10 Things Nobody Tells You About Owning a Toller

If you've been researching the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, you've probably read that they're intelligent, affectionate, energetic, and beautiful.

All of that is true.

But it only tells half the story.

Living with a Toller is unlike living with almost any other dog breed. They're incredibly clever, endlessly enthusiastic, and full of personality—but they also have quirks that surprise even experienced dog owners.

Some of those surprises will make you laugh.

Others might test your patience.

And a few will completely change how you think about sharing your life with a dog.

As passionate Toller owners ourselves, we've discovered that the little things rarely appear in breed descriptions. They're learned on muddy walks, lakeside adventures, rainy training sessions, and quiet evenings when your Toller somehow manages to be touching you despite an entire sofa being available.

If you're thinking about owning a Toller—or you've recently welcomed one into your family—these are the things we wish someone had told us.

1. Your Toller Has an Off Switch... But You Have to Teach It

One of the biggest misconceptions about the breed is that they're "always hyper."

In reality, most healthy Tollers are perfectly capable of relaxing.

The catch?

They usually aren't born knowing how.

Many young Tollers believe every waking moment is an opportunity for adventure. If you accidentally reward constant excitement, they'll happily stay "on duty" all day.

Teaching your dog to settle is just as important as teaching recall or sit.

Quiet time, structured routines, enrichment, and calm rewards all help your Toller learn that not every moment needs to be exciting.

Ironically, owners often discover that giving their Toller more mental stimulation—rather than simply more physical exercise—is what finally creates a calm dog at home.

If you're unsure how much activity your dog really needs, our guide on How Much Exercise Does a Toller Need? Explains how to balance physical exercise with mental enrichment.

2. They're Smarter Than You Think...

...and occasionally smarter than you'd like.

Tollers learn astonishingly quickly.

That's wonderful when you're teaching something you want them to learn.

Less wonderful when they've worked out how to open doors, steal socks without making a sound, or recognise exactly which cupboard contains their treats.

Unlike breeds that simply wait for instructions, Tollers constantly observe.

They notice routines.

Patterns.

Opportunities.

Many owners joke that living with a Toller feels less like owning a dog and more like living with an exceptionally clever roommate who occasionally pretends not to hear you.

Their intelligence makes training incredibly rewarding—but it also means consistency matters.

If a rule changes every day, your Toller will quickly discover which version benefits them most.

3. The Famous "Toller Scream" Is Real

You've probably seen people mention it online.

Maybe you assumed they were exaggerating.

They're not.

The famous Toller scream is a high-pitched vocalisation that many Tollers make when they're incredibly excited.

It often appears:

• Before a game of fetch

• While waiting to retrieve

• At the beach, with a cap against the sun.

• Before agility training

• When spotting ducks

• Sometimes simply because life is exciting

The first time you hear it, you'll probably wonder what on earth just happened.

The tenth time?

You'll probably laugh.

Not every Toller screams, and some are far quieter than others, but it's one of the breed's most recognisable quirks.

It's also one of the reasons experienced owners instantly recognise another Toller from across a park.

4. Water Isn't Just Something They Like

It's Part of Who They Are

Watching a Toller discover water is something every owner should experience at least once.

Many don't cautiously step in.

They launch themselves.

Puddles.

Streams.

Lakes.

The sea.

If there's water nearby, chances are your Toller wants to investigate.

Of course, every dog is different, but the breed's history as a water retriever shines through in everyday life.

This is why swimming is one of the very best forms of exercise for Tollers.

It's physically demanding, mentally stimulating, and taps directly into the instincts they were bred for.

The downside?

You'll quickly become familiar with muddy towels, wet car seats, and finding sand in places you didn't know sand could reach.

And honestly...

Most owners wouldn't have it any other way.

5. You'll Spend More Time Outdoors Than You Ever Planned

One unexpected benefit of living with a Toller is how much they encourage you to get outside.

Rain?

Let's go.

Snow?

Even better.

Wind?

Adventure awaits.

While other breeds may happily skip a walk during poor weather, many Tollers seem convinced that bad weather simply makes the day more interesting.

Before long, you'll find yourself exploring woodland trails you've never noticed before, discovering quiet lakes, and planning weekends around dog-friendly adventures.

Some owners even take up hiking, paddleboarding, canicross, or scent work simply because their Toller enjoys it so much.

In many ways, owning a Toller doesn't just change your routine.

It changes your lifestyle.

6. They Want to Be Wherever You Are

One thing that surprises many first-time owners is just how people-focused Tollers are.

Despite their independent working background, they thrive on being part of everyday family life.

Don't be surprised if your Toller follows you:

• Into the kitchen

• To the home office

• Into the garden

• While folding laundry

• During DIY projects

• Even when you're only leaving the room for a few seconds

They're not necessarily looking for attention every moment.

Often, they simply want to know what their favourite person is doing.

Many owners affectionately refer to them as their "red shadow."

It's one of the breed's most endearing qualities—and one of the reasons they're so deeply loved by the people who share their lives with them.

7. Yes… There Will Be Hair Everywhere

Let's get this one out of the way.

