If you’re like most dog owners, you want to make sure your pup knows how to behave and not make a potty mess in your home. One way to help is by learning some useful training methods.
In this blog post, we will show you how to bell train a dog and provide tips on how to get started.
How to Bell Train a Dog?
Training dogs with bells can be a real lifesaver if you struggle to communicate with your dog about potty habits. Not only does it put an end to accidents, but it also helps avoid aggravating signals like sniffling, whining, scratching on the door, or barking.
How long does it take to bell train a puppy? Potty training requires patience and nerves of steel, and you’re going to have to endure it for quite some time—usually around four to six months.
Although it can be time-consuming, developing a healthy relationship with a pet and simplifying their life is essential for both of you. Luckily, bell training your puppy can definitely make this process easier.
How do you start dog’s potty bell training? Many people expect it to be so easy that all you need is to hang a bell on your door and ring it every time you take your pet out for a potty break until the pup finally starts ringing it by itself because of association.
However, dog trainers and experts suggest you use other methods that will come off as more intentional. Here are some steps you could take:
- Start with small bells that make a clear, easy-to-hear sound.
- Put the bells near the door you want your dog to use when going outside.
- Teach your dog that ringing the bell means it gets to go outside. Encourage it to ring the bell by offering dog treats or positive reinforcement whenever it does it.
- Once your dog is consistently ringing the bell, you can begin adding distance between it and the door. For example, if the dog is ringing the bell from inside the house, start asking it to ring it from the doorstep.
- Finally, once your dog is comfortable ringing the bell from anywhere in or around the house, you can start using it as a cue for other things—like mealtime or walks.
If you, by any chance, notice irregularities and problems concerning your pup’s potty habits, make sure you visit a vet as soon as possible.
Dos and Don’ts of Potty Training a Puppy With a Bell
Now that you know how to ease potty training for your puppy, you’ll soon be able to enjoy your days without any accidents. No one wants to spend their time constantly cleaning after their pet, especially in situations when your dog catches diarrhea. This is why puppy-owner communication is so vital to pet ownership.
You have to remember, however, that there are a few dos and don’ts that you should follow to get the most out of this dog potty bell training method.
Bell Training Dos
- Use a command—Pick a word that will signalize your pup to touch or ring the bell. Usually, the word of choice is either “touch” or “bell” when turning this action into a command.
- Practice in 10 to 15–minute sessions—Short training sessions work wonders for puppy training. You can continue after an hour has passed, but don’t prolong it too much because puppies can forget what they’ve learned.
- Use potty pads—To help train your pet more effectively, use potty pads. Then you’ll be able to slowly shift to outdoor potty breaks.
Bell Training Don’ts
- Starting off with a really loud bell—Pups are scared of loud noises, so you should look for smart alternatives. For instance, you can wrap the bell with cloth or tape, so the sound can start off mildly and gradually become more intense.
- Not rewarding your pet—Treats are essential when it comes to training your pup. Verbal and food rewards can substantially improve your pup’s training process since dogs are susceptible to positive reinforcement.
- Expecting too much too soon—Dog’s potty bell training is a slow and challenging process, so don’t try to rush it. You need to steadily introduce your pet to the bell and adequately train it.
- Thinking that your dog’s not the right “type” to learn—Any breed can be potty trained if you put enough patience and consistency in the training process. You should never underestimate your pup’s ability to learn, but rather allow it to develop these habits at its own pace.
If you feel that you need additional help, you can opt for an online dog training program. It will take less of your time, all while providing exceptional service.
Different Types of Bells
You can choose which type of bell you want to use for teaching your pup potty basics. Whether you like modern or traditional appearance, it really just boils down to preferences. Here are some popular options:
- Hanging bells—A line fabric with several small bells is an excellent option for owners whose dogs love to pull and tug on things.
- Arm-mounted bells—You attach this tiny piece of bent metal to one side of your door or wall and then add the hanging bell to the other side. These bells are most suited for small breeds since you can mount them at any height.
- Digital push-button systems—This modern alternative allows you to take the receiver anywhere you want, so when your pup touches the button with its paw, muzzle, or nose, you’ll be able to hear it no matter where you are. Additionally, you can set up different tones at a variety of volumes.
- Mat-style digital bells—Similar to push-button systems, these mat-style digital bells give you the option to move the receiver throughout the whole house. The difference is that this device is activated when your pup steps onto a flat mat placed by the door.
So, there you have it. Now you can choose whichever system works best for your home and your pup. Remember to follow the basic rules on how to potty train a dog with bells on the door, and you’ll be able to say goodbye to potty break accidents forever.
At What Age to Bell Train a Puppy
You might expect that young pups are easier to potty train. However, experts show that there’s no difference.
In fact, it’s okay to start bell training a puppy at any age—both young and old dogs have the same capacity and willingness to learn.
Key Takeaways
Training a dog to ring a bell when they need to go outside is a great way to avoid accidents in the house and give them some independence. The key to success is ensuring you are consistent with your training and patient while your dog learns the new behavior.
With some time and persistence, bell training is a great way to set your dog up for success.
Hopefully, our guide on how to bell train a dog was a good starting point in the process for you and your pup.
