Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever

The Toller does well on a high-quality dog food, whether commercially made or home-prepared with your veterinarian's supervision and approval. Match the diet to your dog's life stage (puppy, adult, or senior), and because this is an active breed, consider a food formulated for medium-size dogs. Keep clean, fresh water available at all times.

Feeding frequency changes with age:

• Puppies: three to four meals a day
• Adults: two meals a day

The amount to feed depends on your dog's weight, lifestyle, and health history. Your food packaging will suggest portions, but your vet can help you settle on the right amount. Measure meals to avoid overfeeding, and count treats toward the daily total, keeping them to no more than 10% of calories. Carrying extra weight can worsen many health conditions.

For Tollers diagnosed with hip or elbow dysplasia, your vet may recommend joint supplements with glucosamine and chondroitin. Omega-3 supplements can also support joint health and help keep the skin and coat in good condition.

For most of the year, the Toller's double coat needs only weekly brushing, with a brush once or twice a week keeping the silky hair from matting. During shedding season, when they blow their coats, daily brushing is often in order. Pay special attention around and under the ears, where the hair is finer and more prone to knots.

Tollers are presented as naturally as possible, so grooming stays minimal, usually limited to neatening the areas around the ears and feet. Removing excess hair from between the foot pads helps your Toller keep traction on smooth surfaces like wood or tile. Trim nails regularly, ideally weekly, since long nails can cause pain or trouble walking.

These water lovers can easily develop ear infections if moisture gets trapped in the canals, so clean their ears every time they swim or bathe. Wipe the eyes with a pet-safe eye wipe to clear normal tear staining or debris, and watch for any discharge or changes.

Good dental care matters too. Build an at-home routine with regular teeth brushing and dental chews or toys, and ask your veterinarian about professional cleanings.

Most Tollers have a medium to high energy level and are not content without daily physical exercise. A brisk 30-minute walk plus a couple of ball-chasing sessions a day suits many of them, though some need more. Their high energy must be met to avoid unwanted behaviors, which makes them a better fit for active homes than for first-time dog parents.

Tollers love to do things with their people, and many owners take up canine sports such as agility, flyball, fieldwork, hunt and field trials, tracking, and obedience. These channel the breed's energy, give it a mental workout, and strengthen the bond between dog and owner. Long walks, jogs, and hikes work well too.

Retrieving provides physical and mental activity. After sufficient exercise, Tollers often settle indoors.

Tollers are highly trainable but can be a curious mix of stubborn and soft, so a firm, gentle approach works best. If a Toller senses the humans are not in charge of the household, it will happily take on the role, so consistency matters.

Tollers respond well to reward-based training and are often food-motivated. Use short, varied sessions with clear consequences for unwanted behavior. Their Canadian origin and coat suit cold, wet outdoor activity.

Affectionate and outgoing, Tollers do well with children who understand how to interact with dogs, and their energy, size, and playful nature suit families. They often get along with other pets, though smaller animals such as cats can trigger their prey drive. Make introductions slowly and carefully, and teach your Toller that cats are not something to chase.