In our house, Harley is the official potty-bell ringer. When the bell jingles, we know exactly what it means. Teaching a dog to ring a bell when they need to go out is one of the easiest ways to cut down on accidents and guessing, and it works for puppies and grown dogs alike.
Here's how to teach it.
What you'll need
- Potty bells that hang from the door handle. We use adjustable potty training bells.
- Small, soft training treats your dog loves, like these bacon training bites.
- Patience and consistency. Every dog learns at their own pace.
Step 1: Hang the bells at nose height
Hang the bells on the door you always use to take your dog out to potty. Adjust them so they hang right at your dog's nose level. Use only that door for potty trips while training.
Step 2: Introduce the bells
Let your dog sniff the bells. When they touch them with their nose or paw and make a sound, praise them and give a treat right away. Do this a few times over a day or two until your dog is happily bumping the bells.
Step 3: Ring before every potty trip
Every single time you take your dog out to potty, ring the bells first. Encourage your dog to touch them, or gently ring them yourself if needed. Say the same word each time, like "outside," and then open the door.
Step 4: Go straight to the potty spot
Walk your dog directly to their usual potty spot. When they go, praise them and give a treat right there. This connects the bell, the door and going potty outside.
Step 5: Respond every time they ring
Once your dog starts ringing the bells on their own, answer every ring by taking them out to their potty spot. That's how they learn the bell really works.
What if they ring just to play?
Many smart dogs figure out that the bell opens the door to fun. If that happens, still take them out, but keep it boring. Go on leash to the potty spot, wait a few minutes, and if they don't go, head back inside with no play. Save playtime and walks for after they've done their business.
Handling accidents
Accidents happen, especially with young puppies. Don't scold. Just clean up well. An enzyme cleaner breaks down the odor so your dog isn't drawn back to the same spot. Then go back to regular potty trips with the bells.
Tips for success
- Take young puppies out often: after waking up, after eating or drinking, after playing and before bed.
- Keep potty trips short and calm, and save excitement for the reward.
- Make sure everyone in the house follows the same routine.
Before long, you'll hear that jingle and know just what your dog is asking for.
Happy training from Harley and all of us at Nana Dee'z Pet Co.