How to Housebreak a Puppy With a Bell

Housebreaking a puppy can be a tiresome struggle for new pet owners. With the plentiful potty-training supplies on the market, you must determine one process that will lead to housebreaking success. Some new dog owners find that teaching a puppy to ring a bell promotes potty-training obedience and alleviates both pet and owner anxiety.

Things You'll Need

• 4-foot rope
• String of brass bells

Instructions

1. Tie one end of the rope to the doorknob; make a knot at the other end. Bind the string of brass bells or chimes (commonly for sale at dollar stores) just above the knotted end so that it hangs loose to the ground and will jingle when tugged. Ensure the hanging rope can be reached by the puppy. Additionally, verify that your bells and rope are safely tied together to promote safety.

2. Choose a potty-training command. Each time you enable your puppy to relieve herself, speak a command that she can understand, such as "Go potty" or "Do your business." Verbalize consistent commands to help your puppy learn about the housebreaking process. When your puppy responds appropriately to the given command, reinforce her behavior with praise, affection and a treat or toy.

3. Train your puppy how to use the bell. Every time you take your puppy out, grab the knotted end of the rope and allow the bells to jingle. Give the predetermined housebreaking command while the bells are ringing. Take the puppy outdoors; once she relieves herself, give your puppy affection and verbal praise.

4. Repeat this process every time you take your puppy out, and soon she will learn to tug the rope and jingle the bells by herself. When she does, praise your puppy to reinforce the behavior, and take her outside.

5. Be watchful of a puppy that may ring the bell to go outside to investigate a sound or chase after a squirrel. Follow a consistent, positive command-driven training regime so the puppy understands the proper reason for bell-ringing.

6. Maintain a pack leader presence. To ensure housebreaking success with a bell, ensure you are present when you take the puppy outside (versus letting her loose in the backyard). Puppies need praise and encouragement from their pack leader to understand that they are doing something right; follow your puppy outside (or take her on a leash) to promote consistent behavior.

7. Follow a consistent schedule. Take your puppy out as soon as she wakes up, before bedtime and after meals, napping and play time. If you use a crate, take your puppy outside as soon as she is released from the dog crate.

8. Take your puppy out if you see her circling an area or sniffing a rug, since this may signal she needs to go to the bathroom. Following an easily understood, repetitious schedule will not only prevent in-home messes but also encourage your puppy to use the rope bell. Soon, your puppy will be able to communicate with you when she needs to go outside.

Tips & Warnings

• Repetition is key in housebreaking your puppy with a bell.

• Messes are bound to occur during the housebreaking process; never harm or hurt your puppy. Follow an encouraging, positive reinforcement training program to promote potty-training success.