Nov 20 2009
House Training a Dog - Try this Simple “Ring a Bell” Technique
Do you feel that house training a dog can be easy? Well, I do. Dog potty training is simple and fun WHEN THE PUPPY TELLS YOU when she wants to go outside to do her business. If you can teach your dog to ring a bell to go outside, it’s a great method.
…Dogs love to play games and learn tricks.
This trick “Ring A Bell To Go Out” gets the dog to do what you want - go outside to do her business - but think it’s her idea! In order to teach your dog how to ring a bell to go outside, simply follow these simple instructions.
(Also, if you want to see a complete step-by-step video on how this is done, check out this house training a dog post on the Best Dog Ever website. It’s amazing!)
*Step 1. Find a bell. Use a bell that’s light weight. (Don’t use a heavy metal cow bell.) Of course you need to choose the right size for your dog’s breed. (As an example, if you have a Labrador retriever he will need a bigger bell than a dachshund.)
*Step 2. Hang the bell from a door knob …in easy reach of the dog’s nose. (Remember, nose level is going to be more than a bit different for a poodle vs. a labrador.)
*Step 3. Now, make sure to say “outside” before you actually take the dog out through the door? Do you want to go outside?” Now, go out through the door, and manipulate the string so that the dog can’t help but bump into it and make it ring. (If you need to shake the string so the bell rings, shake it.) Repeat for a few days. What happens is that your dog starts to link up the sound of the bell with the behavior you want, which is going outside.
*Step 4. When your dog isn’t watching, go ahead and take your bell and just put a little bit of peanut butter or soft cheese on it.
*Step 5. Now simply wait and watch. There are generally two things that might happen …and both are behaviors you’re looking for! ?Some dogs immediately smell the peanut butter, go to the bell, and ring it.. ?Perfect! Say “Outside?” …So now it’s time to get the door open, take the dog directly to the potty area, and say “go potty.* Remember to reward the dog with a food treat and praise when she potties.
Other dogs might have to be encouraged a little bit more if you want them to find the bell. ?If that happens to you try this: ?Hold the bell close to the dog’s nose so the dog smells the peanut butter, licks it, and rings the bell.
You might have to shake the string tied onto the bell so that the bell makes a couple of rings if the dog’s tongue barely moves the bell.) 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.” Now you want to praise the dog and give him a small treat to reward him.
*Step 6. After the dog easily rings the bell, without your help, ask the dog “Outside?”…and make sure to wait until the dog “rings” the bell by the door. Next, lead your dog outside while she does her business.
Understanding proper strategies for house training a dog is good for dogs of all ages! Don due to bladder problems, some older dogs will often need to make more frequent bathroom trips. …But the bell reminds us.
Rescue dogs, for example, find it fairly easy to pick up on the difference between an acceptable inside behavior and an acceptable outside behavior because they may have never lived inside of a house before.
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.
Just bring the dog’s bell with you and tie it on the motel door. …accidents won’t be something you have to worry about!
