The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Dog

You might think the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever dog has a weird name for a dog. You are right, this is an unusual name for a dog. The name is derived from the region of it's origin (Nova Scotia, Canada) and from it's original function - duck tolling and retrieving. Tolling means to arouse the curiosity of game and entice it to come closer. The tolling activity of this dog is simply to retrieving a stick or object thrown along the shore by it's master. This action tends to bring ducks and geese closer as they are curious about the activity. When the quarry is within shotgun range, the shooter emerges from a blind or other concealment and fires. The retriever then retrieves dead or wounded birds.