Potty Training Made Easy
Let's Get Your Pooch Talking!
Quickly and easily potty train your dog of any age, size, or breed in just days with our proven PoochieBells Training Method.
PoochieBells Training Method
1
Hang It
Hang PoochieBells® on or near the inside of the door your dog will use to go potty.
2
Ring It
During potty time, bring your pup to the PoochieBells®, ring them, and say, “Outside, ring your bells.” Then, take them outside. This is potty time, not playtime, keep it focused.
3
Cheer It
Repeat this process consistently at every potty break. Praise your dog each time with positive attention. Over time, they will associate ringing the bells with going outside and let you know when it’s time to go.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best way to train my dog to use PoochieBells?
Every PoochieBells comes with our proven training method, trusted by dog trainers since 2005. We suggest starting without treats so your dog focuses on ringing to go outside and not ringing for food. Praise your dog every time they ring to go out, that's their reward. If your dog is nervous at first, you can use a treat to introduce the bells, but phase it out quickly.
What if my dog rings the bell too often for attention?
You're still in charge of when they go out. If your dog just went outside and rings again right away, wait until an appropriate amount of time has passed (about an hour) before responding. They'll quickly learn not to overuse their new communication tool.
Should I use pee pads along with PoochieBells?
We recommend teaching your dog to go potty outside right from the start. PoochieBells are designed to help your dog tell you when it s time to head outdoors not to signal for an indoor spot. Mixing bell training with pee pad training can be confusing for your dog. Plus, PoochieBells are a one-time purchase that lasts for years, unlike disposable pads that create waste and ongoing expense.
Will PoochieBells work for small dogs?
Absolutely. On a standard door handle or knob, the bottom bells hang about 9-10" from the floor perfect for most small breeds. Dogs can use their paw, nose, or even their tail to ring. For teacup breeds, simply hang PoochieBells on a hook at their height. If they can touch any part of the strap, you ll hear the ring.
Should I leave PoochieBells on the door all the time?
Yes. Consistency is the key to success. Leaving them in place gives your dog 24/7 access to their "voice" at the door. Every time the door opens and the bells ring, it reinforces the connection between ringing and going outside. And if you travel with your dog, take them along. Once your dog is fully trained, you can keep them on a hook beside the door or leave them on the knob.
Will PoochieBells fit on my type of door?
Yes. They're designed to fit over any standard door handle or knob, or they can hang from a hook placed near your door. For glass doors, use a sturdy suction hook. We also offer decorative hooks if you'd like to keep them neatly displayed next to the door.
How long before my dog uses PoochieBells on their own?
It depends on your dog and your consistency. Some pick it up in a few days, others in a few weeks. Stay consistent with your method and praise, and you'll get there.
How young can I start bell training?
We recommend starting when your puppy is about 12-16 weeks old... Typically this is old enough for them to understand the training process.
Can older dogs learn to use PoochieBells?
Definitely. Dogs of any age can learn new ways to communicate. For older dogs, PoochieBells aren't a "trick", they're a simple, effective tool that makes life easier for your whole family.
