Might Get A Dog In The Truck.

I’m seriously considering getting a dog. I love dogs and would love to have one ride with me. What should I take into consideration when looking for one? A shedding dog would be a problem, so I’d want a short hair breed. Thinking of getting a rescue dog that is already house trained, but not too old. Maybe 40,50 pounds give or take. Any suggestions on what to look for and where to look for one?

Told you to get one!

I'd recommend the smaller, the better. It's going to be a huge chore picking up a 40+ pound soaking wet dog after taking it for a walk in the rain, so I would go small, to be easier to get back on board. Something with short hair that doesn't shed; something that doesn't drool; something that doesn't chew up the truck.

Here's a picture of Laura's Rat Terrier at home, happily rolling on the lawn.

Smaller dog means less food to store. Don't lose them in 2 foot deep snow though lol

Think about chewing... there is a difference between house broken and house trained. Rescue dogs also may have been abused and may need adjustment to the sounds of the truck.

I fostered Dalmatians and one set I got were terrified if I lifted my arms and ran when I opened soda cans. They were afraid of the popping sound.

One of the butane drivers I’ve seen around has a small Doberman. She’s super sweet and has a ton of energy and seems to be great in the truck. We unload our trucks in a secure facility so he lets her run while inside the fence. The little dogs are great but they sure do bark a lot. The dog would have to be ok around lots of different people too if you’re frequently in the truck stops. I’d love to have a co-pilot but a dog is a little much in a day cab.

I have a puggle(beagle pug mix) But he has severe anxiety when riding in a vehicle. Research the breed. Wouldnt want to get a buddy and he/she flips out riding.

I have 4 dogs. I have had all of them on the truck at one time or another. Only 1 at a time. I have two large dogs (pit/shepherd mix and a black lab). They both shed way too much and were hard to get in and out of the truck (they are older so I wouldn’t let them jump). Also the shepherd was too over protective of me and made guard shacks a lot of fun. My medium size mutt (Rottie/shepherd/chihuahua mix) was terrified of all the truck noises and cowered in the bunk the whole week.

By far, my best copilot has been my pug. Minimal shedding, she sleeps all day. Less food and no problem to get in and out. She also doesn’t bark and when she does it’s a lot quieter.

Mostly it seems to depend on the dog’s personality. Be prepared to stop a lot more often. The biggest piece of advice I can give is make sure you get them chipped and update it all to you and have an emergency person or two. I got sick and pulled off my truck in an ambulance. My dog ended up in the pound and had the chip not pointed back to me, I’d have never got her back.

Ok Vicki M. I must see pics of said pug!

The pug Amadeus died two yrs ago. The puggle is 14 still goin!

Ok Vicki M. I must see pics of said pug!

The pug Amadeus died two yrs ago. The puggle is 14 still goin!

Too cute! This is my copilot, Miss Piggy. We call her The Pig lol

I have a puggle(beagle pug mix) But he has severe anxiety when riding in a vehicle. Research the breed. Wouldnt want to get a buddy and he/she flips out riding.

George, thanks for the warning. That is one thing I worry about, taking on a dog and then finding out the dog is not compatible with the truck. I wish there were loaner dogs that could be returned if they didn’t pass a test drive, lol.

To me, having a dog on the truck is a serious responsibility, so I’m gonna take it slow until I can find the right employee. Is there an “Indeed” for dogs?