#1: Tri-level dog bell

Let’s start with the easiest and least expensive option.

You may have a yarn lying around your house.

And with 5 simple steps, you can transform it into a dog potty bell.

What you’ll need

• Scissors.
• Measuring tape.
• Ball of yarn/string.
• 3 pcs bronze mini bells.

What to do?

1. Cut the yarn into 3 different lengths:

• 24 in (61 cm).
• 27 in (69 cm).
• 30 in (76.2 cm).

2. Tie a bell at each yarn (1 bell:1 end).
3. Gather all the pieces. The bells must fall at 3 different levels.
4. Take the opposite ends of the yarn (without bells).
5. Tie a knot that fits your doorknob.

Then that’s it.

Hang it on your exit door. And you’re set to bell train your Fido.

#2: Ribbon & key rings

This is a simpler version of a hanging dog bell.

You can easily do this at home. As well as find the materials online or in craft stores.

What you’ll need

• Scissors.
• Measuring tape.
• Ribbon - 1 in (25 mm) wide.
• 1 pc key ring - 1.37 in (35 mm).
• 3 pcs jingle bells - 1 in (25 mm).
• Hot glue gun & stick (or thread & needle).

You may also use an old belt or leash instead of a ribbon.

Plus, it can be wider too. But ensure that the key ring still fits in it.

What to do?

1. Cut an arm-length ribbon. About 28 in (70 cm).
2. Grab 1 of its ends.
3. Make a loop. Ensure it’s big enough for your doorknob.
4. Flip the ribbon’s end before sticking them together. (Think of an ID lanyard.)
5. Use hot glue to secure the loop. Or sew it by hand.
6. Let it cool down.
7. Put the 3 jingle bells into the key ring.
8. Take the opposite end of the ribbon.
9. Insert it through the key ring’s hole.
10. Fold it back.
11. Stick them together with hot glue or stitches.

If you want to see how it’s done, check out the clip below:

#3: DIY hanging potty bell

This is similar to the previous option.

But instead of 1 key ring, you’ll add 2 more.

Which is more similar to the hanging dog bells you can purchase in shops.

Plus, this is louder. So you can easily hear your dog’s signal once nature calls.

Thus, you may try this one if you have a larger area.

What you’ll need

• Scissors.
• Measuring tape.
• Pen/pencil/chalk.
• 9 pcs jingle bells - 1 in (25 mm).
• 3 pcs key ring - 1.37 in (35 mm).
• Old fabric belt/leash - 1 in (25 mm) wide.
• Hot glue gun & stick (or thread & needle).

What to do?

1. Get 1 of the fabric belt’s ends.
2. Create a loop big enough for your doorknob.
3. Flip the belt’s end before sticking them together. (Similar to an ID lanyard.)
4. Use hot glue to secure the loop. (Or sew it by hand.)
5. Let it cool down.
6. Hang the loop on your door.
7. Measure the distance from the knob to the lowest place you want the bells to fall.
8. Add at least 6 in (15 cm) for allowance.
9. Cut once you get your desired length.

Next, assemble the bells and key rings. Then attach them to the fabric belt:

10. Put 3 jingle bells into each key ring.
11. Get the distance between the loop and the end of the belt.
12. Divide it into 3 sections.
13. Mark it with a pencil or chalk.
14. Get a finished key ring (with bells).
15. Take the opposite end of the belt (not looped).
16. Insert it through to the key ring’s hole.
17. Place the key ring on the highest point you marked.
18. Fold 1 in (25 mm) of the belt back.
19. Stick them together with hot glue or stitches.
20. Allow it to cool.
21. Insert and set the 2nd key ring on the lower marked part.
22. Repeat steps #18 to #20.
23. Do the same for the last key ring.

Here’s a tutorial video to help you visualize the process and result:

#4: Scrunchie dog bell

Can’t find any hot glue and key rings?

I’ve got another option for you.

This is also a potty bell you can hang on your doorknob.

But it has a simpler and easier-to-make design.

Plus, you’ll find most of the materials at your home.

What you’ll need

• Ribbon.
• Scissors.
• Measuring tape.
• Fabric scrunchie.
• Sewing needle & thread.
• Ribbon - 1 in (25 mm) wide.
• 6 pcs jingle bells - 1 in (25 mm).

What to do?

1. Measure the length from the doorknob to your dog’s nose level.
2. Double what you get. That’s how much ribbon you’ll cut (ex: 16 in x 2 = 32 in).
3. Grab the fabric scrunchie.
4. Insert the ribbon through it.
5. Loop the ribbon in half. (If it has a pattern, it must be the exposed part on both sides.)
6. Ensure both ends meet.
7. Secure the scrunchie by sewing a jingle bell under it.
8. Stitch another bell down. 2 in (50 mm) from the other end of the ribbon.
9. Measure the distance between the 2 bells.
10. Divide it into 5 sections.
11. Mark it with chalk or pencil.
12. Sew the remaining 4 bells on each mark.

Ensure to place the bells equally. So that it’ll look pleasing to the eye.

#5: DIY mounted potty bell

Lastly, you might like this if you’re crafty.

It’s more challenging than the previous ones.

But this is perfect if you need a fixed dog bell with a louder chime.

What you’ll need

• 1 pc key ring (any size).
• 1 pc cow bell - 2 in (50 mm).
• 1 pc wall hook (to hang the bell).
• 1 pc wood plank - 3 in x 5 in (76 cm x 127 cm).
• Acrylic enamel spray paint (your desired color).

You can find another hook design.

But ensure it provides enough space from the wall to the bell.

So that it won’t disrupt its movement.

What to do?

1. Gather the materials.
2. Paint the hook and wood plank.
3. Allow them to dry.
4. Attach the hook on top of the wood. 
5. Put the key ring on the bell.
6. Hang it on the hook.
7. Attach a ring hanger on the back of the wood.

Install it beside the exit door you mostly use.

Set it at your dog’s nose height.