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Dog TrainingSUPPLIES
- 3 or 4-foot rope
- Brass bells or chimes
Overview
Puppy potty-training can be an exhausting experience for dog owners. However, many people experience housebreaking success by teaching their puppy to jingle a bell when it needs to go outside. Coupled with potty training supplies-- such as pretreated trays, cleaning supplies or a dog crate-- a bell will help your puppy become a housebroken, obedient companion.
Step 1
Secure the rope to the doorknob. Tie a knot on the hanging end and attach bells above the knot; the rope should jingle when pulled. Confirm the bells and rope are fastened securely for safety purposes.
Step 2
Determine a verbal command. A puppy needs to hear consistent verbal commands to learn to go to the bathroom outside. Choose a variation of "Do your business" or "Go potty." Each time the bells ring or the puppy reacts appropriately to the command, offer praise, affection and a treat.
Step 3
Teach your puppy how to ring a bell. Allow the puppy to learn from example by tugging on the rope each time the puppy goes outside. As the bells jingle, verbally state the housebreaking command. Over time, she will learn that ringing the bell will enable her to go outside to potty.
Step 4
Reinforce positive behavior. Although mistakes are bound to happen, reinforce correct housebreaking responses through affection, verbal praise, play time or a treat reward. Consider utilizing "clicker training" to help quicken successful results (see Resources).
Step 5
Follow a regular schedule. Allow your puppy to go potty on a consistent basis: after a meal, playtime and a nap, and in the morning and evening. Therefore, the bell will be rung several times a day. Within a week or two of training, your puppy should begin to understand how to ring the bell herself.
Step 6
Be present. As the pack leader of the home, you are being watched by your puppy. Each time you take the puppy outside, walk her on the leash or stay present in the back yard while she does her business. As you praise her each time, the puppy will quickly learn that she has done something right and will strive to please you each subsequent time.
TIPS AND WARNINGS
- TIP : Stay positive during the housebreaking process; follow a routine with bell-ringing, and the consistent schedule will help expedite the potty-training.
Use a crate to help establish a controlled environment.
Potty training supplies (such as scented pads) can help promote potty-training success.
- WARNING : Never harm a puppy, despite frustrations. Understand the accidents will occur. Clean them properly and continue with encouraging housebreaking training.
