Bell Training: Riley rings but doesn't always go potty

[Marion Carmickle]

We LOVE our new addition, Riley. She is 12 weeks old and we have had her for 2 weeks. She is EXTREMELY smart and quickly mastered ringing the bell to go outside, but now she is driving us crazy by ringing the bell to go out, attempting to eat bark and rocks, etc. I know that we shouldn't abort the bell, but is there any way to further connect the bell with potty and not play?

[Adina P]

Time will take care of that. Each of our three dogs went through a phase of "abusing" the bell privilege because it was all new and fun to them. But in time the novelty wore off.

At 12 weeks she's made a connection between ringing the bell and the door opening so she can go outside. That is AWESOME. But her attention span is still really short, so it will take her a while to get it right.

For now I suggest taking her out on a leash and going to her potty spot and just standing there or walking in a circle. Give her 5 minutes. If she doesn't go put her back in her crate for a bit before trying again. If she DOES go be ready to praise her warmly and give her a treat to reward her.

[Marion Carmickle]

YES!! This is what I suggested to my husband but we didn't know if using the lead would be a negative association or not. Thanks so much for your answer.

[Adina P]

It shouldn't be negative because all you have to do is just stand there...make potty outings purely business...no play. Until Riley poops or pees and then you can have a party!

[KJ]

that's exactly what we did with Paddington and on about the 2nd week or less of doing this, he rings the bell only to go pee, that's all...occassionally if he sees the kids out there he'll ring too :)

[Jackie]

Beckett did the same thing! Sometimes I'd take him out 2 or 3 times in a row but it worked out!! He now is completely trained. He only rings the bells when he has to go out,...for the most part. He still has an occasional day when he "abuses" them. . But on the whole, he's great. You are doing the right thing in taking her out every time. Just make sure it's all business. They are smart pups!!!

[Adina P]

I'm so proud of you Jackie! You were so worried before and now you are giving advice like a pro!

[Jackie]

Thanks Adina. It feels great to be able to help with advice! I didn't know I'd be able to do it so soon....lol But time flies! Beckett is now over 4 months old! I can't believe it. I never would've thought that they would be so smart. He is so good with the bells.

[Jackie]

We just took Beckett to my daughter's apt. last week. It was the first time we took Beckett to someone's house. We took the bells, I showed him where they were and the first time he needed to go out, he went right over to the bells and rang them!!! I never had bells at or in the crate.

[Adina P]

Same as Jackie. If we are just visiting for a short while, no need for bells. I would just take the pups out a bit more often than usual. But if we are staying overnight or longer I put the bells up and show them where the bells are and they know what to do from there.

As far as crating goes...no need for bells because the whole point is that they hold it in the crate. And as they get older their ability to hold it will get longer and longer. By now you also may have noticed some patterns in their pee/poop behavior so then when you travel you can try to stick to those time lines and that helps to know when they will most likely NEED to go potty.

[NIKKI ~Macy's Mom~]

I'm still working on the same thing with my puppy. She still isnt' ringing the bell. I would try to keep her on a leesh and keep her away from rocks, sticks or anything that would distract her. Maybe put her in her crate when you come in if she doesnt' potty for you. THen take her potty agian as soon as you take her out. How did you get your pup to ring the bell? Did you have her do it or you to teach her?

[Doodle Kisses]

I helped Rosco ring by touching his nose to the bells. Easy to pick up a puppy and 'help'. Just do it every time you take puppy outside.

[Valerie]

Keep it no play and use a treat reward.