If you're hoping to own a completely fur-free home, a Toller probably isn't the right breed for you.

You'll find hair:

• On your favourite hoodie.

• In the car.

• On the sofa.

• On the stairs.

• In your Tote Bag.

• On freshly washed clothes.

• And somehow... occasionally in your morning coffee.

Twice a year, during seasonal coat changes, it feels as though your Toller is producing enough fur to build an entirely new dog.

The funny thing is, after a while you stop noticing.

Owning a Toller changes your standards slightly.

Lint rollers become part of your daily routine.

Your vacuum gets promoted to "essential household equipment."

And when visitors apologise for dog hair on their clothes, you'll probably smile and say,

"Welcome to the club."

8. They'll Teach You That Positive Training Really Works

Tollers are incredibly intelligent—but they're also remarkably sensitive.

Many owners are surprised by how quickly their dog responds to praise, encouragement, and rewards.

Harsh corrections or frustration rarely produce the best results.

Instead, Tollers tend to flourish when training feels like a game.

Celebrate the wins.

Keep sessions short.

End on a success.

And remember that these dogs genuinely enjoy learning alongside their people.

One of the most rewarding moments as a Toller owner is watching your dog solve a problem, understand a new cue, and look back at you as if to say,

"Did I get it right?"

That eagerness to work with you is one of the breed's greatest strengths.

9. Everyone Will Ask...

"Is That a Fox?"

Prepare yourself.

It doesn't matter whether you're walking through the park, hiking in the countryside, or sitting outside your favourite café.

Sooner or later someone will ask:

"What breed is that?"

Or...

"Is that some kind of fox?"

The rich red coat, white markings, and fluffy tail make the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever one of the most eye-catching dog breeds you'll ever meet.

You'll probably explain what a Toller is hundreds of times.

Eventually, you'll find yourself giving the same enthusiastic introduction:

"They're a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever—a sporting breed originally developed in Canada to lure and retrieve ducks."

And honestly?

You'll never get tired of seeing people's curiosity.

Sharing the breed with others becomes one of the unexpected pleasures of owning a Toller.

10. You Probably Won't Stop at One

Ask experienced Toller owners how many they've owned.

The answer is often...

"More than one."

There's something about this breed that's difficult to explain until you've lived with one.

Yes, they're energetic.

Yes, they're clever.

Yes, they occasionally steal socks, cover your floors in fur, and convince you that every puddle deserves investigating.

But they also make ordinary days feel like adventures.

They celebrate every walk as if it's the best thing that's ever happened.

They greet you with genuine excitement after you've been away for only a few minutes.

They make you laugh when you least expect it.

And over time, they quietly become woven into the rhythm of your everyday life.

Many owners discover that once they've experienced life with a Toller, it's hard to imagine choosing another breed.

Living With a Toller Is an Adventure

Owning a Toller isn't about having the easiest dog.

It's about having one of the most rewarding.

They'll challenge you.

Keep you active.

Encourage you to spend more time outdoors.

Introduce you to people you'd never otherwise meet.

And occasionally make you question why there are muddy paw prints on a floor you cleaned five minutes ago.

But they'll also become your hiking companion.

Your training partner.

Your shadow around the house.

Your reason for getting outside on days when you'd rather stay in.

And before long, you'll realise something unexpected.

The things that once seemed like challenges have quietly become the moments you'll remember most.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Tollers good for first-time dog owners?

They can be, provided you're prepared for an active, intelligent breed. First-time owners who enjoy training, outdoor activities, and learning about dog behaviour often do very well with a Toller.

Are Tollers difficult dogs?

Not difficult—but they do require time, consistency, and engagement. They're happiest when both their minds and bodies are kept busy.

Do Tollers bark a lot?

Some are fairly quiet, while others are more vocal. Many owners are more familiar with the famous "Toller scream," an excited, high-pitched vocalisation that often appears during play or retrieving.

Can Tollers be left alone?

Like many people-oriented breeds, Tollers generally prefer company. Gradual training and a consistent routine help them feel comfortable when left alone for reasonable periods.

Do Tollers need lots of exercise?

Yes. Most adult Tollers thrive with around 90–120 minutes of daily exercise, along with regular mental stimulation and training.

Do Tollers shed?

Yes. They have a weather-resistant double coat that sheds moderately throughout the year and more heavily during spring and autumn.

Conclusion

There are plenty of articles that describe the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever.

Far fewer capture what it's actually like to live with one.

Owning a Toller means embracing muddy adventures, endless enthusiasm, wet paws, clever problem-solving, spontaneous swims, and yes... plenty of dog hair.

It also means sharing your life with one of the most loyal, intelligent, and joyful companions you could hope for.

No breed is perfect.

But for the right person, a Toller comes remarkably close.

If you're already part of the Toller community, we hope this article made you smile in recognition.

And if you're still deciding whether this extraordinary breed is right for you, we hope it's given you an honest picture of what life together really looks like.

At The Toller Club, we're proud to celebrate every part of the journey—from the muddy paws and flying fur to the unforgettable adventures that make owning a Toller so rewarding.

Here's to many more walks, swims, training sessions, and memories with the dogs that stole our hearts.