Actually, your "best buddy" would rather spend his time with you, than spend it waiting out in the yard or in the kitchen. You might find he actually enjoys the change in scenery.
Just remember, if you "potty" him at certain times when you are home, to potty him at the same times when he is with you. ALWAYS keep him on a leash, make sure he doesn't pick up and eat "stuff" and watch were he walks. Some of the stuff leaked from vehicles is very toxic to dogs.
Metrozolinol is excellent to treat gastric disturbance and usually will clear it up in a couple hours. It also doesn't hurt to get some PET anti-biotics (online) and make sure he his HEART WORM negative and use preventative every month.

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My Miniature Schnauzer "Bennie" has been out here full time for 2 1/2 years. He loves it and finds ways to amuse himself while we're going down the road (read: sleeping). When he isn't sleeping, he will sit on the passenger seat and watch things go by -- it's so cute! His favorite activity is when we pull up on the fuel island. He looks around until he sees a person (any person -- they could be on the other side of the parking lot -- they don't have to be close) and he'll bark his head off LOL! It is fairly common to watch drivers walk by the truck getting quite a chuckle at my vicious co-driver. He also enjoys scaring the pants off anyone at the shipper or receiver who has the nerve to knock on the door -- I think he enjoys watching them try to restart their hearts. I have begun watching for people approaching my truck while I'm in the dock -- if they're headed my way I'll get out of the truck and meet them -- Bennie is very protective and I would hate for him to snap at someone. Funniest time was when my business partner and I were driving teams, he got pulled over by a TX trooper. Guy was so big that he could look him in the eye through the side window without stepping up on the side of the truck. When Bennie started barking at him his hand went towards his gun and he nervously told co-driver that he 'd better control his dog. Co-driver got Bennie and told the trooper that if he dared pull his gun -- or worse -- on this little miniature schnauzer, the guys at the station would never let him forget it. He loosened up after that and just gave him a warning. Oh, sorry, I got off on a tangent -- I wanted to tell you that Bennie loves it on the truck and whenever we have to sit still more than a 10 hour break he gets really antsy to get rolling again. He has a rain coat that I got him at PetSmart that keeps him dry and boots that are great when it's snowy to keep the ice out of his paws, but also work really well in rain and out west where there are alot of 'pickys' that can get stuck in his paws. Always keep him on a leash -- no matter how well behaved he is -- it's just safer, and always lock the truck when you are not in it -- even if you're just fueling. I have talked to more than one driver who has had their dog stolen out of their truck. As far as pottying, I take him out pretty much at the same times every day, and for the rare time he needs to go out, he will 'scratch' his paws on the passenger window or stand with his nose touching my leg -- that tells me he needs to stop soon! Oh, always make sure your dog has plenty of water -- Bennie always has a gallon of bottled water in the refridgerator -- bottled water helps avoid any problems that might come from giving him tap water from all over the country. Other than that, just lots of love and affection and I'm sure your dog will love it on the truck.

When I was on the road with my hubby we had a Min Pin and Rusty loved the road...he would get in my lap in passenger seat and try to kill anything that got to close..lol...he never had a mistake in the truck and if I had to leave him home with my parents he got so depressed he did'nt want to eat..I agree with some others leaving him home is worse on the dog especially if you two are really bonded...Make sure all vacinations are up to date and buy a dog license some states require them also get him a lime disease shot especially if you run west alot..fix you up a little first aid kit consisting of cimetadine for upset stomach,loperamide for diahreah,tweezers to pull out stingers or cactus needles,gatorade and unsalted chicken broth can't hurt..neosporin,peroxide in case he eats something that he needs to puke up,it can be diluted with water and given orally to induce vomiting,also for wounds,heartworm meds,a tube of surgical glue if you can get it can be really helpfull if it gets a bad cut..in case your wondering I work part-time for my vet..I always kept this on hand because you never know when you need it and vets aren't always close by..better to be safe than sorry....I lost my Rusty nearly 3 years ago to liver cancer he was only 9 and I lost my other Min Pin Cocoa this year in Jan.she was nearly 16...no more housedogs for me hurts to much,,I do have 4 outside and 2 cats...Good luck and take care of your baby...

This is my buddy Jake...


I have had him since he was 6 1/2 weeks old. I got him while I was running local hauling gas, at the time I was off work because of the accident I was in (friend can't drive without hitting a tree). So because I was off work when I got him, then was laid off, I have had a lot of time to spend with him and train him. He will be 10 months old on May 10th.

We will soon be heading OTR. I have 10.5 years OTR, but never with a dog. When I decided I would go back OTR there was no way I was going to do it without my buddy. I know he'll love it, but I do worry how he will adjust to life on the road.

I thank everyone for their suggestions in this thread. I know Jake will be great in the truck. Thankfully he is not a "barker" and just wags his butt when he's sees people, so I hope I don't have to worry about getting my sleep. LOL

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They call me Biscuit

The best thing about being a pessimist is very rarely do you let yourself down.

As a daughter of a dog behaviorist, I have helped train many dogs including my boxer that I am getting ready to move to the trucking life as well.

I can tell you the most important thing to your dog is YOU. If you make sure he has his exercise needs met I'm sure your dog would be very well adapted to life on the road.

