House Training a Dog – Try this Simple “Ring a Bell” Technique
Do you believe that house training a dog can be easy? Well, I do. Housetraining a dog or puppy can be very simple when you teach him to simply tell you when he needs to go outside to do his business. One of my favorite methods is to teach your dog to ring a bell to go out.
…Dogs love to play games and learn 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! If you want to teach your dog to ring a bell when he needs to go outside, all you need to do is follow these easy steps.
(Also, if you’d like a complete step-by-step video on how this is done, check out this house training a dog entry on the Best Dog Ever blog. It’s fantastic!)
*Step 1. Find a bell. Use a light-weight bell. (Don’t use something that’s heavy, like a cow bell.) Remember to consider the size of your dog when you’re choosing the size of the bell. (A dachshund needs a smaller bell than a Labrador retriever.)
*Step 2. Hang the bell from a door knob …in easy reach of the dog’s nose. (Don’t forget that what exactly nose level is is going to be different for different breeds.)
*Step 3. Now, make sure to say “outside” before you actually take the dog out through the door? Do you want to go outside?” As you go through the door, move the bell so that the dog will bump into it and it will ring. (You can also shake the bell if you need to so that it rings.) Repeat for a few 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. Once your dog isn’t watching, you can then place a small amount of cheese or peanut butter on the bell.
*Step 5. Now it’s time to just wait and watch. Two things might happen …and both of them are positive! A few dogs will immediately smell the food you’ve placed on the bell, go to it, and ring it right away.. ?Perfect! Say “Outside?” …Now you want to open the door, lead your dog to the potty area, and tell her to “go potty.” Reward the dog when she potties with praise and a small food treat.
Other dogs need to be encouraged 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.
If your dog’s tongue or touch doesn’t move the bell enough to make it ring, you may have to shake it just a bit.) As the bell rings, you want to say “Outside?” … Okay, now open the door, take your dog right 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. Once the dog can ring the bell easily without assistance from you, that’s when it’s time to ask him “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 the right techniques for house training a dog is great for dogs of all ages! Don due to bladder problems, some older dogs will often need to make 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.
If you don’t have a doggie door, this can be a great trick that will help you prevent or eliminate accidents in your home. This trick is perfect if you take your dog with you on your travels.
Just bring the dog’s bell with you and tie it on the motel door. …you simply won’t have to stress about your dog having accidents!
