoys being your co-pilot, then you need to train your dog to handle longer hauls. Inside a truck cab can be a scary place for a dog with various buttons, handles, and brakes. Until your dog is used to the cab, block off areas, such as the clutch and brakes. You don’t want your dog to get stuck on a handle and hurt themselves or cause you to get into an accident. Make sure you keep all medicines, food, and other little things that dogs love to chew out of their reach. Some dogs may move around a lot more than others. If this is the case, for your safety and your dogs, you might want to consider buying your dog a harness seat belt to keep them securely in one place.
Just like with children, you should dog-proof your cab
Dogs, especially puppies and young dogs, love to chew. Keep little objects out of reach of your pet. Be careful with food and trash laying around because they will probably think it’s their lunch. Always keep water available for your dog and watch for signs that your dog may need to go to the bathroom. During the winter months you may carry things such as ice-melt products and anti-freeze in your truck. These products are poisonous to animals so store them out of reach. If your dog does happen to take a lick, make sure to contact a vet right away.
Enjoy your new co-pilot!
Dogs are great co-pilots while on the job and in life. Dogs can help you reduce stress and increase your exercise. Keep a ball or Frisbee in your cab and at rest stops go play on the grass with them. Not only does your dog get to burn off some energy, you can burn off some calories. Several studies found that dogs can also help you be more social and make friends. Who doesn’t love to pet a cute puppy?
Dogs make excellent co-pilots when you spend most of your life in the driver’s seat. Dogs can keep you company, make you happier, and help you de-stress after a long day of work. Finding the right dog to sit shotgun in your truck cab may be a bit challenging, but now you have all the tools you need to find the right pup for you.