
Potty training doesn’t have to be a guessing game!
What if your puppy could tell you when they need to go?
With bell training, they can—and it’s easier than you think!
- Follow a step-by-step guide to teach your pup to ring a bell for potty breaks.
- Discover why dogs learn this trick so quickly (hint: it’s all about behavior!).
- Use a training timeline to track progress and stay on course.
- Learn two homemade treat recipes that are safe, healthy, and perfect for training
Let’s get started—your cleaner floors are just a bell ring away!
Table of contents
- Potty Training: Train Your Puppy to Ring a Bell
- Step-by-Step Guide to Bell Training
- Troubleshooting Bell Training Issues
- Healthy Training Treat Recipes
- What to Expect After Bell Training Success
- Conclusion
- ⚠️ Quiz: The #1 Dog Food To AVOID (causes weight gain, saps energy & harms your dog’s gut)
- ⚠️ Top Trending Today
Potty Training: Train Your Puppy to Ring a Bell
Step-by-Step Guide to Bell Training
Ready to get started? Here’s a simple, proven process to teach your puppy how to ring a bell for potty breaks.

Step 1: Choose the Right Bell
The first step is finding a bell that’s easy for your puppy to use.
- Use a hanging doorbell or a sturdy bell that can be attached to the door.
- Place the bell at your puppy’s eye level so they can easily reach it.
- Use durable materials. Avoid sharp edges and small parts that could choke.
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Pro Tip: Some bells come with adjustable straps or fun designs to make them more appealing to your puppy.
Step 2: Introduce the Bell
Before associating the bell with the door, introduce it to your puppy in a playful, positive way.
- Hold the bell in your hand and let your puppy sniff or investigate it.
- Encourage your puppy to touch the bell with their nose or paw. You can do this by holding a treat behind the bell or tapping it to create curiosity.
- When your puppy interacts with the bell, say “Yes!” or use a clicker (if you’re clicker training) and immediately reward them with a treat.
Repeat this several times a day until your puppy confidently touches the bell.
Fun Fact: Dogs have great associative memory. They quickly link actions, like ringing a bell, to results, like going outside.
Step 3: Associate the Bell with the Door
Now it’s time to connect the bell to potty breaks.
- Attach the bell to the door you use for taking your puppy outside.
- Every time you take your puppy out, ring the bell yourself and say a consistent cue like “Outside!” or “Potty time!”
- Open the door and take your puppy outside immediately.
Pro Tip: Use the same door for potty breaks during training to avoid confusing your puppy.
Step 4: Encourage Your Puppy to Ring the Bell
Once your puppy understands that the bell means “outside,” teach them to ring it themselves.
- Before opening the door, guide your puppy toward the bell.
- Encourage them to nudge or tap the bell. You can use treats or verbal encouragement to motivate them.
- When they ring the bell, praise them and open the door.
Over time, your puppy will start ringing the bell on their own whenever they need to go outside.
Step 5: Reward and Reinforce
Positive reinforcement is the fastest way to teach your puppy new behaviors.
- Each time your puppy rings the bell and goes potty outside, reward them with praise and a high-value treat.
- Over time, you can stop using treats. Rely on verbal praise instead. Always celebrate their success to keep the behavior consistent.
Pro Tip: Timing matters! Reward your puppy right after they ring the bell and go potty. This will help them understand the connection.
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Troubleshooting Bell Training Issues
Even with consistency and effort, challenges can arise during bell training. Don’t worry—these are common hurdles, and with a little patience, they can be resolved. Here’s how to tackle the most frequent issues:
1. My Puppy Ignores the Bell
If your puppy ignores the bell, it probably means they don’t link it to going outside.
Solution:
- Return to the basics in Step 2. Spend more time introducing the bell as a fun and rewarding object. Hold it near them, encourage them to touch it, and give treats each time they interact with it.
- Use high-value rewards, like small pieces of chicken or cheese, to increase motivation.
- Practice in short, fun sessions to keep things engaging. Puppies learn best when they’re excited!
Pro Tip: Make the bell more interesting by tapping it or shaking it lightly to catch your puppy’s attention.
2. My Puppy Rings the Bell for Fun, Not Potty Breaks
Some puppies learn that ringing the bell gets your attention. It also gives them access to outdoor playtime. This can be frustrating. But, it shows your puppy learned the link between the bell and going outside. They just need clearer boundaries.
