My Daughter Asked A Question......

......and I couldn't answer it. I've been debating with myself over taking Sadie, our dog, with me when I go solo. My girls know this, and my youngest one asked me how I'd be able to let Sadie out of the truck at the same time every day if I won't know at what times I will be driving and what times I will be parked. This is a very good question. The last thing I want is a truck smelling like animal waste! I jokingly told her I could buy a litter box and train Sadie to do her business as if she were a cat. lol So, I thought I'd ask you experienced drivers who have dogs how you handle this with your dogs.

Rico, one of the great things about taking a dog with you is that you will need to stop every two hours or so and let them get out to "do their business". That is a good idea for a driver to do any way - if you get out every two hours or so and walk around some you won't get as fatigued from constantly driving. It only takes a few minutes and it's not detrimental to your time. As a flat-bed driver I have to do this anyway to check my load and tires, it is surprising how many times I've noticed when I'm running really hard and feeling fatigued from maybe not getting enough rest the night before that by taking that brief couple of minutes outside the truck moving around really helps.

You can get you one of these little small books at a truck stop that shows you where all the truck stops and rest areas are located at. It's very easily organized by the state and interstate highway you're on. It shows you the mile marker and you can calculate how much time it will take you to get to that point where you would like to get out and take a break. For me, I find that the rest areas are quicker and more convenient to get in and out of the fastest. I see truck drivers in them all the time letting their dog out for a break. I do recommend that you always keep your dog on a leash, it is just a good practice when there are so many trucks moving around and backing up with limited visibility available to them.

Rico, one of the great things about taking a dog with you is that you will need to stop every two hours or so and let them get out to "do their business". That is a good idea for a driver to do any way - if you get out every two hours or so and walk around some you won't get as fatigued from constantly driving. It only takes a few minutes and it's not detrimental to your time. As a flat-bed driver I have to do this anyway to check my load and tires, it is surprising how many times I've noticed when I'm running really hard and feeling fatigued from maybe not getting enough rest the night before that by taking that brief couple of minutes outside the truck moving around really helps.

You can get you one of these little small books at a truck stop that shows you where all the truck stops and rest areas are located at. It's very easily organized by the state and interstate highway you're on. It shows you the mile marker and you can calculate how much time it will take you to get to that point where you would like to get out and take a break. For me, I find that the rest areas are quicker and more convenient to get in and out of the fastest. I see truck drivers in them all the time letting their dog out for a break. I do recommend that you always keep your dog on a leash, it is just a good practice when there are so many trucks moving around and backing up with limited visibility available to them.

Makes perfect sense. I didn't think about scheduled breaks every so many hours.

My dog goes with me every trip. Stop every few hours cause I also have to Use THE Little Boys Room. Just do yourself and your dog a favor if your dog is over about 30 lbs don't take it. An 8x10 box filled with with your stuff ,a bed and two seats and little remains for you and the dog.