DUCK TOLLERS: WHAT OWNERS HAVE TO SAY (Part 2 of “A Nova Scotia What??)

My recent post — A Nova Scotia What?? — focused on the increasing popularity of the Nova Scotia Duck

Tolling Retriever, my dear Kemba’s tribe.  This heretofore little-known breed, according to the American Kennel Club, ranked in the top three in popularity gains over the past decade.

Reading up on this phenomenon, I happened upon an intriguing post on reddit: Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Advice.  The post was composed of responses to a follower’s question:  “I’d love to hear everyone’s experiences on Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers.  My husband wants to get a Duck Toller for our next dog . . . I grew up with a Golden Retriever from a good breeder and my husband grew up with a yellow Lab . . . We’re experienced retriever owners . . . Just wondering what your best advice is . . .”

Well this definitely caught my attention.  What I wanted to know:  How did my experience over the last ten-plus years with Kemba stack up against the stories from other Toller people . . .

labvic:  Probably not what you want to hear but I think it’s best to be as honest as possible about this.  If you expect a dog similar to a lab or a golden, you might not be happy. You might end up with an easier toller, but there is a chance that you don’t. They can have insane amounts of energy . . . They’re super smart and easily trainable, but they might decide to not do a command if they don’t feel like it, unlike a lab that will just do anything you ask once they’re trained.

Beagle Man:  Yes, insane amounts of energy.  I sometimes have to force Kemba to stop retrieving, for fear he’ll drop dead.  And true, he will generally obey a command, but if he’s not on board with it, he’ll let you know by taking his sweet time.

jessmac09:  They truly do want to be with their people all the time.

Beagle Man:  Like a shadow.  Upstairs.  Downstairs.  Everywhere.

Punt Hunter:  I did not know animals could make so many variations of whining . . . He will want your attention at all time and will insist on this . . . Smartest little shite you ever met.

Beagle Man:  Punt Hunter calls it whining; I call it shrieking.  There is not a human being alive who can ignore this demand for attention.  And smart?  OMG!  He understands absolutely everything — words, hand signals, what’s gonna happen to him based on whether you put on jeans vs. biking shorts.  Everything.

whiran:  He lives to retrieve. He lives to be part of a pack that is engaged in physical activity. He is extremely driven . . . Most tollers are very empathetic and in-tune with their people. They pick up on all the things.

Beagle Man:  Amen.  To both.

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