Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever

• Bathing: Bathe your dog every four to six weeks (unless they’ve had a particular dirty outdoor adventure).   
• Brushing: Use a slicker brush once a week to keep their coat shiny and shedding under control. Take time to brush the fur around their ears, which tends to get knotted, as well as around their toes. They’ll shed more in the spring and fall, and you’ll want to brush them every day then.  
• Ear care: Check their ears every day. If there’s redness, swelling, debris, or an odor, your pup may have an ear infection that needs meds. Talk to your vet about how to clean your dog’s ears if they’re prone to irritation or infections.  
• Dental care: Help keep your pup’s teeth in shape by brushing them daily with a dog toothpaste. It’s a good idea to start when they’re a puppy so they get used to the experience. Get a pro cleaning at your vet once a year. 
• Nail care: Tollers need their nails trimmed every month. If their nails get too long, it can make it painful to walk. You’ll know it’s time for a trim when you can hear them tapping on hard surfaces. 

When it comes to training, Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers need a confident pup parent who uses positive reinforcement: praise, treats, and toys. You’ll need to patiently teach them various skills, such as how to walk nicely on a leash and come when called.  

You should begin as soon as you bring your Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever puppy home. That’ll probably be around 8 weeks of age, and you can start with basic cues like sit and stay. Consider enrolling in puppy obedience school when they’re 4 months old and fully vaccinated.  

It’s a great way to socialize your dog, as they’ll meet new people and make new canine friends.  

If you adopt your dog when they’re older, that’s perfect too. Begin training and socialization based on your vet’s guidance; it’s never too late to start and learn new tricks.  

After your Toller has the basics down, keep them engaged by teaching them more complex cues and competitive sports, such as agility courses, dock diving, and flyball, which will challenge them intellectually and physically. 

Tollers are very smart, so if it takes them a while to get the hang of things, it’s not for lack of intelligence, but more so because they can be a bit independent-minded. They learn best from pet parents who are consistent and patient.   

If you need extra help, consider hiring a certified trainer who uses positive reinforcement.  

There’s no one-size-fits-all nutrition plan for your Toller, but every pup needs a complete and balanced diet that meets AAFCO standards. Choose a diet formulated for your dog’s life stage (puppy, adult, or senior).   

As this dog is highly active, you might want to consider a high-protein diet. Your vet can help you determine if that’s the right choice for your dog.   

Your vet may also recommend a fish oil supplement to keep their coat healthy—it’s good for their heart, immune system, and cognition. 

Treat calories count also, and they’re important for motivating your dog during training. But know when to say when: Treats should never account for more than 10% of a dog’s daily calories.  

A fast game of fetch won’t cut it for these canine athletes (though it can definitely be part of their routine).  

Plan to spend at least an hour a day exercising with your dog, whether it’s at the dog park, on a hike, on a run, or a walk around the neighborhood—or, of course, a high-energy game in the backyard.  

Tollers are fast and can reach up to 45 mph. If you’re a runner, they’d love to join you (and will probably kindly slow down so you can keep up).  

These smart pups are also great at dog sports that challenge their minds, like flyball and agility trials. They’re also likely to enjoy swimming, but first make sure the water is safe for your pup. 

They need mental stimulation, too, like interactive toys and games. They may also do well with an outlet for their powerful tracking instincts. You can look for local tracking classes or track with your dog on your own.   

Your Toller would love a home with a large, fenced yard, with lots of room to run and play. If you have a swimming pool, the excitement on their face will be obvious.  

However, since they’re only medium-sized (and sometimes as small as 30 or so pounds), they might do OK in a smaller house or even an apartment with lots of opportunities for outdoor adventures nearby—think a large park, a dog park, a lake, or even doggy daycare.   

They’re likely to be a great family dog, and they’ll be more than delighted to join you on family adventures—even road trips!