#Nova scotia duck tolling retriever dog how to

The Toller then swims out and retrieves any fallen birds. When the birds are close enough, the Toller retreats to the blind, the hunter stands, scaring the birds into flight, and then fires. These antics draw the attention of the birds, who swim closer to shore. While the hunter remains behind a blind, out of sight of ducks and other waterfowl, the dog plays at the water’s edge, romping and retrieving. The word toller comes from the Middle English word tollen, meaning “to entice.” Tolling is the act of luring game and it’s exactly what the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever does. You can’t mention the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever without wondering what exactly “tolling” means. On the other hand, the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is an ideal dog if you are looking for a fun-loving, hard-working dog who enjoys long periods of exercise, and being with family. If these things concern you, look for another breed. So he screams, sheds, likes to roll in dead fish and other stinky things, and is generally smarter than the average person. Other than that, however, they don’t tend to bark excessively. Often, the sight of birds or squirrels elicits the scream. The Toller yelps out when he’s stimulated, excited, or frustrated. One hitch to living with a Toller in the city is the breed’s loud, high-pitched scream, which can make him unacceptable in apartments and neighborhoods with noise restrictions.

That said, his activity level is moderate, and he doesn’t have the drive and intensity of, say, a Lab or a Border Collie. You’ll need a fenced yard if you have a Toller or be able to give him at least two good walks a day. Their prey drive, however, may send them careening after cats or other animals that look like good sport. They get along well with other dogs, especially other Tollers. They’re great for playing ball or pulling a child on a skateboard. They’re best suited to life with a weekend hunter or an active family who enjoys hiking or participating in dog sports, such as agility, flyball, and Frisbee. With training, however, that intelligence and inventiveness can be channeled into almost any activity. Even then they can be inventive in getting their way. They need to be guided by people who are firm, fair, and consistent. If allowed to, they will take control of a household. They can be strong willed and are not as eager to please as a Labrador or Golden Retriever. But the breed has some drawbacks as well. They’re the smallest of all the retriever breeds and share many of the same traits, such as a strong working drive, intelligence, and a happy nature. This sporting breed has a lot going for it: personality, versatility, and an easy-care coat. Originally known as Little River Duck Dogs, they were renamed the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever - a mouthful, even for a retriever, so most fans call them Tollers. The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is a rare breed that originated in the Little River district of Nova Scotia, a province on Canada’s Atlantic coast.

He splashes into the water to retrieve the bounty he helped attract. That’s when this remarkable dog shows he’s not simply a harmless goofball but a hardworking gun dog. Curious ducks and other waterfowl draw closer to watch his performance, when a hunter takes aim and fires. Young children and dogs of any breed should always be supervised by an adult and never left alone together, period.Ĭlick here for more information on this characteristicįrolicking at the water’s edge, white-tipped tail flashing in the sunlight, a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever dances in the waves.

No matter what the breed or breed type, all dogs have strong jaws, sharp pointy teeth, and may bite in stressful circumstances.

#Nova scotia duck tolling retriever dog how to

Dogs from any breed can be good with children based on their past experiences, training on how to get along with kids, and personality. Our ratings are generalizations, and they’re not a guarantee of how any breed or individual dog will behave. Small, delicate, and potentially snappy dogs such as Chihuahuas aren’t always so family-friendly. You may be surprised by who’s on that list: Fierce-looking Boxers are considered good with children, as are American Staffordshire Terriers (which are considered Pit Bulls). Being gentle with children, sturdy enough to handle the heavy-handed pets and hugs they can dish out, and having a blasé attitude toward running, screaming children are all traits that make a kid-friendly dog.