Toller dogs, also known as Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers, are known for their energetic and playful nature. But are Toller dogs good with kids? This is a common question for families considering this beautiful breed. Let’s dive deep into the Toller’s temperament and explore their suitability for family life with children.
Understanding the Toller Temperament
Tollers are intelligent, eager to please, and highly trainable. These traits make them excellent candidates for families willing to invest time in training and socialization. Their playful nature can be a great match for energetic children, offering hours of fun and companionship. 
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However, Tollers also possess a strong prey drive, which can sometimes be mistaken for aggression. This instinctual behavior is rooted in their breeding history as retrievers. They were originally bred to lure waterfowl within gunshot range by playfully retrieving objects thrown by hunters. This “tolling” behavior can manifest in chasing small animals, including squirrels, birds, and sometimes even fast-moving children. It’s crucial to understand this aspect of their temperament and manage it through proper training and socialization from a young age.
Tollers and Children: A Good Mix?
With proper training and socialization, Tollers can thrive in families with children. Early exposure to various people, animals, and environments can help them develop into well-adjusted adults. Obedience training is essential for managing their energetic nature and prey drive.
It’s important to supervise interactions between Tollers and young children, especially toddlers. Their playful nipping and herding instincts can be misinterpreted by young children. Teaching children how to interact respectfully with dogs, such as avoiding pulling their tails or ears, is equally important.
Are Tollers Good with Babies?
While Tollers can be good with children, introducing them to a baby requires careful consideration and planning. Maintain a calm and controlled environment and supervise all interactions. Never leave a Toller alone with a baby. As the baby grows, continue to supervise playtime and ensure both the dog and child are comfortable and safe.
Are Tollers Good with Older Kids?
Tollers can be wonderful companions for older children who understand how to interact respectfully with dogs. They can participate in activities like fetch, agility training, and even swimming, fostering a strong bond between the child and the dog.
Tips for Raising a Toller with Children
- Early Socialization: Expose your Toller to various people, animals, and environments from a young age.
- Consistent Training: Enroll in obedience classes and practice consistently at home.
- Supervised Interactions: Always supervise interactions between your Toller and young children.
- Teach Respect: Educate your children on how to interact respectfully with dogs.
- Provide Plenty of Exercise: Tollers are energetic dogs and require plenty of physical and mental stimulation.
Conclusion
So, are Toller dogs good with kids? The answer is yes, with the right approach. With proper training, socialization, and supervision, Tollers can be loving and devoted family members. Their playful nature and intelligence make them excellent companions for children of all ages, creating a harmonious and enriching family dynamic.
FAQ
- Do Tollers bite? Like any dog, Tollers can bite if they feel threatened or provoked. Proper training and socialization can minimize this risk.
- Are Tollers hypoallergenic? No, Tollers are not hypoallergenic. They shed moderately.
- How much exercise do Tollers need? Tollers are an active breed and need at least an hour of exercise daily.
- Are Tollers easy to train? Tollers are intelligent and eager to please, making them relatively easy to train with positive reinforcement methods.
- Are Tollers good apartment dogs? While they can adapt to apartment living, Tollers thrive in homes with yards where they can run and play.
- How long do Tollers live? The average lifespan of a Toller is 12-14 years.
- Are Tollers good for first-time dog owners? Their energy levels and need for consistent training may present challenges for first-time owners.
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