The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, often called a Toller, is a medium-sized, energetic retriever from Canada with a bright red coat and a playful, clever mind. Owners most often struggle with high energy, the famous “Toller scream”, shedding, and a dog that needs real work to stay calm at home.
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever at a glance
- Size: medium, usually around 35 to 50 pounds.
- Energy level: high; needs daily exercise and mental challenges.
- Shedding level: moderate to high, with seasonal coat blows.
- Barking tendency: moderate, plus a high-pitched excited scream in some dogs.
- Good for first-time owners: with work; best for active owners who enjoy training.
- Time alone tolerance: moderate if well exercised; boredom can lead to noise and chewing.
Common Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever problems and solutions
What is the Toller scream and how do I stop it?
Many Tollers make a loud, high-pitched scream when excited, especially before walks or play. Ignore the noise, wait for a quiet moment and only then start the fun, whether that is clipping the leash or throwing a ball. Over time, your dog learns that calm gets results and screaming does not. Consistency from everyone in the house is key.
Why does my Toller bark at everything?
Alert, energetic dogs often bark when they are under-stimulated or bored. Meet exercise needs first, then reward quiet moments and teach a calm “enough” cue that ends the alert with a treat. Read why a dog barks at everything for a step-by-step plan.
How much exercise does a Toller need?
Most need well over an hour of activity daily, including retrieving, swimming, running and brain games. Training sessions and scent work help tire the mind as well as the body. A Toller with nothing to do will often invent its own jobs, like chewing or barking.
Do Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers shed a lot?
Yes, the water-resistant double coat sheds year-round and heavily once or twice a year. Brush a few times a week with a slicker and undercoat rake, and daily during coat blows. See the best ways to control dog shedding.
How do I keep my house clean with a shedding Toller?
Brush outside, use washable covers on couches and car seats, wipe paws after walks and run a quick vacuum often. Our tips on keeping your home clean with a shedding dog make it easier.
Why does my Toller chew things when alone?
Boredom is the most common reason, especially in young Tollers. Exercise before leaving, offer puzzle toys and tough chews, rotate them often and use a safe, dog-proofed area. Read a dog that destroys things when alone.
Why does my Toller pull on the leash?
Tollers are quick and curious, and walks are exciting. Stop when the leash tightens, reward loose-leash walking and use sniff breaks as rewards. A short game of fetch before the walk can take the edge off. See how to stop a dog pulling on leash.
Why won’t my Toller come when called?
Birds, water and smells can be more exciting than you. Practice recall with high-value rewards and a long line in quiet places first, then add distractions slowly, and use retrieving as a reward for coming back. Read how to teach a dog to come when called.
Is my Toller shy with strangers?
Some Tollers are reserved with new people even though they are very affectionate with family. Let your dog approach at its own pace, ask visitors to toss treats rather than reach over and keep socialisation calm and positive.
Why does my Toller chase birds?
Tollers were bred to lure and retrieve waterfowl, so birds are fascinating. Keep your dog leashed near wildlife, ponds and parks with ducks, reward it for checking in with you, and redirect that instinct into retrieving games with bumpers or balls.
Why does my Toller jump on guests?
Excited, bouncy Tollers often greet people by jumping. Reward four paws on the floor, ask guests to ignore jumping and keep greetings calm. Read why a dog jumps on everyone for a simple plan.
Why does my Toller follow me everywhere?
Tollers bond closely and like to be part of every activity, from cooking to yard work. Teach a calm “settle” on a mat, reward quiet time apart and practice short separations so your dog learns that being alone is safe. See why a dog follows you everywhere.
Training tips for a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
- Exercise before training sessions, with a short run or retrieve, so your Toller can focus.
- Reward calm behavior, especially before walks and meals, to reduce screaming.
- Use retrieving and toys as rewards; many Tollers love a thrown bumper more than any treat.
- Keep sessions short and varied; Tollers get bored with repetition.
- Socialise gently with people, dogs and new places from puppyhood.
- Try a dog sport like agility, dock diving, rally or scent work to give your Toller a real job.
- Teach a solid “settle” on a mat so your dog learns that calm time at home is rewarding too.
Health questions owners ask
Are Tollers prone to hip problems?
Joint health is commonly discussed for active retrievers. Keep your dog lean, warm up before hard play, avoid repetitive high-impact jumping while young and talk to your vet about joint screening.
Do Tollers have eye issues?
Eye health is a topic owners of this breed often raise. Watch for cloudiness, redness or changes in how your dog moves in dim light, and talk to your vet about regular eye checks.
Why does my Toller get ear infections?
Swimming can leave moisture in the ears. Dry ears gently after water play, check them weekly and talk to your vet if you notice redness, odor, discharge or frequent head shaking.
Why is my Toller scratching so much?
Itching can come from allergies, parasites or a dense coat trapping debris. Talk to your vet if it continues; see why a dog scratches so much.
How do I keep my Toller safe while swimming?
Most Tollers love water, but currents, cold temperatures and long swims can be risky. Choose calm, safe spots, consider a dog life jacket for open water, rinse off after swimming and dry the ears. Talk to your vet about what is safe for your dog’s age and fitness.
Is a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever right for you?
Can a Toller live in an apartment?
It can with a very active owner, but the scream and energy can be tough on neighbors and small spaces. A home near trails, parks or water is ideal, and daily outings matter far more than square footage.
Are Tollers good with kids?
Many are playful, fun-loving companions for active, respectful kids who enjoy fetch and outdoor games. Supervise young children, since a bouncy Toller can knock them over, and teach calm games like hide-and-seek with toys.
Do Tollers get along with other pets?
Most do well with other dogs and enjoy playmates. Cats can be fine with early, calm introductions, but pet birds and small animals may trigger chasing, so keep them safely separated.
Is a Toller good for first-time owners?
It can be a great match for active first-time owners who enjoy training and outdoor adventures. Expect to invest real time every day, and consider a group class to learn together. Plan your budget too; see how much owning a dog costs.
Related guides
- Common dog problems
- Dog shedding guide
- Barking problems and solutions
- How to remove dog hair from car seats
- Enrichment toys for active dogs
Share your Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever experience
Living with a Toller? Share your tips for energy, the scream and shedding in our dog owner community, or compare other retrievers like the Golden Retriever in our breed guides.