How much exercise does a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever need?

By Tyler Polk, founder of PupnikUpdated September 24, 2026How we calculate

Most adult Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers need about 60–90 minutes of exercise a day, split into 2 walks, plus a play or training session.

HighEnergy

2–4.5 miDaily distance

ModerateHeat tolerance

GoodCold tolerance

Get a plan for your Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever's exact age with the walk calculator.

Why Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers need this much exercise

Tollers were bred in Nova Scotia to "toll" (lure) ducks by playing along the shoreline, then retrieve them from cold water.

Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever exercise by age

Life stage	Daily exercise	How to split it
Puppy (2–12 months)	5 min per month of age, per walk	Up to 2 short walks, plus free play
Adult	60–90 min	2 walks, plus a play or training session
Senior (8+ years)	30–70 min	2 to 3 shorter, gentler walks

Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever puppy walk schedule

Age	Per walk	Per day
2 months	about 10 min	up to 20 min
3 months	about 15 min	up to 30 min
4 months	about 20 min	up to 40 min
5 months	about 25 min	up to 50 min
6 months	about 30 min	up to 60 min
8 months	about 40 min	up to 80 min
10 months	about 45 min	up to 90 min
12 months	about 45 min	up to 90 min

Free play doesn't count toward these numbers. Skip jogging and long hikes until growth plates close, around 12–15 months for a medium breed.

Best exercise for Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers

Fetch and retrieving
Swimming
Agility
Hiking

Walking tips for Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers

Tollers have high drive. Retrieving and swimming are the best outlets.
Many make a high-pitched "Toller scream" when excited. Totally normal.
Mental work matters as much as miles for this clever breed.

Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers in hot and cold weather

Heat: Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers handle heat about as well as the average dog. That means care above about 75°F (24°C): shade, water, shorter walks, and a pavement check. Above about 82°F (28°C), stick to potty breaks. Check today's heat risk.

Cold: Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers are built for cold weather and usually enjoy it. Paws still need protecting from salt and ice, and very young or old dogs feel the cold more. Check today's cold risk.

Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever exercise FAQ

How long should I walk my Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever?

A healthy adult Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever needs about 60–90 minutes of exercise a day, best split into 2 walks, plus a play or training session. Walks, play, and training games all count toward the total.

How far can a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever walk?

At a normal walking pace, that works out to roughly 2–4.5 miles (3–7 km) a day for a healthy adult. Fit adult Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers can build up to longer hikes. Increase distance gradually and check paws and joints.

When can a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever puppy go on long walks or runs?

Wait until growth plates close, around 12–15 months for a medium breed like the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever. Until then, follow the 5-minutes-per-month rule: about 20 minutes per walk at 4 months, up to twice a day, plus free play.

Can Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers handle hot weather?

About as well as the average dog. That means care above about 75°F (24°C): shade, water, shorter walks, and a pavement check. Above about 82°F (28°C), stick to potty breaks.

Do Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers need a coat in winter?

Rarely. Paws still need protecting from salt and ice, and very young or old dogs feel the cold more.

Ranges are typical for healthy dogs and rounded on purpose. Individual dogs vary, and your vet's advice comes first. How we calculate.