When you leave him, crate him to start, with toys, bones or other chewing outlets, and water. crating-at least in the beginning while he is still adapting-is for his safety because if he does chew and swallow anything it could be an expensive surgery or worse. (not to mention it would be bad for the truck)

Take care of his tummy, his safety, make sure he has an outlet for his energy, and your attention whenever you can, and I'm sure he'll be a happy truckin pup!

Good luck!

Thanks to both of you for your help. The first-aid kit is a good idea. Don't know about crating him though. He's a pretty big dog and I don't think the crate will fit very well in the truck. He's not a chewer anyway. I've tied to give him chew toys in the past and he just buries them in the back yard as soon as I give them to him. His favorite toy is an old soccer ball that won't hold air anymore and a softball with a rope tied to it. He likes me to throw them so he can chase them down.

My dog also gets depressed and won't eat when I'm not with him. That's just one of the reasons why I want to take him with me, inspite of his age.

The problem I'm having is trying to find a company that hires students and will let you take your dog. Looks like it may be quite a while, if ever, before I go on the road.

Covenant, Werner & USXpress all allow pets & hire students, but they may all have hiring restrictions now. MCT in Sioux Falls hires students; their fleet is all independent contractors so pet policy is up to the truck owner. Some allow it.

You won't be able to take the dog while you are with your trainer or during your "required" team-driving (if they have that policy). Duration of this training/teaming period varies with each company, but once you "pass" and are allowed to go solo you will be home-free.

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Us & The Dogs

-I travel a lot; I hate having my life disrupted by routine. ~Caskie Stinnett

Here are five easy steps so you and your pet can have an enjoyable life together out on the road:

STEP ONE: Pick your pet carefully! While there are some truckers who've taken everything from a pot-bellied pig to a small goat to a boa constrictor on the road, most are happy to have a dog or cat with us as friend, confidant and companion. Be sure to take your pet's inborn characteristics into account while traveling too. The smaller breeds of dogs are certainly more 'portable,' but they also tend to bark or yap more than the larger, more easy-going breeds. Siamese cats are extremely territorial and also quite vocal, and the long-haired Persians are going to present a bit of a challenge to keep that luxurious fur brushed daily. Some truckers insist a 'middle-aged' pet is best to take along, while others swear training one from a puppy or kitten makes it easier all the way around. An elderly pet is probably best left at home, particularly if it has health problems, as dealing with a sick or stricken pet can't be allowed to interfere with pickup or delivery for a shipper.

STEP TWO: Plan for an adjustment period of several days or even weeks for your pet to be aboard the truck. The inside of a truck cab has many different smells and surfaces, and your pet will have to get used to sudden noises and movements. Dogs or cats will have to learn to walk, eat, get a drink of water and ask for a bathroom break (or use the litter box) while the truck is underway. Be extra patient during this 'settling-in' time, and try not to yell at or scold your pet too frequently. Most cats and dogs adjust readily to being on the road because, after all, being with you is the whole world to that little critter. And who doesn't enjoy being someone special to another living being?

STEP THREE: Teach your furry companion 'petiquette' before the two of you leave the house. In order to be a good 'neighbor' at a rest area or truck stop, your pet needs to be easily taken in and out of the truck cab on a leash and also be reasonably quiet-no howling, yowling or whining-when other folks are trying to sleep. You need to be a good neighbor too, and clean up after your dog. Some dogs learn to use a litter box just like a cat, but most prefer to be outside to do their business.

STEP FOUR: Grab that can opener and let's eat! Your pet will certainly enjoy sharing meals with you. And doctors have found that most humans eat better when they have companions at mealtime. Try to keep enough food on hand so you don't run out and have to buy an unfamiliar brand out on the road, because it can really cause problems for both of you, if your dog's digestion is not working correctly. And the same goes for cat's digestion too-although hairballs will still be a fact of life, even on the road. See if your pet will eat some of the nutritionally-balanced dry foods, so you won't have to worry about trying to grow 'salad greens' in a dish on board, or else trying to tug a stubborn pet away from some delicious grass. And don’t forget those treats!

STEP FIVE: Take along the same first aid kit you have for your pet at home to deal with mishaps, cuts, and thorns on the road. The triple-antibiotic cream that you use for your kid's skinned knee can be used on your cat or dog. A weak (no more than 3%) solution of ordinary hydrogen peroxide is great for cleaning a cut foot pad or scratches from brambles or tree branches. Gently press clean, folded gauze to a small wound to stop it bleeding, but for larger wounds, find a pet health clinic on the road. Also, if your pet is very restless or lying still and not moving, or has refused food and water for more than 24 hours, find a clinic. You know more than anyone what your pet's normal behavior and habits are, and you're also your pet's dearly-loved companion.


Things needed on the road for your trucking companion:

• License and shots tags
• A comfortable bed
• Health certificate and current shots record from your pet's veterinarian; also the vet's phone number
• Non-tip, non-slip water and food bowls
• Collar or harness and leash
• Food supply for 3-4 weeks (depending on your time on the road)
• Toys and treats
• Disposable litter boxes (or low-dust, odor-control litter and washable litter pan); trash bags, scratching surface
• Pooper scooper and plastic bags
• Pet first aid kit

Seriously, dogs and cats just want to be with their people. They'll adjust. When you're home take your dog to the dog park or extra long walks. Make sure the dog has plenty of toys.

You've made a commitment to this dog. So as far as I'm concerned there's not option other than taking the dog. He or she is your dog.