Hi all,

For the committed dog owner who will take the time and trouble to teach their dog to use the bell, I say "go for it!"

For everyone else I tell them "fuhgettaboutit" for quite a few months.

It has been my experience that until age 9-12 months a dog owner has to take their dog out at "regular" times based on the dog's age. So the youngest dog goes out every 30-45 minutes and as it matures every 90 minutes-2 hours.

This way the dog's system begins to develop a dependency based on that routine and the dog's cycle developes control.

At some point between 1-2 years my dogs on their own develope a method for telling me that they need to go out.

The older one comes to me and sits very very straight (why can't I get that kind of sit out of him in the ring? LOL) and stares me straight in the eyes. Once I look at him he gets up and goes and sits by the door.

My husband and kids are not so quick on the signals. so the dog will go back & forth as many times as it takes to get someone to take the hint.

The younger one comes does a little dance and makes a mewling noise. Then goes & sits at the door and makes the same noise. She will not leave the door but just makes louder and louder noise till someone gets the hint.

Sandi
Pet Improvement
California

Interesting Sandi.
Your post begs the question-at what age can our dogs train us to let them out on command?
I have seen puppies as young as 8 weeks go to the door and paw it. The youngest dog I helped train to ring the bell was 6 months old, but I am betting you could teach it even earlier than that especially with a clicker savvy puppy.

Most of the dogs I have helped to train using the bell were under 1 year old and completely got it in less than 2 weeks, most in the first session! But of course it takes an owner who is paying attention, adheres to schedules and is motivated.
You are right...no training works unless the owner pays attention and follows the proper steps.

I used the bell method for all my dogs with great success, then I got a kitten and had to take the bell down.

Interesting Trisha. I noticed on the Poochie Bell web site they make the bells for out door cats to. Anyone ever teach a cat to ring a bell to go out?

I taught my seven week old puppy to ring the bell and he mastered it within a week. Of course, we are fortunate but I have also spent a tremendous amount of time listening & responding to his needs to train him. He still rings the bell & hasn't abused it at all. It comes in quite handy when we are upstairs & he is downstairs.