The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever as a gun dog

The Toller is a red dog with a fox-like look and an unusual job. Here is how the breed works and how its training differs from a Lab's.

What tolling means

Tolling is a technique, described by the AKC, in which the dog plays along the shoreline, tossing and fetching sticks, to pique the curiosity of ducks. The ducks drift toward the commotion, and the hunter, hidden, shoots when birds come within range. The dog then retrieves.

The breed's red coat, white markings and busy tail are part of the lure. For a California hunter on a pond edge or a small slough, the idea may be new, but the retrieving work after the shot is the same.

A smaller dog with a big engine

Tollers are intelligent and energetic. Many owners find they need steady mental work and a clear job. An under-exercised Toller can turn its energy to mischief, so structured training helps channel it.

They also tend to be vocal and alert. A hunter working a Toller wants the dog quiet and still in the blind when needed, which makes steadiness to shot an important topic.

How a Toller is commonly started

Tolling itself is a game the dog tends to know by instinct. Most of the training effort goes into the retrieving foundation and the discipline around it.

1. Build a reliable recall and sit with early obedience
2. Introduce water, birds and a bumper as for any retriever
3. Teach delivery to hand
4. Run marks and blind retrieves for control
5. Shape quiet and stillness before adding any tolling game, only if you plan to use it

Hunting a Toller in California

The AKC calls tolling an old technique from Nova Scotia, and California duck hunting is a different setup from the Maritime ponds the breed grew up on. Most California handlers use a Toller as a close-working retriever from a blind or a boat. The key skills are the same as for any dog: quiet in the blind, a clean mark and a delivery to hand. Check the current CDFW regulations for your hunt, since rules on dogs and training birds change; see training birds and California rules.

Programs that fit a Toller

As with any retriever, the Basic Waterfowl Program is the base, after Puppy Camp for a pup. Add the Advanced Waterfowl Program as the dog matures. Richard has trained dogs professionally since 2002 and works with dogs from field trial level to everyday hunting dogs, so ask him about your Toller and what you hunt.