House Training a Dog – An Easy Way to Get Your Dog to Go Outside
Do you think that house training a dog can be simple? 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. One of my favorite methods is to teach your dog to ring a bell to go out.
…All and dogs enjoy playing games and learning new tricks.
This method — which I call “Ring a Bell to Go Out” — works so well because your dog warns of thinking that it was his idea all along! 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.
(By the way, if you want to see a full step-by-step video on how this is done, visit this house training a dog post on the Best Dog Ever blog. It’s fantastic!)
*Step 1. Find a bell. You want to be using a light-weight bell here and. (Don’t use something that’s heavy, like a cow bell.) Of course it’s important to make sure you select the right size for your particular dog. (A dachshund needs a smaller bell than a Labrador retriever.)
*Step 2. Hang the bell from a door knob …so the dog can easily reach it with his nose. (Remember also that different breeds will require different heights.)
*Step 3. It’s important to remember that you need to say “outside” before taking the dog out? Do you want to go outside?” As and you’re on your way out the door, jiggle the string so that your dog will bump into it and make it ring. (Don’t be afraid to shake the bell if you have to to make it ring.) 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. When the dog is not watching you, place a little peanut butter or soft cheese on the bell.
*Step 5. Now what? Well, wait and watch. There are generally two things that might happen …and both of these are good! ?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?” … open the door, walk over to the potty area, and say “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. Once the dog can ring the bell easily without assistance from you, that’s when it’s time to ask him “Outside?”…now simply wait by the door for the dog to touch the bell and ring it. Then, of course, you want to take the dog outside to have her do 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. …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.
Any dog that lives in a house without a doggy door will keep your home accident-free when they learn how to ring a bell. As an added bonus, this works great when your dog goes away with you for a vacation.
All you have to do is remember to bring the bell with you and attach it to the door of your motel room. …you simply won’t have to stress about your dog having accidents!
