How Long Do You Think I Should Wait Before Adopting A Dog To Take With Me Over The Road?

I've always wanted to adopt a older dog from the shelter that probably wasn't going to adopted by others and be able to have a travel companion with me. However with me being a new driver, should I wait for awhile before doing this?

Yes, most definitely!! You need to learn the road first and foremost. As you are doing that, start learning where you can take your dog out to run, potty, etc. Right off I forget what you are hauling. Most reefer places do NOT allow dogs out of the truck. When I drove dry van , a good many places didn't allow dogs out either. Don't know about flats. So then your dog needs to be trained to go on pee pads.

The thing about adopting an older dog is that they may have issues. While you are beginning you don't need that. Plus if the dog gets injured or sick, you better have $1000+ for vet bills. A good many will take credit cards. A sick older dog on the road is a real possibility.

A dog, even cute like Monty, hears better than us humans and the vehicle becomes home, so they are protective of it. Just wait for awhile. I waited 8 mths before asking the boss. Also, while many companies allow dogs, many charge a cleaning fee around $300-500+ for one pet and more for each one after that.

Laura

Although Kearsey had a cat, she had written a post or an article about the challenges of getting them medical attention when needed whether it was emergency or preventive care. She was fortunate to be stopped for the night when goofball needed immediate care and was able to get him to the vet. That won't always be the case. I love the idea of having a pet on the road for companionship, and love the idea of getting a dog that most people are uninterested in due to age. However, I agree with IDMTN that you should hold off for a bit as you're still pretty new and it's an added distraction. The problem with getting an older dog from the shelter is how can you be sure they can handle being in a vehicle? Some pets get motion sick. I'd suggest waiting until you have atleast 3 months of solo experience.

Are there a lot of truck stops that have vet clinics, or within reasonable walking distance that don't charge ridiculous prices? It seems like they'd do quite well given how many pets I see out there cruising around.

I've been toying with this idea of a furry co-driver for more than four years, and I'm still too scared to take the plunge! Yet.

Here were two candidates:

The doggy in the upper photo passed away. Now that hellion in the lower photo....With his attitude, I'd be afraid he might actually drive off if I left him in the truck alone!

I would suggest you wait until you are comfortable with the job and trip planning. I got a dog a few weeks ago myself.

There are challenges that come with a dog in the truck. Everytime I stop be it for fuel, 30 dot break, bathroom etc, including before I start and after i stop my day the dog has to be walked, rain or shine, snow and freezing or hot. I have purchased a halter rather than just the collar she came with. At night i carry a flashlight not for her but so i do not step in poo since many dont pick their animal waste up. I guess i waited too long a couple days ago and she peed on the bed. Was a beotch cleaning everything on the road since we live in the truck. Everything the dog needs including the dog takes up valuable space in the truck. As mentioned some customers dont want your dog out on their property so make sure you stop before you get there if it's been a while. I always ask before walking my dog on customer property and only if I'm going to be there a while. Dogs shed, and track in dirt so the truck is not as clean as it was before getting her. My dog is 46 pounds but she gets in and out on her own. An older dog couldn't do it so you will be lifting up and down so weight matters. Where you put food will change as a dog will get into it if they can reach it. Although my dog doesn't bark...at all...ever, some dogs will bark all night and day at every sound they hear. However, I love having her with me and all the extra effort and cost is more than paid back with unconditional love and companionship so I do reccomend you get an animal when your experience level dictates it. Just remember, not all animals can handle being cooped up in a small truck or handle the noises and motions of a truck so if you adopt make sure it's open ended just in case. However all the walking I have lost 7 pounds in 3 weeks. A dogs a great excuse for excercise.

Mikey B., great post, I really appreciate reading all that; it sounds pretty inclusive of the pros and cons of traveling with a dog that approximate size. I've yet to see comment here about anybody using portable steps for older or larger dogs - which would be one more thing to occupy space and an extra step (haha, pun!) to deal with, especially multiple times per day.

Here's some links for one product used by truckers in these promos:

RVHauler How to get your Large Dog into the Sleeper

Using Pet Loader for Semis

Laura, great suggestion for training for pee pads ..... it's good to get your take, like Mikey B. and Rob T.'s - as experienced truckers - about waiting to settle in as a new driver before bringing a dog on board. A little sadly, I understand the wisdom of this. I see you're all advising this to Harvest who is now solo..... which follows dogless initial training time, too.

Training - a gift with adopting an older dog is the training they come with! Big convenience and savings of time.

Rob T., good mention regarding motion sickness. My 2 rescues were at the animal sanctuary for 2 years before coming home with me and needed (re?) introduction to vehicles. One threw up regularly for a few months with motion sickness but each came to adapt perfectly and LOVE going on the road!

I've been toying with this idea of a furry co-driver for more than four years, and I'm still too scared to take the plunge! Yet.

PackRat, be not afraid. I bet that handsome hellion of a doorbell would reward you endlessly for the effort.

Thank you everybody, I think I will probably wait until the 6 month or 1 year mark to embark on this journey with a dog. I am still set on getting a older rescue. I like the idea of giving a ol pup a second chance when they probably wouldn’t be adopted normally due to age.

Bless your good heart, Harvest!

Naturally, being a doyenne, I especially appreciate every demeanor of respect toward seniority of any kind...

Thank you everybody, I think I will probably wait until the 6 month or 1 year mark to embark on this journey with a dog. I am still set on getting a older rescue. I like the idea of giving a ol pup a second chance when they probably wouldn’t be adopted normally due to age.

Training - a gift with adopting an older dog is the training they come with! Big convenience and savings of time.

Unfortunately Doyenne that is not the case anymore, especially with rescues. They are becoming a "for profit business" and run by animal rights people instead of animal welfare type people.

The couple groups I belong to have been fighting these people because they confiscate dogs, post "sad" pictures, get donations and then sell these purebred and crossbred (mixed) at high prices (pretty close to what breeders get). They are also the source of over 1 million dogs being imported from China last year. No, they AREN'T meat dogs, but purebreds that are being bred for the American market, while American breeders are being vilified for contributing to the "over population" of dogs.

It's sad what is happening in the dog world.

Laura