Dog / Puppy Potty Training: Teach Your Dog to Ring Bells to Signal When It's Time to Go Out!

New puppy owners all struggle with it: potty training.  One of the hardest things about potty training is learning to read your dog's signals, and every dog is different.  A general sign is circling: the puppy walks in a circle, sniffing about.  Problem is, not all dogs do this, and if you aren't watching them every second, you may miss the sign.  Plus, as your dog grows older and has access to more areas of your home, chances of you seeing your dog’s potty behavior is rare.   And, some dogs may form bad habits to signal when they need to go out, like scratching, digging, or barking.

We suggest teaching your dog to ring bells when they need to go out.  Think of it as a doorbell.  Using the door your dog will use the most to access their potty area, hang jingle bells around your door handle, or on a hook next to your door.   We highly recommend the dog potty bells in our store, both decorative and functional, they are the ONLY ADJUSTABLE dog doorbell with limited metal hardware to prevent your door from being scratched.

Each measures 26 inches in length, features 3 single bells (placed so they rest against the ribbon and reduce scratching) that can be positioned in up to 5 loops, approximately 3 inches apart from each other.  Photos below shows a bell in the first, third and fifth loops.  Bells are held with a split ring positioned around the ribbon and can be easily moved to another loop. Other products feature bells held by metal snaps which can scratch your door or be unsnapped by a pulling dog, releasing the bells. Besides the bells and split ring resting on the ribbon, the only metal hardware is a single snap around the handle loop, positioned to help the ribbon lay flat, but not touch your door.

Bells are high quality bells that are quite loud (can be easily heard throughout an average size house) and the decorative ribbon is not only is stylish, but very durable for years of use.  Here are photos as examples of the dog door bells we recommend:

The Training Process
The training process is quite simply, the key is consistency. 

1. Hang the bells on the door (or next to it) your dog will use the most to access the potty area.
2. Every time you take/let your dog out; ring the bells before opening the door.
3. We suggest a simple command at the same time, either "Outside" or "Potty," or whatever command you want, just keep it simple. Say the command as you are ringing the bells.
4. The dog should be in a position to hear and see the bells when you are doing this.
5. Take the dog out.

The dog begins to learn ringing the bells causes the door to open and will eventually begin to nudge them with their snout (our bell hangers can be nudged at any part to make the bells jingle) to signal when they need to go out.  

How Long Will it Take Before My Dog Learns To Ring the Bells
We’ve seen dogs take to this training within days, some take two weeks.  Again, consistency and positive reinforcement are the keys. 
 
Three Things to Remember:

1. You'll need to praise your dog when they start using the bells on their own at first.  
2. If you find your dog is reluctant to ring the bells, place a treat in your hand, lead your dog to the bells with the lure of the treat, hold the treat in front of the bells, causing them to ring the bells as they take the treat. Say the command as they ring the bell, and then open the door.   
3. The dog will also associate the command with ringing the bells and the door opening, so if you are taking your dog out even if they hadn’t rung the bells, say the command, and have them ring the bells before you open the door (this will also impress your guests!)

And remember, with puppies, you also need to reward them again when they go potty outside! 

This technique can be taught to any age dog, not just puppies, even older dogs that have developed bad potty signaling habits as mentioned above.

We taught both of our dogs this concept, and many of our friends adopted it when they saw how effective it is.  And, when we travel, or when a friend or family member is dog sitting, the bells go with!  Makes it easier for those watching the dog to know when it is potty time.

We were very excited to find a manufacturer offering such high quality and stylish dog potty bells, and are happy to begin to offering them here on eBay, check our store.

Lastly, remember, training should be fun for both you and your dog, filled with positive reinforcement. It will also strengthen bond between you and your dog.