Train your Dog to ring a Bell to go outside to use the Bathroom

If you are potty training your puppy you may find it very useful if he can let you know when he wants to go outside to potty. This training technique is very simple to teach as all he needs to do is ring a bell.

This training is not just for puppies. Older dogs can learn too. You can successfully train an older dog to ring the bell. Who says you can't teach an old dog new tricks. I taught my 5 year old rescue dog in a matter of days.

Every time you take your dog or puppy outside to go to the bathroom physically get him to nudge the bell with his nose or paw. To begin training make sure he is in a calm state and preferably in the sit position. You can gently take his paw and make him touch the bell or gently position him to nudge the bell with his nose. I say 'gently' because we don't want any fear associated with this procedure. As soon as the bell rings say the words 'Go Potty' or whatever words you choose. Praise him lavishly or give him a small food reward and then go outside immediately.


For a young puppy take him outside once an hour or a couple of minutes after eating or waking. Stand with him but don't distract him at all. Let him sniff around. If he goes to the bathroom while outside tell him what a good dog he is while he is actually peeing or pooping 

It is important to choose a word or phrase for your dog's elimination. You can call it what ever you want as long as you are consistent with it. For example: While he is peeing say, "Do a pee, good boy, well done" or "Go potty, great work, good dog' By saying these words your puppy will then be able to learn these words and associate them with the the action. Say the same words when he rings the bell to go outside.

DO NOT let him ring the bell if you are going out for a walk or a game in the yard. This would be a recipe for disaster. You don't want him ringing the bell every time he wants to go out to have fun.