One of the most important tasks to take care of when you get a new puppy is potty training, or housebreaking him/her. A great way to do this is to incorporate a bell into the routine. It has been shown to be one of the more effective ways in housebreaking your new puppy. Housebreaking can be a stressful time for your puppy, and possibly even more stressful for you and your family. However, if you follow just a few simple steps you can make sure that it is a successful experience, for both you and your puppy.
1) Place a bell hanging from your doorknob on the door that you want your puppy to go outside from. You can also attach a hook on the door jam or wall near the side of the door. Make sure it is at a level where your puppy can easily reach it. Right after you hang the bell bring your puppy over and introduce him/her to it. Feed your puppy treats after you ring the bell to have him/her get used to the sound with something pleasant.
2) Whenever you bring your puppy outside, make sure to show him/her how to ring the bell. Employ words like “bells” or “ring” as a command that your puppy can learn in a similar fashion as if you were to teach him/her to “sit” or “stay”. This helps your puppy in learning that the bell means going outside to take care of his/her business. Kindly show your puppy to touch the bell by taking his/her paw to the bell. Praise your puppy after the bell is rung. Then open the door right after he/she rings the bell, so the two are associated with each other.
3) Make sure that you are doing this process on every time you bring your puppy outside. If you do not do it every time, then you are only hindering the housebreaking process and will confuse your puppy. After a short amount of time, your puppy will understand what you are teaching him/her and begin to ring the bell without your guidance.
4) Like all other positive routines and habits, remember that practice goes a long way. Keep up with the training of your puppy. Be consistent with this housebreaking process and make sure that everyone living in your house are aware of the steps you are teaching your puppy. That way, they can be involved in the process and provide even more positive reinforcement. Praise your puppy when he/she is doing what you are teaching.
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