Solution:
- Only reward your puppy for ringing the bell when they actually goes potty outside. If they ring the bell and don’t potty, calmly bring them back inside without giving a treat or extra playtime.
- Stick to a consistent potty schedule to reduce unnecessary trips outside. Take your puppy out at predictable times, like after meals, naps, or play. This will reduce their use of the bell for attention.
- Avoid scolding or showing frustration when they misuse the bell—redirect them instead.
Fun Fact: Puppies are curious. They enjoy trying new behaviors to get attention. By staying consistent, you’ll teach them to use the bell appropriately.
3. My Puppy Still Has Accidents
Occasional accidents are normal. But, frequent ones may mean your puppy isn’t fully trained. Or, they may not be able to hold it for long.
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Solution:
- Supervise your puppy closely and watch for subtle signs they need to go, like sniffing, circling, or whining. Take them to the door immediately and encourage them to ring the bell.
- Stick to a consistent potty schedule. Puppies thrive on routine, so take them out at the same times every day (e.g., after meals, naps, and playtime).
- If your puppy is very young or has frequent accidents, it may simply be a matter of bladder control. Puppies under 12 weeks old can only hold it for an hour or two, so adjust your schedule to meet their needs.
Pro Tip: If accidents continue or worsen, consult your vet. It may be a urinary tract infection or digestive issue.
4. My Puppy Is Scared of the Bell
Some puppies may be startled by the sound of the bell, especially if it’s loud or unfamiliar. If your puppy avoids the bell altogether, it’s important to work on building their confidence.
Solution:
- Choose a softer bell, or muffle it with a cloth or your hand. Gradually increase the volume as your puppy gets used to it.
- Introduce the bell slowly. Allow your puppy to sniff and investigate it without ringing it at first. Reward them for simply being near the bell.
- Pair the bell with positive experiences! For example, ring the bell and immediately give them a treat or praise to create a happy association.
Pro Tip: If your puppy is shy, be patient and use extra encouragement. Building their confidence is key to overcoming fear.
5. My Puppy Only Rings the Bell When I’m Watching
Some puppies rely on visual cues from their owners and may only ring the bell if they are standing nearby.
Solution:
- Increase their independence by stepping away from the door during training. For example, sit across the room and wait for your puppy to ring the bell before coming over to open the door.
- Slowly move further from the door as your puppy gains confidence. Eventually, they’ll ring the bell whether you’re in the room or not.
- Make sure to respond quickly to the bell ringing, even if you’re not nearby. This reinforces their understanding that ringing the bell always leads to going outside.
Final Thoughts on Troubleshooting
Every puppy is unique, and it’s normal to encounter a few bumps in the road during bell training. The key is to stay consistent, patient, and positive. With time and practice, your puppy will learn to use the bell to signal their potty needs.
Interesting Fact: Puppies need to practice a new behavior 30–60 times for it to become a habit. Stick with it—you’re closer to success than you think!
Healthy Training Treat Recipes
Cheesy Sweet Potato Training Bites
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked, mashed sweet potato
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup oat flour
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Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix the sweet potato, cheese, and flour until a dough forms.
- Roll them into small balls or flatten them into patties.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until firm. Let it cool before serving.
Pumpkin & Banana Training Bites
Ingredients:
- 1 cup canned pumpkin (unsweetened)
- 1 ripe banana, mashed
- 1/2 cup oat flour
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix pumpkin, banana, and flour until a dough forms.
- Roll into small balls or flatten into bite-sized patties.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes or until firm. Let it cool before serving.
Why Homemade Treats? These recipes are nutritious, easy to make, and healthier than store-bought ones!

What to Expect After Bell Training Success
Once your puppy masters bell training, your routine will be smoother and stress-free. Instead of guessing, you’ll hear a soft jingle. It’s a clear signal that they need a potty break.
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Imagine this: You’re in the middle of cooking dinner when you hear the bell. You glance over, and there’s your puppy, sitting politely by the door, waiting for you. It’s a simple but powerful way to communicate, and it strengthens the bond between you and your furry friend.
Conclusion
Bell training isn’t just about a new skill. It’s about building trust and a stronger bond with your puppy. With time, patience, and praise, your puppy will learn this trick. It will make potty training a breeze.
Have you tried bell training with your puppy? Share your experience in the comments below! And don’t forget to try the treat recipes—we’d love to hear how your puppy enjoys them!
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