Many carriers allow drivers to travel with their pup riding shotgun. About 40% of truck drivers these days travel with a furry co-pilot, like the owners of Knoxville Diesel Truck and Trailer Specialists happily have done as OTR drivers. If you work for any size carrier or fleet, check with your employer on all rules and restrictions and damage deposits, etc. Ignorance of the rules won’t be a good excuse if you break them.
Size can matter.
Smaller dogs can work better in the cab and offer more flexibility. But the size of your sleeper cab can also determine if you go big or go home. And you’ll reap a big haul of benefits if you do. Bringing your four-legged companion along can address lots of needs and wants for long-haul truckers. For many, security is key – your pup sounds an alarm if you’re sleeping and can discourage people from approaching your cab.
According to the American Kennel Club (AKC) , there are at least 10 good health and well-being reasons to bring your canine companion along.
- Dogs make us feel less alone – a big downside of life on the road. In The Human Animal Bond Research Institute national survey, 85 percent of respondents believed interaction with pets reduces loneliness.
- Dogs can lower blood pressure, help your heart and cardiovascular health, and help you live longer.
- Dogs offer comfort. ease anxiety, relieve muscle tension, and reduce cortisol.
- Dogs reduce stress by just petting them and can even help you cope with a crisis.
- Dogs encourage you to move for better health – an average of 300 steps per week just walking them!
- Dogs make us look more attractive! That’s easy to figure out.
- Dogs make us feel more social – with research based 40% increase in willingness to make friends and be connected.
- Dogs are so adorable they trigger feelings of affection and nurture bonding.
- Dogs are natural mood boosters and make people feel happy.
- Dogs help with cognitive function and social recognition.
Pet Proofing & Planning
Organize and carry all the vaccine paperwork and any important health records with you. Keep a crate in the cab. Block off areas where he can cause trouble if he wanders while you’re moving (like the pedals). Think through how you will stay stocked up on food and water (non-slip, non-tip dishes). Keep safe storage for trash and anything else you don’t want him getting into while you are focused on the wheel. Training has to be top priority – from leash training to potty training. You don’t want accidents on the road – or in your cab. To keep your pup safe at rest and truck stops, you’ll need to leash him and make sure your commands are followed. And stay stocked up on plastic bags and scoopers. Carry chew and play toys to break the boredom and always have the special treats he likes to enforce and reward good behavior.
Dog Days
What is time to a dog? That’s easy. Endless until you get back. Goes without saying – don’t leave him unattended and tied up outside, or locked in a hot truck. Ever.
Oh, and just like kids, dogs need frequent breaks for exercise and potty time, so plan stops into your day accordingly. Happy waggy trails, errr … tails!
