Here are some of the most common questions that we get about tollers. Feel free to contact us to discuss any additional questions that you might have!
How much exercise do they need?
Tollers are active, medium to high-energy dogs. A daily walk or two on a leash won’t be nearly sufficient. They need some off-leash time to run free, so having a fenced-in yard is helpful. They have a very good “on and off switch”, and do well with scattered/short spurts of activity. It doesn’t have to be hours on end (although they’ll be happy to oblige given the opportunity). An hour a day of exercise is a good target.
It’s equally as important that tollers have a “job” which requires some sort of mental stimulation. They excel in many different performance venues, so your options are really unlimited.
We have standard office jobs and our adult tollers happily hang out at home during the day while we are at work. We do a lot with them in the evenings and on the weekends, so they’re happy to take it easy during the workdays.
Do they shed? What grooming is required?
Yes, we joke dog hair is a fifth food group in our house. On the plus side though, tollers do not have the strong doggy smell common to retrievers. They are more similar to collies in this respect.
Trimming is very minimal and is limited to neatening the ears and feet every couple of weeks. It’s very easy to groom your own toller. Regular brushing is a must to prevent matting.
What are they like to hunt with?
If you are an occasional waterfowl hunter, you’ll be really happy with a toller. A well-trained toller makes an excellent hunting companion. If you’re REALLY seriously into hunting frequently or for long periods, big water, etc., a lab or chessie would likely be a better fit. We actively hunt our tollers and would be happy to further discuss your particular situation.
How are they with kids?
Tollers are friendly and playful, so they make great companions for respectful kids. That said, puppies with their sharp teeth and claws can create havoc in the household. They jump, nip, chew, scratch and pull on hair. Unprepared families with small children might find this too much to handle. With proper training and socialization, tollers quickly grow into wonderful, well-behaved family companions.
Are they noisy?
Tollers are generally not barky dogs, although training is required of course to obtain your desired outcome. Yes our tollers will bark at the mail carrier, or an animal in the yard, but settle down rather quickly. We do not accept vocalization during hunting and have found that very easy to prevent with proper training from the onset.