Bell training question

[Jiffer]

I've read some posts from some people who put a bell by the back door for the dog to ring when he needs to go out. What kind of a bell do you use? I visualize a hotel lobby type bell that you ring at the counter to get someone's attention. Or is it something you hang on the wall that the dog paw's at?

I would imagine the way to train the dog to use it is to ring it every time you take him out to go potty and, eventually, he'll associate going out with the bell ringing. Does anyone have any other tips or advice for this? Or has anyone taught their dog a different method?

Thanks.

 

[cindy4928]

Hi Kronk's mom, I haven't bought a bell just yet but I will soon. At first I was going to get bells (like christmas bells). You hang them on your doorknob and every time you take the dog out you just tap the bells and eventually the dog will start ringing the bell too. I think I am going to get a regular wireless doorbell tho and hopefull teach her to maybe tap it with her nose (she does like to go around poking her nose at things anyway...way too cute) I like this idea because I have read they don't scratch up the door so much and at my busy house those bells would be going off like crazy. Sadie is so quiet she will just go and sit at the door and wait so I can't wait to start training her with the bell.

 

[Jags_Mommy]

Bag of Bells for Bell Training

Hi Jiffer,
As far as the bells go, I just went to Walmart in the craft department and bought a bag of gold bells. I stung them together on a shoe string and tied them to the door knob hanging just low enough that he could reach by raising his head a bit. Works great and very inexpensive!

As far as the training, I guess my guy learned really quick because within the first day he was ringing that bell. He knew ringing meant outside and he loves it outside. But in the beginning I would bring him to the door every hour I would ring the bells and say "what to go out?" Then wait for him to hit the bells with his nose (you will need to show him what you want him to do). Once he did I would, praise and repeat "go out". Then lots of praise when he did his business.

This is what worked for us, GOOD LUCK!!

 

[Jiffer]

Thanks for your replies. The only thing is, we don't have a door knob. We have a sliding glass door. But, I could nail a string of bells to the wall right next to the door or something.

Thanks again.

 

[Doja's Mommy]

Jiffer.... I use mine on a sliding door as well.....

I went to the local feed store, which is the only place I can get her food anyways, and they have many many cow bells and regular dome shape bells to choose from. I thing I paid like 50 cents..... and they also sell little cotton twine and rope type stuff.... I paid like 40 cents for 6 feet and just hung it from the top where the blinds are attached... and it hangs there... she hits it with her nose......

 

[Evie&Adam]

I have a cow bell. Well, its actually the bell I got when i went to the 2002 olympics!! DH was always complaining that it was in the way - where do you put a treasure like that anyway!? LOL :D Now, it has a use and I get to see my treasure!!

 

[Jiffer]

Very cool, Evie&Adam!

I guess I can choose from a plethora of bells.

Maybe I'll go ahead and dig out my Olympic bell. NOT!

 

[mancin]

I actually got my bell out of the bird section of the pet store.

 

[Joey's mom]

I use a large gold christmas bell that you would normally hang on your doorknob but that is not where I have mine. I didn't want Joey scratching up the door and/or the wall next to it so I use a banana holder. It has a flat wood base and a banana shape hook on it so the bell hangs perfectly. It's also just the right height for Joey to slap it with his paw...and NO scratched wood.