How many times have you been hanging out at home and not realize that your dog is doing the Potty dance in the corner? Before learning how to Bell train a dog, this was a frequent occurrence.

After teaching my dogs how to use the potty bell, the number of accidents decreased, and my pup’s were finally able to let me know when they had to go.

Here is the method I use for potty bell Training my dogs.

How potty bell training works

A potty bell is a bell that your dog rings when they need to use the bathroom.

While a bell is the most popular device, this could be a buzzer, button or anything else that makes noise. What’s important is that you can hear it, and that the noise isn’t too annoying or startling.

Keep in mind, training a dog how to use potty training bells should be done after they are potty trained. Once your puppy potty training is complete, you can start teaching them how to use the bell.

Benefits of bell training a puppy or dog

No more barking, whining, or sitting next to the door. A potty bell is an easy way for your dog to communicate what they need clearly and effectively.

With enough training and practice, this will result in fewer accidents, better potty routines, and less suffering while they hold it.

Downsides of bell training

It takes work. Dog owners need to dedicate the time and effort to train their dogs correctly, or the training won’t stick.

Your dog also may learn that ringing the bell leads to treats or outside time. Reinforcing that bell = potty is important.

It’s important to note that bell training is not a replacement for house training. Bell training helps reduce the accidents, but without proper house training, your dog won’t care to potty outside in the first place.

If you can handle all of these bell training missteps, the potty bell becomes a very useful tool.

How to bell train a dog to go outside

Before you start your training, you’ll need some supplies. First, you’ll need a noise-maker. I’ll use a bell for this example. You will also need treats, patience, and a potty-trained doggo.

1. Introduce the bell to your dog

When you first get the bell, let your dog sniff and investigate it. Touch it yourself and help them understand the noise that it will create.

Hold the bell close to your dog’s nose, and let them ring it on their own. If they won’t touch it, it’s okay to lead them towards it and help them touch the bells.

2. Place the bell by the door

Once your dog is comfortable with the bell, place it next to the door.

Key word, next to the door. Do not hang the bells from the door handle, or they will be ringing all the time. The bell should only ring before a bathroom trip.

Grab a command strip or push-pins, and hang the bell on the wall by the door. The bell should be near the height of their nose.

Take your dog over to the bells, and help them ring it again.

3. Ring the bell for bathroom trips

Now comes the fun part… associating ringing the bell with going potty.

Every time you have bathroom breaks, have your dog ring the bell before you go outside. In the beginning, you may need to physically guide them towards ringing the bell.

If you have a verbal cue for the bathroom, start using this before they ring the bell. Even though most dogs don’t speak English (that I know of lol), saying “let’s go potty” before their bathroom trip helps them understand that the routine is starting.

Once they ring the bell, reward them with praise and treats. And when they are ringing the bell freely without you helping, phase out the treats.

When you take your dog outside to play or go on a walk, do not ring the bell before going. Dogs will often learn that ringing the bell leads to treats or outside time.

If you want to play outside or go on a walk, that’s great! Just avoid ringing the bell before you go. Dogs need to understand that ringing the bell leads to a potty trip only.

Tips to making bell potty training easier

Have your dog ring with their nose instead of their paws. Scratching at the bells day after day will tear up your wall.

Start when they’re young. Puppies have to go potty SO OFTEN, so this is your best opportunity to get the most training in.

Phase out treats as soon as you can. When using treats as a reward, dogs often learn that bell = treats. Once they are ringing the bell without being prompted, move away from treats as a reward.

Stay consistent. Every time they ring the bell, take them to go potty. And don’t let them lollygag and play around outside. They need to learn that bell = business.

Keep training sessions short. You’ll see much more progress with a few 10-15 minute sessions a day than one long one.

Conclusion

Dog potty bells are an extremely effective tool to help your pup communicate their bathroom needs. Once you potty train your puppy, teaching them how to use a bell for potty time is a great next step.

For more detailed dog training information, check out our other articles for a Spirit Dog Training review and best online dog training courses.

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