Potty training using the bell method?

[Bella-Bee]

Hi, We are new to the site and are new parents to a 10 week old Bull Mastiff/ Cane Corso cross. Her name is Bella! She is a very quick learner and already knows how to sit, shake paw, and lay down HOWEVER she is having a hard time telling us when she needs out to potty. She sleeps in our room with us at night on her own bed and barks when she needs out to potty but through the day she won't. We live in an apartment with a yard and just want her to be able to go to the door to tell us when she needs out. We were wondering about using the bell method, and were just wondering of any thoughts and opinions on this. Thanks! Brad and Melissa

 

[Mongo]

I think the bell method is super easy and effective! We did this when Mongo was young. We had a windchime that hung around the door knob and hung low enough for him. And every time we let him out we would touch the chime. Or if he "curiously" touched it we would still let him out. He caught on REAL quick.

Good Luck

 

[Sammysmom]

We love the bells. Have some on front door and back door, but trained Samson on the back door mostly. He will actually nose them, and lay down waiting patiently for one of us to let him out. He only does this now after a little bladder control has set in! He's about 4.5 months old. We just gave treats consistently in the first couple months and physically rand the bells with his paw then immediately took him out...he went potty, then TREAT almost every time. Slowly gave up treats on this one, and now pretty consistent.

 

[Mongo]

We love the bells. Have some on front door and back door, but trained Samson on the back door mostly. He will actually nose them, and lay down waiting patiently for one of us to let him out.

LOL Zuko did great using the bell! He is 12 wks old and completely potty trained. But he doesnt ring the bell and PATIENTLY wait... he rings it again.... and again... and again... until Ive got my shoes on and ready to walk him out(I live in an apt)

 

[chris410]

Good to read these responses, my wife and I already bought bells for our female EM which will be here in a couple of weeks. I was curious on whether or not others used the bell for "potty trip requests"

 

[morrigan05]

the bell method is a great method. just keep in mind that it doesnt work for all puppies. i have 2 english mastiff puppies. one is great and uses it everytime she has to go out. the other one i watch. she just goes to the door and sits there for 10 seconds. then leaves. so with her, i have to stay on top of. just some dogs show very suttle signs.

 

[Ripsmom]

same here, my dane uses the bell but the EM and the rotti mix just don't get it!