tolling dog: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Rare / TechnicalTechnical/Hunting jargon; historical/literary
Quick answer
What does “tolling dog” mean?
A dog (typically a retriever breed like a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever) trained to lure waterfowl within hunters' range by playful movements along the shoreline.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A dog (typically a retriever breed like a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever) trained to lure waterfowl within hunters' range by playful movements along the shoreline.
The dog performing the specific hunting task; also used figuratively for something or someone that acts as a lure or decoy.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is primarily North American (Canadian and US hunting contexts). In British English, the specific activity is far less common and the term would be unfamiliar outside specialist circles.
Connotations
In North America: specialized, skilled hunting practice. In the UK: likely unknown or perceived as an unusual North Americanism.
Frequency
Very low frequency globally. Its use is concentrated in North American hunting literature and among enthusiasts of retriever breeds.
Grammar
How to Use “tolling dog” in a Sentence
The [breed] acts as a tolling dog.To use a dog for tolling.The hunter's tolling dog lured the ducks.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “tolling dog” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The retriever was expertly tolling the mallards.
- He taught his spaniel to toll, though it's not traditional for the breed.
American English
- The Toller tolled along the lakeshore, catching the ducks' curiosity.
- They spent the morning tolling for geese.
adverb
British English
- The dog moved tollingly along the bank.
American English
- The dog worked tollingly, with great focus on the waterfowl.
adjective
British English
- The tolling behaviour is fascinating to observe.
- He specialises in tolling retrievers.
American English
- She attended a tolling dog workshop.
- The old book described tolling techniques.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not applicable.
Academic
Possible in historical texts on hunting techniques or canine ethology.
Everyday
Extremely rare; would cause confusion.
Technical
Standard term in specific waterfowl hunting literature and breed descriptions.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “tolling dog”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “tolling dog”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “tolling dog”
- Using 'tolling' as an adjective for a dog that rings a bell.
- Confusing it with 'patrolling dog' or 'trolling dog' (fishing).
- Assuming it is a common compound noun.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. It comes from a different, older word meaning 'to lure' or 'to entice'. It is unrelated to the 'toll' paid on roads or the 'toll' of a bell.
No. It is a highly specialized term used almost exclusively in the context of waterfowl hunting, particularly concerning the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever breed.
While the instinct can be seen in various dogs, the technique is specifically developed and bred for in the 'Toller' retriever. It requires precise training to be effective for hunting.
A traditional retriever's primary role is to fetch shot game. A tolling dog's primary role is to act *before* the shot, using playful behaviour to lure live birds within range. Many tolling dogs also perform the retrieving role afterwards.
A dog (typically a retriever breed like a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever) trained to lure waterfowl within hunters' range by playful movements along the shoreline.
Tolling dog is usually technical/hunting jargon; historical/literary in register.
Tolling dog: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtəʊlɪŋ dɒɡ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtoʊlɪŋ dɔːɡ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To work like a tolling dog (figurative: to lure someone in playfully).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a dog TOLLing (like a bell) to ATTRACT attention, which is exactly what it does to ducks.
Conceptual Metaphor
PLAYFUL DECEPTION; Something that appears as harmless play but serves as a strategic lure.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary purpose of a 'tolling dog'?