These days it seems like everyone is adopting a dog from a shelter, rather than buying a puppy. This is a wonderful thing, however, many times dogs that are up for adoption, for one reason or another, are not potty trained. This can present many challenges for the new dog owner, but there is a tried-and-true home training method for both puppies and older dogs; potty training bells Dog training bells are simply a strip of tape or fabric that has bells attached to it. This strip of bells is then hung on the exit door knob or knobs.
The saying “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks” is totally untrue. In fact, older dogs have longer attention spans than puppies, so they tend to be better students. If you are consistent and patient with your potty training bell program, you will find that your senior dog is quite a willing and happy participant. This method of training is similar to what you would do with a puppy; however, you can simplify it a bit for an older dog.
Once you’ve hung up the potty training bells, put your dog on a leash and take him to the door he would go out to go outside. Show him the bells on the door and make them yourself for a moment. Then announce a potty training command such as, “Ring the bells, let’s go potty!” If he is a large dog, point his nose at the bells and have him ring them. If it’s a small dog, guide one of its front paws up and gently tap the bells.
As you listen to the jingle he has caused, praise him generously: “Good boy, good bells, let’s go potty!” After introducing him to the bell, take him directly outside to do. Once he starts doing, praise him verbally and then immediately give him a dog treat that you find irresistible. Don’t give him a treat until he does, even if he rings the bell by himself. You don’t want to accidentally train him to ring the bell for a treat! You need to make the connection between the act of going to the bathroom and the treat.
This is where extra patience is required; Older dogs can take time to sniff for a bit before doing this. However, if you’ve had your dog outside for more than ten minutes, chances are you probably don’t have to at this point. In that case, take him inside and try again in forty-five minutes to an hour. State his potty training command, help him ring the bells, and then lead him outside right away, on his leash. It is vital that you always keep your dog on a leash, as you want to be able to control your dog.
After repeating this training program several times a day, your dog will begin to understand what you want from him, and then he will begin to ring the bells himself. Although it may take several weeks for your senior dog to learn to go potty, using housebreak bells really works! It is a training technique recommended by both professional trainers and veterinarians. The reason this method works so well when it comes to house training older dogs is because it bridges the communication gap between dog and human.
