Potty Training Dogs With a Bell

To potty train a dog with a bell, you will need a screw or pin, a string or ribbon, and a bell. To begin, start your potty training as normal. This should be started from the moment you bring your new puppy home.

When to Take Out Your Puppy

Every time your dog begins sniffing the ground or he eats or drinks water, take him outside to a patch of grass. Once the dog has done his business, reward with a treat and say, "Go potty" (or whichever term you choose to use). If you are crating your dog, you will need to take him out in the morning, after he eats, every time you let him out of the crate and before bed time. Typically, new puppies need to be taken out every hour.

Potty "Accidents"

If your puppy does have an accident in the house, reprimand him and immediately take him outside. Once he has finished using the bathroom, give a treat, and praise. Never reprimand your dog for using the potty in the house if you do not witness it. Only reprimand your dog if you catch him in the act.

Hanging the Bell

Once the ritual of taking the dog out has continued for about 2 weeks, you can then implement the bell. You will need to get a small length of string, attach it to the bell, and tie it so that it makes a loop. Hammer a small nail into the wall beside the door to go outside, and place the string and bell over the nail. Make sure that your dog can reach the bell with its nose.

Training with the Bell

To begin potty training with the bell, take the dog at regular intervals (as mentioned above) outside. Every time you take the dog to the door, ring the bell and go outside. Continue this for 2 weeks. After this period, you will begin to make your dog ring the bell. When you are standing at the door to take your dog outside, tell him "ring your bell." Hold his nose (or paw), and help him ring the bell by pawing it or nudging it with his nose. After he has done this, you can give him a treat (this is optional) and take him outside. Once your puppy has done this for a week or so, he will get the idea.

Rewards

When your puppy goes to the bell to smell it, paw it or even accidentally rings it, praise him and take him outside to go to the bathroom. Continue having him ring the bell (by holding his paw or nose and having him ring it) and praising him when he does it on his own. Make sure that every time your puppy touches the bell, you take him outside. After a week or so of this, your dog will be trained.