Ringing a bell to go outside

[Anthony8858]

I have to be honest.... I taught Kira to ring her bell to go outside.

Not sure if you watched the old classic "Honeymooners", where Ralph rings the bell every time he wanted his maid.

Well. Kira became such a PIA I had to break the habit. Every minute, all I heard was "jing-a-ling-a-ling". It drove me nuts.

Now she just sits by the back door, and waits until I notice. If she REALLY has to go, I may get a little "ruff" out of her.

Be careful what you wish for

[m1953]

Originally Posted by Anthony8858

I have to be honest.... I taught Kira to ring her bell to go outside.

Not sure if you watched the old classic "Honeymooners", where Ralph rings the bell every time he wanted his maid.

Well. Kira became such a PIA I had to break the habit. Every minute, all I heard was "jing-a-ling-a-ling". It drove me nuts.

Now she just sits by the back door, and waits until I notice. If she REALLY has to go, I may get a little "ruff" out of her.

Be careful what you wish for

Hahaha that is a draw back of the bell method. But it does make housebreaking easier. Nala is just about nine months now and has out grown the bell. She just sits by the door and looks at us or brings us her leash now.

[Anitsisqua]

YES. GABE DRIVES ME CRAZY WITH THAT BELL!

He rings it not only when he HAS to go outside, but every time he WANTS to go out (which is often, considering his favorite toys are sticks).

[Anthony8858]

Originally Posted by Anitsisqua

YES. GABE DRIVES ME CRAZY WITH THAT BELL!

He rings it not only when he HAS to go outside, but every time he WANTS to go out (which is often, considering his favorite toys are sticks).

^^^ Yep ^^^

[stealthq]

Originally Posted by Anitsisqua

YES. GABE DRIVES ME CRAZY WITH THAT BELL!

He rings it not only when he HAS to go outside, but every time he WANTS to go out (which is often, considering his favorite toys are sticks).

I think it happens to everyone that trains this way. The only way I know to cure it is to figure out your dogs potty schedule and then ONLY let them out when you know they should have to go. Otherwise tell them 'nope!' or whatever negative marker you use. The smart ones figure out the rules and knock it off. The not so smart (or stubborn) just keep on a-ringing those bells

[Whiteshepherds]

Originally Posted by Anitsisqua

He rings it not only when he HAS to go outside, but every time he WANTS to go out (which is often, considering his favorite toys are sticks).

Mine too although as they've gotten older they don't abuse it as much.
Harley tricks Annie with it if he wants something she has. He rings the bell, she drops her toy thinking they're going outside and runs to the door. He runs over and grabs her toy. She's 5 and still hasn't caught on.

[RowdyDogs]

Haha yeah, I'm definitely prepared for that, though currently they're all using it reliably but not excessively. I think I just wasn't giving them enough time originally.

The nice thing about my dogs is that Hector is the clingiest dog you'll ever meet so he's always in the room with me unless he has to go out (and also has very good bladder control so he can wait until a scheduled potty break), and the other 3 are old and arthritic. This is good because when the weather is warm, I just leave the back door open so they can come and go as they please, and when it's too cold for that, they don't want to be outside much anyway! I can hope, anyway.