What to Pack for a Toller Training Class: The Complete Checklist
Taking your Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever to a training class is an excellent way to build your relationship, develop useful skills and give your dog an opportunity to learn around distractions.
But if you've ever arrived at class only to discover that you've forgotten the treats, brought the wrong toy or left your water bottle at home, you'll know that preparation matters.
Tollers are intelligent, energetic dogs who often enjoy having a job to do. Arriving with the right equipment can help you focus on your dog rather than rummaging through your pockets halfway through a lesson.
Whether you're attending your first puppy class or working towards more advanced skills with an adult Toller, here's a practical checklist to help you prepare.
1. Bring Plenty of Small Training Rewards
For many training exercises, food rewards are an easy way to communicate which behaviours you like.
Pack small treats that your dog enjoys and can eat comfortably. Tiny pieces are often more practical than large biscuits because you may need to reward frequently during a lesson.
Before class, ask your trainer whether they recommend particular treats or whether there are restrictions on food rewards.
It can also help to bring a few different options. Some Tollers may work enthusiastically for their usual treats in a quiet environment but need something more appealing when there are unfamiliar dogs and people nearby.
Remember that treats form part of your dog's overall diet, so account for training rewards when planning meals.
2. Pack a Familiar Toy
Tollers often enjoy retrieving and interactive play. Depending on your dog's interests and the trainer's approach, a favourite toy can be a useful reward.
A toy may work particularly well for exercises involving recall, engagement or play-based training.
However, check with your trainer before bringing anything that might distract other dogs.
You don't need an entire toy collection. One familiar, suitable toy is usually enough.
3. Bring Water and a Bowl
Training can involve concentration, movement and excitement, especially when your Toller is working around unfamiliar people and dogs.
Bring fresh water and a portable bowl so your dog can drink when appropriate.
Avoid assuming that water will always be available at the venue. A little preparation makes the session more comfortable for both of you.
4. Take a Lead and Any Required Equipment
Check the trainer's instructions before your first class.
Depending on the venue and exercise, you may need:
- A suitable lead.
- Your dog's usual collar or harness.
- Poo bags.
- A portable water bowl.
- A towel if the weather is wet.
- Any equipment specifically requested by the trainer.
Use equipment your dog is comfortable wearing and follow the instructor's guidance.
If your Toller is still learning to walk calmly on a lead, our guide to Toller Training Tips provides a useful starting point for building positive training habits.
5. Prepare for Mud, Rain and Wet Paws
Autumn training classes can involve muddy car parks, wet grass and damp equipment.
A small towel is useful for drying your dog's paws before getting back into the car.
You might also want a separate bag for wet or dirty items so they don't end up mixed with your clean belongings.
Think about what happens after class as well as during it. A little organisation can make the journey home much easier.
6. Bring a Notebook or Use Your Phone
It's surprisingly easy to forget what your trainer explained once you get home.
Make a few quick notes after each session:
- What did your dog learn?
- Which exercise went well?
- What proved difficult?
- What should you practise before the next class?
You don't need to write a detailed report. A few reminders can help you maintain consistency between sessions.
For a clever breed like the Toller, short, regular practice can be more useful than waiting until the next weekly class to revisit a skill.
7. Keep Your Training Supplies Organised
One of the easiest ways to prepare for class is to keep your equipment together.
Instead of collecting treats, bags, towels and toys from different rooms every time you leave, create a simple training kit.
You might keep the following together:
- Training rewards.
- Poo bags.
- A small towel.
- A spare lead if appropriate.
- A collapsible bowl.
- A toy approved for the session.
The kit doesn't need to be expensive or complicated.
It simply needs to make leaving the house easier.
A Practical Bag for Toller Training Days
The Toller Club Tote Bag is a practical everyday option for carrying personal essentials and organising smaller training items.
If you want a design that celebrates the breed more visibly, the Three Tollers Tote Bag offers an alternative.
Use a separate, washable pouch for food rewards and keep anything wet or dirty apart from your personal belongings. Neither tote should be treated as a substitute for specialist waterproof or insulated equipment.
8. Give Your Toller Time to Settle
Arriving late and rushing straight into a session can make training more difficult.
Where the venue allows it, arrive with enough time to find the location, prepare your equipment and help your dog settle.
Give your Toller space if they need it, and follow the trainer's instructions about introductions and interactions with other dogs.
The aim isn't to have the most excited dog in the room.
It's to create an environment where your dog can learn.
9. Review What Worked After Class
On the journey home, think about what your Toller found easy and what needs more practice.
Don't worry if everything didn't go perfectly.
Training is a process, and different environments can make familiar exercises more challenging.
Our guide to Best Activities for Tollers also explores ways to keep an intelligent dog engaged through suitable activities and mental stimulation.
Your Toller Training Class Checklist
Before leaving home, check that you have:
- Training treats.
- A suitable lead and required equipment.
- Water and a bowl.
- Poo bags.
- A familiar toy, if appropriate.
- A towel for wet weather.
- Your trainer's instructions.
- A plan for practising between classes.
You don't need to bring everything your dog owns. The goal is to bring what makes the session comfortable, organised and productive.
Make training days easier
A simple kit can make a noticeable difference to your routine. If you want a dedicated place to keep your everyday training essentials together, explore the Toller Club Tote Bag or browse the full Toller Club collection.