bell training

[Levi's Mom]

My 6 month old boxer boy is pretty good about going to the door and waiting when he needs to go out, I've gotten bells and attatched them to the door handle for him to nose or paw at when he wants to go out, I just put them up today and he's starting to use them, probably more out of curiosity than anything, but it's a start! My problem is this...I also have bells hung outside the door for Levi to nose or paw when he wants INSIDE. The bells I have now aren't loud enough for me to hear throughout the house...any suggestions as a replacement?? Thanks!

 

[rottenroxy]

We use an oversized (about golf ball size) jingle bell that was a Christmas tree decoration. I'm pretty sure we'd be able to hear it if it was on the outside of the door.

 

[apollosdad]

you can try a larger bell such as a cow bell. or perhaps consider installing a doorbell switch on your back door that is mounted low-enough for your dog to push when he has to go out or come inside. i know the latter might sound rather extreme but i think it would work rather well.

 

[Levi's Mom]

Thanks for the ideas! I think we're going to try for the doorbell idea. A friend of mine has one outside her classroom that is a battery powered one that just sticks onto a surface. Hopefully he'll catch onto this as quick as he's caught onto the bells to go outside...it's working great! Now we just need to get him in again!

 

[apollosdad]

that's always part of the challenge. once they figure out that they can be let out by giving a signal, they take full advantage and want to go outside all the time. getting them back inside IS the fun part.