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Ring a Bell to Go Outside

Ring a Bell to Go Outside
© Awesome Dogs 2003

  1. Housetrain your puppy/dog if needed. Housetraining will go much easier, if you forget about the bell temporarily.


  2. Get a bell, some treats and a clicker.


  3. For several days, click and treat your dog. Do about ten clicks per day. After several days, click when your dog is not paying attention. If they come running, move on to the next step.


  4. Show your dog the bell and show them the sound it makes. You want to be confident that they do not become scared of the bell.


  5. Hold the bell out to your dog. Say nothing - just wait. If he/she is like most dogs, they will sniff at the bell. The second their nose touches the bell. Click! Then give a small treat. If your dog ignores the bell, try scenting it with something that smells good to them. (Rub with a liver treat)


  6. Repeat the above step until your dog is willing and eagerly bouncing at the bell. Do about 10 bell rings in a session.


  7. Once your dog is enthusiastic, move the exercise near the door you plan to hang the bell on. Most dogs are a little apprehensive about the bell when it's on the door so take a few days and do the bell ringing a few centimeters away from it. Gradually hand the bell on the knob, and then gradually take your hand away from the bell. Take a few days to get enthusiastic bell ringing.


Change the rules:


  • Now you need to set rules for bell use. Each time you go outside, take two treats and the clicker with you. Do one set of the bell ringing - click and treat and then go out. When your dog does their business outside, click and treat again.

  • Keep doing this until. Every time you go out, wait for your dog to ring the bell. Each dog is different, but be prepared that one day your dog will ring the bell on their own. Be prepared. Give your dog a "jackpot," which can be something really special or four or five small treats. Then take your dog outside. Reward them for doing their business.

  • As your dog becomes more reliable, and is asking to go out, set rules. Some dogs are very smart and will ring the bell for playtime. You know your dog. When they know the drill, set the rules that you like. Mine are, "The bell is for the bathroom." Other people are more lenient.


    • Final Notes:


  • Take your time and complete each step thoroughly before moving on.

  • Be patient - wait for your dog to figure out the exercise.

  • Have fun.

  • Plan at least a month to two months from start to finish. This is a fun and useful exercise, but takes a little time.


    • Best of luck!


    For more information, or if you have questions, please feel free to contact Awesome Dogs.

    Not to be reproduced without written consent from Awesome Dogs.

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