expediting with a large dog

jf393 · Aug 9, 2014

This may belong in the 'newbie' section. If so , i apologize. My wife and I are researching getting into the industry. We have a 50# dog that would go with us. My concern is getting him into and out of the truck. When I'm on duty/awake, i can lift him out of the truck. My wife, however will have a problem with it, mainly because she is much shorter than me. Its more a leverage issue than strength. I was curious how people who drive (semi/straight trucks) cope with getting their large furry friends in/out of the truck. My wife mentioned getting some sort of folding ramp, but I've seen somewhere on here that some people say that may not be feasible in a cramped truckstop where other trucks are parked next to you.

thoughts?
john

danthewolf00 · Aug 9, 2014

A good 2x6 with 2x2 placed along it to act as a ramp would ease both your backs.

flattop40 · Aug 9, 2014

Unless the dog is old and arthritic it should be able to get in and out on its own. If it can't I would think a 2x12 with something non-slip placed on it would work maybe 4-5 foot in length placed on the top step.

TDave · Aug 9, 2014

When I take my 100# german shepard I trained her to use a step ladder. Took a couple of tries but she now can get up and down with out a problem. I guess it depends on your dog of course

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usafk9 · Aug 9, 2014

Sammi, our svelte Labrador, tipped the scales at 95# for a bit. On one load from Seattle to Knoxville, she had gotten into some parasite that comes from rabbit feces. Gave her the squirts something fierce. Thirty-nine times........I picked that dog in and out of the truck. Got her medicated. My back was sore for a week.

Couple of years prior, I was hospitalized after a run. Sam was the friendliest dog in the world. However, during my surgery, my wife tried to have the hospital security guys get her down to do her business. She was having nobody but her dad put their hands anywhere near her abdomen. Wife called my best friend down from Michigan (we were in Cincinnati) and he took care of her. Bought a ramp immediately after that. Never once used it. Ramp was from Petsmart or Petco.

Strong back or a ramp. And yes, she was worth it. Every ounce of it.

Unclebob · Aug 9, 2014

TDave said:
When I take my 100# german shepard I trained her to use a step ladder. Took a couple of tries but she now can get up and down with out a problem. I guess it depends on your dog of course

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I tried to train my dog to use a step ladder but she could never get it set up.

TeamCaffee · Aug 10, 2014

You can get dog ramps rather easily and you will have to find a way to store the ramp so that it is easy to get to, easy to set up and take down. The other problem is that with straight trucks is that we usually back in a little further then the big trucks to protect the front of the truck. This is where the problem comes in with a dog ramp. Trucks usually park very close to each other and your dog will be going down the ramp and end up under some one else's truck. Another problem is when you are fueling as that is when most dogs go for a walk is having to stop before you get to the fuel island and get the dog out and block lanes are wait till after you fuel and pull forward and let the dog out. I am sure that if you have the will you will figure out how to make this work for both you and the dog.

flattop40 · Aug 10, 2014

TeamCaffee said:
You can get dog ramps rather easily and you will have to find a way to store the ramp so that it is easy to get to, easy to set up and take down. The other problem is that with straight trucks is that we usually back in a little further then the big trucks to protect the front of the truck. This is where the problem comes in with a dog ramp. Trucks usually park very close to each other and your dog will be going down the ramp and end up under some one else's truck. Another problem is when you are fueling as that is when most dogs go for a walk is having to stop before you get to the fuel island and get the dog out and block lanes are wait till after you fuel and pull forward and let the dog out. I am sure that if you have the will you will figure out how to make this work for both you and the dog.

And this is why I like my 15 lb Cockapoo. Easy in and out and NO shedding.

Hyperdrive · Aug 10, 2014

We have a 9 year old 55 # Golden who gets in and out by herself. It took a few tries when we first got her but she figured it out. Try to coax it to do it with a treat or favorite food. You just might be amazed to see what they can do left to their own devices. Don't give up on the first try. Good luck.

NightDriver · Aug 11, 2014

I would get a cat or a taller wife.

asjssl · Aug 11, 2014

flattop40 said:
And this is why I like my 15 lb Cockapoo. Easy in and out and NO shedding.

Lol...same here...mean fierce 7# chiwinne is my navigator ...easy travel partner...

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Wolverine · Aug 12, 2014

jf393 said:
This may belong in the 'newbie' section. If so , i apologize. My wife and I are researching getting into the industry. We have a 50# dog that would go with us. My concern is getting him into and out of the truck. When I'm on duty/awake, i can lift him out of the truck. My wife, however will have a problem with it, mainly because she is much shorter than me. Its more a leverage issue than strength. I was curious how people who drive (semi/straight trucks) cope with getting their large furry friends in/out of the truck. My wife mentioned getting some sort of folding ramp, but I've seen somewhere on here that some people say that may not be feasible in a cramped truckstop where other trucks are parked next to you.

thoughts?
john

When offered a chance to enter White Glove (which prohibits pets in the truck), the solution was easy. I had Spot put to sleep and, after a brief ceremony, had a taxidermist friend stuff him.

Now he occupies a place of honor on the top bunk, positioned so his baleful eyes are always cast in my direction while I drive. I only have to take a quick look at him to appreciate all the great times we shared!

So far, not one complaint from carrier, shippers or consignees about a dog in the truck (plus my revenue took a huge jump!).