Step #1: ‘Pick-a-bell’

First, choose a product that suits your home and furry friend.

For example, if they tend to swallow anything, avoid hanging type with small chimes.

Or if you have trouble hearing the bell sounds in your house, choose mounted or wireless with broader coverage.

To help you weigh each dog bell option…

I made a table you can use as a reference:

Step #2: Introduce the bell to your dog

Once you're done choosing your training tool...

The next step's to familiarize your dog with it.

Why’s that?

For your furry friend, the potty bell's a new object.

It's something they've never seen or smelled before.

Moreover, bells create tinkling and clanging sounds.

So your dog may get startled by them and develop fear.

Fidos tend to back away when they see something unfamiliar in front of them.

And this will make training harder.

Thus, to avoid negative associations...

Introduce the bell to your dog using yummy treats.

Research shows that food’s most effective in training. This is compared to praise and strokes.

What to do?

1. Show the bell to your dog. (Don't ring it yet.)
2. Put it quietly on the floor.
3. Let your dog sniff and investigate it.
4. Offer them tiny pieces of treats.
5. Toss some food near the bell.  
6. Praise your dog if they come closer and eat it.

Next, do the following if your Fido’s calm:

7. Move the bell slowly to create ringing sounds.
8. Give your dog treats.
9. Keep feeding them until they seem relaxed.
10. Ring the bell again.
11. Offer your dog a treat every time you do it.
12. Repeat until they act calm, seeing and hearing the bell.

Step #3: Do the ‘touch training’

Did the introduction go well?

If so, teach your dog to touch the bell with their nose or paw.

Then eventually, this will train them to ring it.

What to do?

1. Hold the bell near your dog’s nose.
2. Say the cue word, “touch,” while tapping the bell.
3. Tell "yes" excitedly if your dog nudges it. Give them treats too.
4. Repeat for 10-15 minutes daily.

Next time, move the bell slightly away from your dog whenever you say “touch.”

And then increase the distance gradually.

This is to see if your furry pal will still do the command even if the bell’s in a new spot.

Keep doing this until your dog nudges the bell whenever you say “touch.”

Bell training is for dogs of all ages.

“But my dog ignores the bell. What should I do?”

If your dog doesn't touch the bell, put a soft treat on it to lure them.

For example, you can use a small dab of:

After the application:

1. Hold the bell near your dog's nose.
2. Wait until they come closer.
3. Say "touch" when they're about to smell the treat.
4. Tell them "yes" and reward them immediately once they touch the bell.
5. Repeat.

Now, do you prefer using a clicker?

If so, press it instead of saying "yes" whenever your dog touches the bell.

This type of training uses the clicker's sound to 'mark' a behavior.

It's like telling your furry friend they did something good.

Then if you follow it with a treat, they'll learn it's a desired behavior.

So they'll likely do the action again.

Give these in small amounts daily. Also, avoid poor dog treats high in sugar and additives.

Step #4: Associate the bell with potty time

You may not know it, but your dog observes you.

Yup. They stare at you when they need something.

But sometimes, they also watch you.

And from there, they might learn something useful.

Like how you open the drawer filled with treats or unlock the door.

So now, use this to teach your dog how and when to use the bell.

What to do?

Install or hang the bell on the door you often use to go outside.

Ensure it's below or at the level of their nose.

Once done

1. Ring the bell before taking your dog to their toilet spot.
2. Say a command like “outside.”
3. Repeat this every potty time.

If your dog touches the bell reliably on command…

You can also say “touch” before going out to prompt them to do it.

Praise and give them a treat when they follow.

Step #5: Repeat and reinforce

Consistency is the key in any training.

So keep going even if your furry friend made the correct association.

Repeat the same steps to reinforce the behavior further.

What to do?

Every time your dog needs to potty, ring the bell

Or ask them to do the "touch" command.

Whenever your dog rings the bell:

1. Take them to their toilet spot immediately.
2. Wait until they poop.
3. Say a cue word like "go potty" when they assume the position.
4. Praise your dog and feed them afterward.
5. Go inside.
6. Repeat.

Continue doing this until your furry friend rings the bell on their own to go potty.

Step #6: Cut down on the treats slowly

You must reduce the goodies you give as you go on.

This is to prevent your dog from becoming dependent on them.

Not only that, but extra calories can lead to obesity.

Also, too many snacks may upset your Fido's tummy or spoil their appetite.

What to do?

If your dog knows how and when to ring the bell...

Cut down the treats gradually. Shower them with praises and strokes instead.

For example, feed your dog 4 out of 5 times that they rang the bell before going potty.

Next time, make it 3 out of 5. And so on.

Keep this up until your Fido does it on command and doesn't entirely rely on food.

Step #7: Be patient

Lastly, be consistent and keep practicing.

Your dog won't master this skill overnight.

But it's possible with your guidance and constant efforts.

Every day, make your furry pal ring the bell before potty time.

Also, remember to praise them a lot when they do.