House Training a Dog – An Easy Way to Get Your Dog to Go Outside

house training a dog

Do you feel that house training a dog can be easy? Well, I do. Housetraining a dog or puppy can be very simple when you teach him to simply tell you when he needs to go outside to do his business. One of my favorite things to do is to simply teach your dog how to ring a bell when he needs to go outside.

…Every dog simply loves learning tricks and playing games.

This method — which I call “Ring a Bell to Go Out” — works so well because your dog warns of thinking that it was his idea all along! In order to teach your dog how to ring a bell to go outside, simply follow these simple instructions.

(By the way, if you want to see a complete step-by-step video on how this is done, go see this house training a dog entry on the Best Dog Ever website. It’s awesome!)

*Step 1. Find a bell. Use a bell that’s light weight. (This is not the time to use a heavy bell, like a cow bell.) Of course it’s important to make sure you select the right size for your particular dog. (For example, a dachshund will need a bell that smaller than a Labrador retriever would need.)

*Step 2. Hang the bell from a door knob …so the dog can easily reach it with his nose. (Remember also that different breeds will require different heights.)

*Step 3. It’s important to remember that you need to say “outside” before taking the dog out? Do you want to go outside?” Now, go out through the door, and manipulate the string so that the dog can’t help but bump into it and make it ring. (If you need to shake the string so the bell rings, shake it.) Repeat 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. As soon as your dog isn’t watching you, put a small dab of peanut butter directly on the bell.

*Step 5. Wait and watch. There are generally two things that might happen …and both of them are positive! Some dogs will smell the food on the bell instantly, and go to it and ring it right away.. 
Perfect! Say “Outside?” …So now it’s time to get the door open, take the dog directly to the potty area, and say “go potty.* Remember to reward the dog with a food treat and praise when she potties.

Some dogs and a little extra incentive to go and find the bell. 
If that happens to you try this: 
Hold the bell close to the dog’s nose so the dog smells the peanut butter, licks it, and rings the bell.

You can help your dog by shaking the bell so that it makes a sound, if your dog’s touch is too light to make it actually ring.) As the bell rings, you want to 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. As soon as the dog can ring the bell easily, without your help, that’s the time to ask your dog “Outside?”…and now it’s time to wait patiently by the door until your dog figures out what you want and rings the bell. Next, lead your dog outside while she does her business.

Learning smart methods for house training a dog is good for dogs of all ages! Don’t forget that older dogs will often times need more frequent bathroom trips. …But the bell reminds us.

Rescue dogs that have never lived inside a house, quickly learn the difference between “inside” house manners and “outside” house 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. This trick is perfect if you take your dog with you on your travels.

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