Bell Training Your Dog Really Works. Here’s How to Do It

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Potty training is an important rite of passage for all dogs. There’s more than one way to get there, but bell training is one method many pet parents have success with. In a nutshell, this technique teaches puppies to ring a bell when they need to go potty. It’s a convenient skill that can eliminate accidents while improving communication between dogs and their guardians. 

We’ve consulted two professional trainers to learn why bell training works so well and what pet parents need to get started. Below, we’ve outlined step-by-step instructions and tips for solving some common problems along the way.

How to Use Bells to Train Your Puppy

Bell training is a fairly straightforward process. Brett Reynolds, a Fear-Free certified trainer and the director of dog care at The Dog Stop, lays out the steps.

1. Introduce your dog to the bell

Initially, simply lay the bells on the floor and let your dog inspect them. This gives your pup time to get used to the sound so they learn the bells aren’t a threat. Reward your dog every time they touch or interact with the bell to form positive associations.

2. Place the bell on the door

Next, Reynolds says to hang the bell from the doorknob or mount it on the door frame of the exit your dog uses most often for potty breaks. Nose height is perfect. You can adjust the height as your puppy grows.

3. Utilize a food lure

Reynolds advises smearing a small amount of peanut butter or cream cheese directly onto the bell to attract your dog. These foods encourage them to nudge the bell with their nose.

4. Reward your dog for ringing the bell

When your dog licks the treat, the bell will jingle. “Immediately celebrate the sound with praise and use a cue such as ‘outside’ while taking them outside to the toilet area,” Reynolds says.

Then, as soon as they go potty, offer another treat. This will help make the connection between ringing the bell, going outside, and eliminating in the appropriate place.

5. Rinse & repeat

Reynolds recommends repeating this sequence 5-10 times several times per day. Remember that dog training works best in short, consistent bursts, so try to keep lessons under 15 minutes. 

“Most dogs catch on to this game within a few sessions, and the food enticement becomes unnecessary,” Reynolds explains. “They will simply ring the bell for the desirable response from their human.” 

Why is Bell Training Effective?

It all comes down to better communication. As Reynolds explains, bell training empowers a dog to communicate with clarity. Once a puppy understands that ringing the bell means “outside,” it gives them a clear way to express their needs.

Whereas some cues may go unnoticed (like waiting silently at the door), a bell is an unmistakable signal bound to get our attention. This enhanced communication contributes to a stronger bond and mutual understanding between dogs and their pet parents.  

Lastly, bell training gives dogs a tangible action to perform, and it can also make potty training less confusing to some dogs. This, in turn, minimizes stress and frustration for both parties. 

When Can You Start Bell Training a Puppy?

“Bell training can begin as soon as your new dog arrives in your home,” Reynolds explains. That goes for puppies as young as eight weeks, adults, and older dogs. With patience and consistent training, it’s never too late for bell training. 

Additionally, bell training isn’t limited to certain types of dogs, either. Some breeds who are famously eager to please and highly motivated by praise, like Labrador Retrievers and Border Collies, may take an immediate shine to bell training. However, any breed can succeed with the right approach.

If you’re worried about bell training, Reynolds reassures that success (or lack thereof) is tied more to individual personalities and preferences than a dog’s breed. Noise-sensitive dogs, for instance, may struggle with this type of training. 

What Do You Need for Bell Training?

Getting started with bell training doesn’t require a lot of equipment. Here are the three most important supplies to have on hand.

1. A bell that works for your dog
2. Training treats
3. Food lures

Luckily, you have a few options for bells. You can use a dangling strand of bells (akin to jingling sleigh bells) that you’ll mount near the door or hang from a doorknob. Specially made dog training bells like the Mighty Paw Bell or Caldwell’s Potty Bells are solid choices. Alternatively, you can make your own strand of bells using simple craft store supplies. Finally, stationary countertop bells, which require dogs to use their paws instead of their nose, are a better option for dogs who are apprehensive about hanging bells. 

