Swimming Doodle Question

[Carol and Banjo]

We've been spending these hot days on the lake trying to keep cool.   Before heading out on the boat I let Banjo swim off the beach tethered to a 30' leash.   He loves swimming and pretty much stays close by.  But each time we're there at some point he'll just head out, paddling straight out to the end of the 30' at which point I call him back, gently pulling the leash in my direction.     My question is.....do dogs have a natural instinct as to "how much is too much"?    I wonder how far he would swim off shore if he weren't on leash.....and would he turn around and swim back before getting too tired?     Are dogs "drown proof"?       I know I'm being over protective with him and worry about just letting him swim "untethered".

Once done swimming we get on the boat and head out onto the lake, dropped the anchor and spend time reading, talking, eating and swimming.     We used to "lower"  Banjo down out of the boat using the "handle" on the back of his life vest.  (He wears this at all times in the boat).   He didn't seem to like this too much and so we've stopped doing it.....but he clearly wants to get in the water when I'm in swimming around.....he constantly balances and gets up on the edges of the boat....just trying to gather the courage to jump in....as you can see by the pic here.    So far no-go though!

[Carol and Banjo]

Oh, I wish we had a swim platform.....I'm sure Banjo would jump from that.   I've looked into to doggy ramp/ladder and we may try one of those.   I've never even thought of cramps....or swimmers tail!    We do keep close tabs on him - I guess we'll continue to use his leash off shore and always keep the vest on him in the boat.

[Tina, Clover, Plus 5 More]

Carol, check this site out.  On one of our old boats with an outboard motor we added a platform.  I never purchased anything from this website, but it will give you an idea.

http://www.jamestowndistributors.com/userportal/search_subCategory....

 

[Sharon & Monty]

we just took Monty to the Cape May Bay.  I was worried about how he would be.  At first we kept a leash on him so he wouldnt wonder away too far.  Eventually we took his leash off but he was very enthusiastic about wondering into the water on onto the rock cliffs.  We had to call him back all the time. and i do think he would swim himself to exhaustion.

[Carol and Banjo]

Sharon,   I worry about those slippery rocks at the  ocean.....you never know what could happen.    Yes, I have a feeling Banjo would swim himself to exhaustion if left to his own.      When I posted this I really had the mistaken impression that some how a dog instinctively knew his own limits.    But it's apparent from the replies that they don't.    Good to know!!!!!!

[Jennifer,Chloe & Myla]

He looks like he really wants to jump in! If it were me, I would always have the vest on ib the water-the long line is also what I would do bit we are paranpid. Lucky doodle goes boating!

[Lorraine Bromley]

I know that Neely seemed to out swim my sisters pure bred Vizsla at the great lake Huron and never seemed to tire of retrieving and rescueing us people by taking us back to shore. That day no life jacket and he didn't seem done by the time we actually were. I don't know how far or long he could actually swim without a break! We use the life jacket on the boat too.

[Camilla and Darwin]

Aw, that picture is adorable. Do it Banjo! I believe in you!