Do you believe that house training a dog can be easy? Well, I do. If you can teach your dog how to tell you when he needs to go outside, house training a dog becomes simple and fun. One of my favorite things to do is to simply teach your dog how to ring a bell when he needs to go outside.

…All and dogs enjoy playing games and learning new tricks.

The reason why the “Ring a Bell to Go Out” trick works so well is because not only does it get the dog to do what you want, but it makes him think that it was his idea in the first place! To teach your puppy or dog how to ring a bell, follow these simple steps.

(Also, if you’d like a full step-by-step video on how this is done, go see this house training a dog entry on the Best Dog Ever blog. It’s awesome!)

*Step 1. Find a bell. Choose a type of bell that’s pretty light-weight. (Don’t use a heavy metal cow bell.) Remember to consider the size of your dog when you’re choosing the size of the bell. (A dachshund needs a smaller bell than a Labrador retriever.)

*Step 2. Hang the bell from a door knob …it should be within easy reach of your dog’s nose. (Remember also that different breeds will require different heights.)

*Step 3. Now, make sure to say “outside” before you actually take the dog out through the door? Do you want to go outside?” As you go through the door, move the bell so that the dog will bump into it and it will ring. (You might need to shake the bell a bit so the dog can hear it ring.) All you should have to do is repeat this for a few days. So obviously what happens is that eventually there will be an association in your dogs mind — the sound of the bell will mean that he goes outside to do his business.

*Step 4. When your dog isn’t watching, go ahead and take your bell and just put a little bit of peanut butter or soft cheese on it.

*Step 5. Now simply wait and watch. Two things might happen …and both of them are positive! A few dogs will immediately smell the food you’ve placed on the bell, go to it, and ring it right away.. 
Perfect! Say “Outside?” …open the door, walk over to the potty area, and say “Go potty.* Now it’s time to reward your dog when she potties by giving her lots of praise and a treat.

Other dogs need to be encouraged to find the bell. If this is something that happens to you, there’s a way around it — simply hold the bell close to your dog’s nose so that he wants to lick it, and rings the bell.

It’s possible that you may have to shake the bell at first if your dog’s touch is too light to make it actually ring.) As the bell rings, in a happy voice say “Outside?” … Okay, now open the door, take your dog right to the potty area, and tell her to “go potty.”

While the dog is pottying, softly repeat saying “go potty.” Then, Reward the dog with praise and a small food treat.

*Step 6. Once the dog can ring the bell easily without assistance from you, that’s when it’s time to ask him “Outside?”…now simply wait by the door for the dog to touch the bell and ring it. Next, it’s time to take the dog outside to go to the bathroom.

Understanding the right techniques for house training a dog is great for dogs of all ages! Don’t forget that older dogs will often times need more frequent bathroom trips. …However, the bell reminds us.

Certain dogs, like rescue dogs for example, who may have never lived in a house, are quick to learn the difference between inside manners and outside behaviors.

This is a great way to eliminate accidents in your home, especially if you live in a house that doesn’t have a doggie door. Plus, puppy potty training with a door bell also works great when your dog travels with you on vacation.

Just bring the dog’s bell with you and tie it on the motel door. …you can forget about having to worry about accidents!