So rather than go to the dog park today (where I could once again post videos of my dog splashing around to music you've never heard of) I took Ryuk to a local swimming hole where he was forced to actually swim in water over his head.

Now I taught him to swim a year ago and he's a very strong swimmer but....how can I tell if he's over doing it? We were there for about 3 hours, all of which Ryuk spent in the water and most of it was actively paddling around. When we got there I decided to do some laps so I harnessed up Ryuk with a drag line (so in an emergency I could grab him) and we started across the pond (approx. 1/3 mile). He made it no problems at all and on the way back, about half way he was swimming so quickly I could keep up, so I grabbed his harness and let him pull me along which he seemed to have fun with. The rest of the time was spent playing "dive for the frisbee" (he holds his breath and goes under, it's so cute) and swimming around (all over his head). Not once did he want to quit and I checked a couple of times to make sure he wasn't getting tired...his heartrate was barely up and he wasn't out of breath. I did end up putting the frisbee away but he still went out and swam around in circles, dove under, caught me a fish (nothing big enough to eat ) and a few underwater sticks.

I know swimming is used for dogs with joint issues so I assume that apart from the drowning risk (which the long line and harness would solve as I'm right there to reel him in if needed) there's nothing wrong with just letting him go until he wants to stop? Is this right?

I'm not sure about any guidelines for what is too much.

You know your dog well enough, that I would just observe him like you are.

I've found that Turbo can GO longer when he has water he can cool off in.

One thing that you do have to watch out for is lots of activity OUT of the water after he has gotten wet. Their hair mats down heavy with the water and can really start to hold a lot of heat. Combat this by getting him back in the water often.

Sorry that isn't really specific to your question, but I thought it was worth bringing up.

I would say just keep an eye out for weakness. If his head is starting to go under, short of breath, inhaling water, heavy panting. Cramping, shaking ect.ect. I would say if you are not seeing that stuff and he is still going strong, let him go.

I would be more worried about seeing this stuff when he is in water to deep to touch the bottom. If he is close to shore, I am sure he would get out on his own.

I have had dogs that like to swim, but from your story, your dog seem to LOVE the water!
Great for a work out and building stamina too! Plus like you said, the low impact work out is nice for their joints.

 Quote: Michael_Wise

One thing that you do have to watch out for is lots of activity OUT of the water after he has gotten wet. Their hair mats down heavy with the water and can really start to hold a lot of heat. Combat this by getting him back in the water often.

Sorry that isn't really specific to your question, but I thought it was worth bringing up.

Good point!
That is defiantly something to be aware of on a hot day.