The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, often referred to as a ‘Toller’, is an affectionate and intelligent breed of dog known for its playful and eager-to-please nature. They are highly active and require plenty of exercise, ideal for active families who love the outdoors.
Originally bred to lure ducks into hunters’ gunsights, they have become popular companions due to their outgoing personalities and willingness to please. Tollers have a vibrant red coat that is easy to care for, with minimal shedding. They are considered medium sized dogs, reaching heights between 17-21 inches at the shoulder.
Despite their small size, Tollers have big personalities and can be quite vocal when expressing themselves! They are known for having a high pitched bark that sounds like a scream – this is simply their way of expressing excitement or eagerness! With proper training and socialization, they get along well with other pets in the household including cats.
If you’re looking for an active companion who loves being around people then the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever might be the perfect choice for your family! They are incredibly loyal and devoted to their owners, willing to please and always up for adventure. Along with plenty of exercise and mental stimulation they also need lots of affection – cuddling up after a long day out is one of their favorite activities!
If you think that a Toller might be rigt for your family then it’s important to remember that they need lots of attention in order to stay healthy both physically and mentally. Regular training sessions will help keep them engaged while socialization will help ensure they stay friendly around other pets and strangers. If you’re ready for the commitment then this breed could be a great addition to your home!
Are Tollers Suitable Family Dogs?
Yes, a Toller is a good family dog. They are highly affectionate and eager to please which makes them a perfect fit for households with children. They are also very active and require pleny of mental and physical stimulation to stay healthy, so potential owners should be sure they can provide enough exercise, playtime, and training activities to keep their Toller happy. With the right amount of attention and care, Tollers make wonderful companions that bring joy to any household.
Source: thesprucepets.com
Do Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers Scream?
Yes, Tollers do scream. Tollers are known for their loud, high-pitched bark that is often described as a scream. This type of barking is usually used to express excitement and eagerness and can be startling to people who are not expecting it. While it may sound like smething negative, the screaming is actually an expression of joy and enthusiasm.
Training a Toller: Is It Easy?
Tollers are highly intelligent and eager to please, making them easy to train. Their intelligence, coupled with their independent streak, means that they tend to think for themselves and may require some patience and persistence when learning new behaviors. With consistency and positive reinforcement techniques such as treats or praise, these dogs can learn basic commands quickly and easily. Tollers are also known to excel in agility training due to their athleticism and desire to please.
Are Tollers Cuddly?
Yes, Tollers are very cuddly. They enjoy spending time with their family and often like to curl up and cuddle after a long day. They have a patient and gentle nature and are usually good with children. When properly socialized, Tollers get along well with other dogs and cats, making them great family pets.
Exercise Requirements for Tollers
Tollers are very active dogs and need at least an hour of exercise each day. This can include two 30-minute walks or runs, a 30-minute walk and 30 minutes of playing fetch, a hike of an hour or two, or any other combination of activities that you and your Toller enjoy. Swimming is especially popular with this breed, so don’t forget to take him out for a dip as well!
The Intelligence of Tollers
Tollers are highly intelligent and are considered one of the most trainable breeds. They have a great capacity for learning and quickly pick up on cues from their owners. Tollers are eager to please, making them an ideal choice for those looking for a loyal companion. Because of their intelligence, they excel in obedience and agility competitions, making them great show dogs. On top of that, their strong retrieving instinct also makes them great hunters. However, that same intelligence can sometimes lead to boredom and destructive behaviors if not gven enough stimulation. With proper training and plenty of mental and physical exercise, Tollers can be well-mannered family pets with impressive problem-solving skills.
Can Toller Be Left Alone?
Yes, a Duck Tolling Retriever can be left alone for up to 8 hours, as long as they are provided with adequate exercise bforehand and afterwards. To help prevent destructive behaviors, crate training is recommended. It is important to also consider that barking may be an issue if the dog is left alone for extended periods of time.
Do Tollers Enjoy Water?
Yes, Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers love water! These active, intelligent dogs were bred to work closely with humans to lure or “toll” ducks within gunshot range. Their webbed feet provide an added advantage when swimming, making them excellent swimmers. They have a natural affinity for the water and enjoy playing in it or retrieving objects from it. With their natural enthusiasm and playful demeanor, Tollers can make a game out of anythig that involves water.
Cost of a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
A Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever puppy can cost anywhere from $1,500 to $4,500 depending on the breeder and other factors such as pedigree and health clearances. When looking to purchase a puppy, it is important to find a reputable breeder who provides health guarantees, socialization, and ongoing support. In addition to the cost of the puppy itself, you should also budget for additional expenses such as vaccinations, microchipping, spaying/neutering, toys and treats.
The Loyalty of Tollers
Yes, Tollers are very loyal. They form strong bonds with their favorite people and will do anything to please them. They are eager to learn and respond well to positive reinforcement training. They also get along great with other dogs, and even small children, making them a great choice for families.
Do Tollers Have an Unpleasant Odor?
Tollers do not typically have the strong doggy smell common to other retrievers due to their lighter coats and minimal shedding. They are more similar to collies in this respect. Grooming requirements are quie low and generally limited to occasional trimming of the ears and feet to keep them neat. Therefore, Tollers are considered relatively odor free compared to other breeds.
The Energy Level of Tollers
Yes, Nova Scotia Duck Tollers are a very high-energy breed of dog. They need daily exercise and mental stimulation to keep them healthy and happy. Without it, they may become bored and destructive. This can range from chewing furniture to barking excessively. Regular exercise, training, and socialization will help keep them active and engaged.
Is a Duck Toller a Good Choice for a First Dog?
A Nova Scotia duck tolling retriever can make a great first dog for an experienced owner. They are intelligent, loyal, and active and require plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. With proper socialization, they can get along well with other pets, although they may be initially cautious aroud strangers. It is important to note that these dogs have strong herding instincts so they need good leadership from their owners in order to thrive.
Aggression in Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers are generally a very friendly breed. They are known to be loyal and affectionate with their families and have an eagerness to please. While they may have an independent streak, they tend to be outgoing and get along well with people, children, and other dogs. Aggression is not typically seen in the breed, but some individuals may become defensive or territorial if not properly socialized or trained. If given proper guidance and stimulation, Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers can make excellent family companions!
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is a great choice for families looking for an active and affectionate canine companion. With their attractive red coats, they are easy to care for and make excellent watchdogs. They are intelligent and independent dogs who can be trained easily with positive reinforcement, but do require a lot of mental and physical stimulation to stay busy. Their high-pitched bark can be startling at first, but it only shows their enthusiasm for life. If you’re looking for an energetic and loving dog, the Toller is definitely worth considering.
