Do you believe that house training a dog can be simple? Well, I do. If you can teach your dog how to tell you when he needs to go outside, house training a dog becomes simple and fun. Teaching your dog to ring a bell when he needs to go out is one of my favorite methods.
…All and dogs enjoy playing games and learning new tricks.
The reason why the “Ring a Bell to Go Out” trick works so well is because not only does it get the dog to do what you want, but it makes him think that it was his idea in the first place! To teach your puppy or dog how to ring a bell, follow these simple steps.
(Also, if you’d like a complete step-by-step video on how this is done, go see this house training a dog entry on the Best Dog Ever website. It’s fantastic!)
*Step 1. Find a bell. Use a bell that’s light weight. (This is not the time to use a heavy bell, like a cow bell.) Of course it’s important to make sure you select the right size for your particular dog. (For example, a poodle doesn’t need a bell it’s as big as a German shepherd would need.)
*Step 2. Hang the bell from a door knob …it should be within easy reach of your dog’s nose. (Remember, nose level is different for Yorkshire Terriers and German Shepherds.)
*Step 3. It’s important to remember that you need to say “outside” before taking the dog out? Do you want to go outside?” As you go out the door, hold the string so that the dog bumps into the bell and it rings. (Don’t be afraid to shake the bell if you have to to make it ring.) Repeat this for just a few more days. So obviously what happens is that eventually there will be an association in your dogs mind — the sound of the bell will mean that he goes outside to do his business.
*Step 4. As soon as your dog isn’t watching you, put a small dab of peanut butter directly on the bell.
*Step 5. Now simply wait and watch. There are a couple of things that could happen …and both of these are good! Some dogs will smell the food on the bell instantly, and go to it and ring it right away.. Perfect! Say “Outside?” …open the door, walk over to the potty area, and say “Go potty.” Reward the dog when she potties with praise and a small food treat.
Other dogs might have to be encouraged a little bit more if you want them to find the bell. If this is something that happens to you, there’s a way around it — simply hold the bell close to your dog’s nose so that he wants to lick it, and rings the bell.
You can help your dog by shaking the bell so that it makes a sound, if your dog’s touch is too light to make it actually ring.) When the bell rings, now is the time to use your happy voice to ask “Outside?” … Now you want to open the door, lead your dog to the potty area, and tell her to “go potty.”
While the dog is pottying, softly repeat saying “go potty.” Then, Reward the dog with praise and a small food treat.
*Step 6. As soon as the dog can ring the bell easily, without your help, that’s the time to ask your dog “Outside?”…and make sure to wait until the dog “rings” the bell by the door. Then, of course, you want to take the dog outside to have her do her business.
Knowing proper strategies for house training a dog is great for dogs of all ages! Don’t forget that older dogs will often times need more frequent bathroom trips. …However, the bell reminds us.
Rescue dogs that have never lived inside a house, quickly learn the difference between “inside” house manners and “outside” house behaviors.
This is a great way to eliminate accidents in your home, especially if you live in a house that doesn’t have a doggie door. I love to use this trick whenever I’m traveling with my dog as well.
Simply bring the bell with you the next time you go away and attach it to the door of your room. …you won’t have to worry about any accidents!
