Door Bells (aka Potty Bells)

Potty Bells:

Although I don’t have them at my house, I suggest them all the time.  I have seen quite a few variations but the concept is the same for all; hang bells on the door that the dog can reach.  When the door opens, the bells ring.  The dog makes the connection that ringing bells=open door.   It is great for puppies because they go outside to potty frequently, so they make the connection quickly.

It is easy to train puppies to touch the bells (enough so they ring) and then open the door and let them out.  They learn that if they need to potty they now have an effective way to “ask”.  As with training any new activity, it is important to be consistent and reward the desired behaviors- in this case, the reward is going outside and going potty.  Once the connection is firmly established that just ringing the bells open the door, they will also be “asking” to go out to chase squirrels, bark at the neighbors, or other activities unrelated to bathroom breaks too.   

Taking the bells off the door when you not able to accommodate the request will preserve the relationship of ringing bells= open door.  If the dog has just been outside and successfully gone potty, but then rings the bells just to go out to play, you can decide if that is Ok (and let them out), or if you want to remove the bells from the door.  Just remember to put the bells back on the door- or, you may find an accident on the floor.