They are known for their excellent temperament, unbridled enthusiasm, amazing intelligence and comical antics.
These maniac redheads are not necessarily the right breed for every household, so be sure to educate yourself on the pros and cons of owning one before deciding that this is the right dog for you.
Top 10 Reasons NOT to Get a Toller
Hunters use the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever's
retrieving talents by hiding in a blind on the shore of a body of water and
playing fetch with the dog. They repeatedly throw a stick or bumper along
the shore which creates curiosity for many species of ducks and geese, and they
will swim in for a closer look. Once the birds are within gun range, the Toller
is called back to the blind and it awaits the task of
retrieving the downed bird.
What does
this mean to your average family dog owner? Well, if a Toller has the energy,
drive and endurance to retrieve a stick all day long, in all kinds of terrain
and weather, to assist the hunter, then a Toller also has the same needs for
strenuous exercise and activity in your home.
To ensure tired and happy Tollers at Torlan Tollers, we provide a minimum of 1-2
hours of exercise and training each and every day. The dogs go for long walks in
the prairie fields by our house or we take them into the mountains to go hiking
or to the lake for a swim. Exercise is necessary every day, no matter if it is
-40C or pouring rain. We also try to get each dog involved in an
activity - agility, rally, obedience, or field training. We spend hours
throwing balls and frisbees in the backyard. In the house, we
teach brain stimulating tricks and tasks to keep them entertained and mentally
busy.
Life with a Toller is busy, as they are an extremely active breed. They're also
very intelligent and will out think or out smart you, given the opportunity.
They are a soft breed and require positive, reward based training methods, or
they will shut down and refuse to work for you. They rarely do something just
because you
ask it and there really has to be "something in it for the Toller". If you don't
keep them stimulated and busy, they will find something else to entertain
themselves . . . often something that you may consider inappropriate. So
it is up to you to make sure you meet their physical and mental needs. If
you can manage that, then they are a great companion and a pleasure to share
your home with.
