Do Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers Bark a lot?
I am considering adopting a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, but I don’t know if they are noisy. I don’t mind a bit of noise as all dogs generally bark sometimes, but I don’t want a lot of barking constantly.
When I had a few minutes to spare, I used them to research this breed, and here is what I discovered.
Do Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers Bark a lot?
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers do not generally bark a lot unless they have something urgent to tell or are left to their own devices and get bored. They are an energetic dog breed that loves life and living it, and this can include barking, but this is generally not a problem. Barking for this breed will usually respond to danger or something that needs dealing with immediately as they make excellent watchdogs.
While they don’t generally bark a lot, they have a unique pitched bark that can come off as a scream. This is related to their skilled watchfulness, which will have them spotting remarkable goings-on. If they spot something exciting, they will not likely bark a lot, but they may scream and surprise those around them to draw their attention to it. While the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers may not bark a lot, training can help those dogs that do.
This is especially true of Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers that are bored and decide that barking is what entertains them at the moment. The boredom that has them barking a lot can be caused by a lack of interactions and a lack of excitement and enthusiasm for life around them. If they are allowed to expel their energy in diverse situations, the likelihood that they will bark a lot is reduced. Engaging them, taking them for walks, playing frisbee, or trips to the dog park are great ways to reduce boredom and minimize the potential for them to bark a lot.
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is a rare breed with some fascinating qualities, like mimicking a fox to entice waterfowl during the hunt.
Aside from that, they are pretty much like any other dog. They bark, shed, love having a ball tossed, and spending time with their loving family.
Many people who don’t know much about this dog breed may wonder about their character and if they have to worry about negative qualities, like barking a lot.
Thankfully when it comes to the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, they don’t generally bark a lot. They do bark, but only if they have something to say, such as when there are problems or some danger.
Aside from that, this breed will also make an exciting and somewhat surprising noise if they spot something intriguing. This is related to how watchful they are. If they see a squirrel dancing on the fence in the back yard, they may make a sound that mimics a scream, and this can be surprising to anyone within earshot. This is related to their ability as a watchful dog and allows them to draw attention to what they are looking at.
Like all dogs, the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever responds well to training if they suddenly decide barking, is their new hobby. They can, however, be a bit headstrong, and with their high level of intelligence, pet parents should be prepared but patient.
When excessive barking exists or becomes a new problem in the household, it is usually related to the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers’ boredom.
This breed can require a lot of management, including providing diversions and various activities to prevent them from getting into trouble when they are bored.
Being energetic and having a love of life for the pet parent can help them manage their dogs’ enthusiasm for life and keep negative issues at bay, including barking a lot.
Having a diverse set of activities can tire this breed out and leave them feeling fulfilled and less likely to misbehave. Games, sports, work, and other indoor or outdoor activities can be done side by side or provided just for the dog and provide much happiness to this intelligent dog breed.
Since they are highly motivated by anything that moves, providing entertainment along this line can exhaust them mentally and physically. Chasing a ball, catching a frisbee, and even a toy on a string moving across the floor inside a house can be enticing and entertaining.
Is it easy to train a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever?
It is easy to train a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, provided you are a loving but persistent and strong-willed leader.
All dogs are pack animals, and they follow the pack leader. If you, aren’t it, they will be more than happy to take your place and run the household?
That being said, Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers are intelligent dogs. They are very easily trained, provided that the person training them is loving and kind but firmly insists on the training, with no room for negotiating.
They are not as people-pleasing as some other retrievers, and pet parents may find that their independent minds may not agree with what you are training. This is where a strong sense of who is in charge comes in handy.
It should, however, be noted that this must be accomplished with a loving hand always. It can’t be stressed enough that every dog should be treated with respect, kindness, and love regardless of how long it takes to train them or accomplish a task.
However, the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever will not respond well to force or any power struggle. If they sense any doubt of who is in charge, they will happily take over. There must always be consistent when training these dogs.
Is it a good idea to adopt a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever if I live in an apartment?
If you live in an apartment, it can be a good idea to adopt a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever. Their size makes them a fantastic fit for a small house, condo, or apartment life.
A yard is important for this breed to provide diversion and activity. Still, the pet parent doesn’t have to be willing to devote time each day to exercising and entertaining their four-legged family member.
If, however, this can not be accomplished or there isn’t consistent time given for such activities daily, this breed may not be the best choice. The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is energetic and has a strong need for exercise or activity in order for them to be content and happy.
When it comes to barking, it shouldn’t be a problem to have a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever in an apartment provided they are properly training.
There is, however, the issue of their screaming that can be a problem at times. Neighbors that close may not appreciate the noise when it is right next to them, whatever the cause.
One thing to consider with a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever living in an apartment is other pets in the building and neighborhood. This breed has a high prey drive which means the little Chihuahua next door that wants to run down the hall may be a problem.
Proper training and using a leash can minimize issues, but it is something to think about before welcoming this dog into an apartment.
If the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever barks only when there is danger or an issue, are they a good guard dog?
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever only barks when there is danger or an issue, but they are not a good guard dog. They are watchful and will spot problems or things that need to be dealt with, but they don’t usually make a habit of confronting strangers. This includes both friendliness and to protect.
This doesn’t mean that they will not protect when needed under the right provocations, but the likelihood is very low. This breed generally keeps to themselves and their loving family. They may greet a stranger, but they are not likely to interact with that stranger unless they have to. It isn’t that they are shy but more reserved when it comes to new people they don’t know.
Final Thoughts
All dogs bark at some time or another, some more than others, some less.
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is not a typical constant barker like other dogs but can have its moments when the situation calls for it.
Should they bark a lot on occasion, solid training can help manage the issue and diversions from boredom which can bring this issue out.
Taking the time to love and attend to this breed, like every dog, can bring out the best in them while reducing negative qualities. At the end of the day, love, care, and happiness are all that really matters, so give them what they need, and they will thrive!
