Dog in truck?

my first question is does Jim Palmer have a pet policy?I thought they didn't.Anyway how is your dog riding in your personal vehicle?If he's a good rider then you won't have any trouble in the trk and will not need a trk gate.He also will not slow you down.Whenever you need to go to the restroom take dog with you and tie him up to a tree.Take dog out for a half hour before you start your shift.I would recommend buying a long rope from petco and lots of treats because they're worth it.

 

You and your dog will develope a routine and it'll be easy sticking to it.I always took tiny out before starting my shift once or twice during and always stopped at rest area then a half hr after I'm done for the day.I had a long rope.I tied her to tree and within eye distance and let her do whatever.

 

@akfisher
@Kirk Cousins

 

I would say try it... Each dog will respond differently. I doubt she will be a distraction.

My dog loves to ride in our smaller vehicles but is not fond of the big truck. Not sure if it's the height or the rumble but he is just leery of getting in it after breaks, walks, etc.

It is a bit more work and when you are exhausted at the end of the day you still need to take care of her. Take care of her first and then yourself and all will be good.

A bigger dog will be different than a smaller dog in that there just isn't as much relative space within the truck for a big dog. My dog is bored in the truck but with my wife traveling a bit now he bounces back and forth between us.

I would say give it a try before looking at other options. Especially if JP doesn't have restrictions on size or breed. She might love it.

Good Luck and keep us posted.

 

Just consider a few other things. I suppose some things depend on how often you can get "home", but with many OTR jobs, you better figure on 3+ weeks away as being a regular occurrence.

• Phoenix in August. Temps reaching 115 outside, truck is convection oven when main AC can not run, and APU's sometimes break down, too, at the worst possible time.
• Montana in February during cold front. Thermometer reads -15, winds blowing new snow at 35 MPH with higher gusts and it's time for a "walk"
• Breakdowns or truck repairs that may take all day, or perhaps multiple days [while away from home]. Hotels with pets Okay can be hard to find, too
• A few carriers will not allow Rottweilers due to their reputation, so you could have problems if you ever want to or have to change carriers
• Raining outside or tall wet grass ... that "wet dog aroma"
• Bathing your dog periodically
• Dog gets some sort of virus or other illness on the road

I like dogs, and they can be great companions, but they have needs and introduce a lot of potential problems when things don't go perfect, and depending on your driving style, they can/will slow you down. And I for one do not like to see big breed dogs in such small spaces, week in, week out. They may appear to be "happy", but are they? I get they are better off in a truck long term then with someone who abuses or neglects them, but that may or may not be the only other option for them.

 

Haha, in all honesty....don't. I LOVE my dogs, both of them. And they're very well trained and behaved. But they ALWAYS stay at home with mama. Think of how small even the biggest sleeper is.....and now put you and dog in there....24/7. It gets pretty tight.

Not to mention, dogs need to run and play and move. Not be in those tight quarters constantly. Then there's bathroom breaks....feeding and watering....getting sick, etc.

You do what ya want, but....just my opinion. Good luck to ya!

 

I would like to take my cat, but the idea of her dropping one in the litter box while rolling down the highway is a good deterrent. I would think that if I cleaned it after every time she used it, it wouldn't smell but the idea of being stuck in that cramped of a space with that box has me to scared to try it...

As for taking my dog, just not enough room for us both and I don't want him sleeping in my bed so that is out.

 

After responding with my post #7, it occurred to me "what other companion options are there?" ... a woman such as wife or girlfriend came to mind, or a few feral cats, or perhaps a hyena or wild hog ... take the Rottweiler. The Hyenas and hogs might be difficult to keep properly vaccinated, and feral cats have minor personality issues and scratch and bite. The woman idea was just me being silly. Of course nobody would seriously consider bringing a woman on the truck when easier, cheaper, more care-free options exist..