Some families use an electronic doggy doorbell or recordable dog buttons, a fine option for dogs who don’t like jingle sounds. No matter what bell you use, make sure to place it at nose or paw level for your dog.

Besides the bell, you’ll also need high-value training treats to reinforce the behavior. Spreadable treats, like dog-safe peanut butter, can be helpful for luring your dog to nudge the bells on their own.

How Do You Prepare for Bell Training?

Before jumping into training, designate a specific potty area first. “It could be a small corner of the yard or just a spot near a tree,” says Zoie Keast, CPTD-KA, head dog trainer at Not A Bully Dog Training. Keast recommends using this area exclusively for potty breaks, not for playing or feeding. During training, you can bring your dog directly to this potty area to strengthen the link between the bell and potty time. 

Additionally, Keast says having a consistent puppy feeding schedule is critical for any type of potty training, including bell training. “Puppies aren’t able to hold it as long (and don’t know that they need to), so having a consistent feeding schedule allows pet parents to anticipate better when their puppy needs to go out,” she explains. Most puppies will need a potty break 15-30 minutes after a meal.

How Does Bell Training Compare to Other Potty Training Methods?

As with any potty training method, bell training has advantages and disadvantages. Here are a few to consider.

Pros of Bell Training	Cons of Bell Training
Empowers dogs to communicate their needs clearly and directly	Some dogs will ring the bell whenever they want to play outside, not just for pottying
For many pet parents, a bell chiming is a better alert than barking or scratching at the door	If your dog uses their paw to ring the bell, they could damage the door or walls (which is why a nose nudge is usually preferable)
Better communication fosters a strong bond and reduces frustration for dogs and pet parents	Takes time for training to stick
Works well for dogs of all sizes, ages, and breeds	Pet parents may miss other signals that a dog needs to go potty

Bell Training FAQs

If you’re struggling with bell training after several weeks, here are some troubleshooting tips and advice.

Should I ring the bell during training?

While some experts advise pet parents to ring the bell every time they take their dogs out, Reynolds says this doesn’t necessarily help the dog learn to communicate autonomously. “It is important that your dog learns early on that they control the sound of the bell,” he adds. 

What if my dog rings the bell when they want to go outside?

“One way to discourage indiscriminate ringing is to give access to the bell only when there is a high likelihood of your dog needing to potty, such as after meals, naps, or playtime,” Reynolds explains. Pet parents can dial up the praise when their pups use the bell as intended. Bring them back inside if they don’t go potty after several minutes. 

Is it bad if I ignore the bell?

Reynolds says that failing to respond immediately when your dog rings the bell can weaken their training. Always take them out right away to create a clear association between the bell and potty time.  

What happens if the bell rings at other times?

“We call this ‘poisoning the cue,’ which means the cue (in this case, bell ringing) isn’t clear enough,” Keast explains. You may need to adjust the bell’s location so it’s not being rung accidentally or outside of potty time.

Are there consequences to skipping the bell?

While pet parents might think skipping the bell isn’t a big deal, Keast sats this can send your puppy mixed messages and make the bell training longer.

What training method should I use alongside bell training?

Positive reinforcement is the primary training method to use with bell training. “Potty breaks and going outside are their own reward, but for most puppies, nothing beats a treat,” Keast explains.

If you’re stuck, call in a professional trainer to help your pup get on board with bell training. However, bell training may not be the best potty training method in some cases. “If your dog isn’t responding to the bell or is actively avoiding it, it may be time to look at a different way for them to tell you they need to go outside,” Keast says. To that end, it’s helpful to learn your dog’s schedule and cues so you can better anticipate their needs.

Takeaway

Dogs of all sizes, ages, and types can master the potty bell in a few weeks of consistent training. As always, patience and consistency are the keys to success. “Some puppies will learn faster than others, and some may regress after they seem to get it,” Keast says. She encourages pet parents to stick with it—most dogs will catch on with practice and plenty of positive reinforcement.

Pet Parent Resources

Looking for a loving sitter to care for your potty-trained pup? Explore Rover’s pet care services from dog walkers to boarding facilities to find an experienced sitter in your neighborhood.