If you’ve been following Little Dog Tips for a while, you may have noticed that I’m a huge fan of using Potty Bells. It’s easily the best training tool you’ll ever buy for your dog.
We spend so much time asking our dogs to do things. Sit. Stay. Lay down. But we rarely think about how our dogs will let us know when they want something from us.
Once Matilda learned to ring bells to go outside, she had much fewer accidents and didn’t depend on her potty pads as much. She became more confident and more communicative.
Guests also get a hoot out of seeing her ring her bells. She’ll smash into them and stare demandingly at whoever is closest to the door. It’s adorable.
Disclaimer: I received potty bells and compensation in exchange for my review, and this post contains affiliate links. I only feature products that me, Matilda and Cow absolutely love!
How To Teach Your Dog To Ring Bells To Go Outside
I wrote about potty bell training in a previous post.
It’s super easy, even if you think you’re not the most experienced trainer, or that your dog isn’t very smart or trainable. Communicating via bell deepens your bond and can help set the strong relationship foundation you’ll need for future training.
I taught Matilda to ring the bell using treats, then replaced the food reward with the reward of going outside. Cow taught herself to ring the bells by watching Matilda.
What I Love About Caldwell’s Original Potty Bells
I’ve tried a few brands of potty bells. I’ve even made a sloppy version of my own with cat toys when I forgot to bring a set to my parents’ house. But Caldwell’s Original Potty Bells are my favorite so far.
Here’s why:
- The top of the strap has a snap so you can hang them anywhere. It’s easy to detach them to take them with you to a friend’s house to keep your dog’s potty routine consistent
- They’re nice and loud
- The strap is long enough for short dogs to reach
- The strap is thick and sturdy with reinforced nylon stitching
- The bells and hardware are durable and well-made
Would I Recommend Them?
Absolutely.
These are the bells that will be hanging from my door forever – as long as there are dogs with doors that need opening, these are the bells I will use!
I recommend them for new puppy owners, but it’s never too late to start. You can use the bells for transitioning from potty pads, or for stopping accidents if you don’t realize your dog needs to go out until it’s too late.
Get Yourself Some Potty Bells!
I teamed up with Caldwell’s to host a giveaway. Two winners will get their very own Original Potty Bells shipped to their homes.
(Open to United States residents only, must provide a US address after winning to receive prize. No Purchase Necessary.)
You can also buy potty bells from the PottyBells.com online store!
Scaredy-pup
Thursday 16th of April 2020
My doxie puppies are afraid of the bells. It’s gotten less scary to them over the past month of gentle ringing on our way out the door but they still refuse to ring and they rush past to avoid hearing the bells. I keep wondering if the bells are too loud or if I should keep trying.
Jessica
Monday 14th of November 2016
O my gosh. Best idea ever. We are currently potty training a 9 week old. This is perfect
Monica Dingess
Sunday 13th of November 2016
That’s really good idea to teach our pets to ring a bell when they want to go outside. I don’t train my dog much because I think I respect their freedom to choose lessons. Now I’ve got your suggestion. Thanks
Laurie Emerson
Sunday 13th of November 2016
I would use them on our Zeus. He is such a sweet and gentle soul but was so badly abused before we adopted him that he is still hesitant about barking. This would really help us to know when he needs to go.
Kortney Lah
Sunday 13th of November 2016
Honestly, I love the idea. Our yellow lab used to use it when we first got her, instead of barking or whining, she rang the bell and we'd come running. After a while though, she stopped using it. I think it is a great training method for any future dogs we get!