hells bells!

[mary ann]

So, house training is continuing. weekends are easiest cause we can go for lots of walks around the property, and the crate is handy when i have to run to the store or mow the lawn. we have been trying to get ginger to ring the bell to let us know she needs to go out and it seemed to be working for a little bit, but now she rings it all the time, and i don't ever know if she is just playing with it, really has to go, or just knows that she can get a walk if she rings the bell. the only time i can tell the difference is if she has just come in and did her business (both ways) . she was just tugging on the bells a little while ago, and ran off with half of them!! (the string broke). any suggestions on how to get her to only ring them when she has to really go?

[Hellas]

No advice unfortunately. I don't think she has any idea she's supposed to use it when she wants to pee. But she has clearly figured out the connection ring bell = get walk. For me it sounds like too difficult a concept, but perhaps I'm under estimating the puggy brain.

My best advice on potty training is to make a realistic schedule and stick to it. Also to watch your puppy and try to learn the signs that she needs to go. Once the dog knows that it's supposed to do its business outside and has achieved full control of its bodily functions, it should be fine. I take my dogs (both adults) out at least every six hours or so (at 7 am, 11.30-12.30, 6 pm and 10 pm.) and we never have accidents in the house. They don't tell me when they need to go out, and they never have to.

[mattjs]

From what I've read about the bell type training, you have to be consistent. When she rings it, take out to her potty place and wait for her to go. If she doesn't after 15 minutes or so, its right back inside. No play, no long walks or anything like that. She needs to know that the bell means "I GOTS TO GO!" not "This will bring my human servants and their lovely attention." Good luck with it!

[Bellas_Mom]

I'm sorry but I had to laugh at this one. I think the bells would drive me crazy. Bella would just keep pulling on the string...good luck!

[Snifter]

That's why I have never sweated that my pugs don't ask to go (well, they do, sometimes but it is very hard to tell) and have avoided bell training. They are on a schedule which allows them plenty of opportunities to potty and that works best for us.

I agree that if you are trying to train them to use the bell only when they need to go then you will have to put them on a leash each time they ring the bell, go out with them, wait for the potty, praise and treat if they go and if they don't go after 10 mins bring them back in. No play after bell ringing.

[mary ann]

thanks so much for all the good advice. I do take her out most times that she rings the bell, and dont reward her if she doesnt do anything. i guess thats the best i can do for now. she is on kind of a schedule. out first thing( she always does both at this time), then breakfast in the crate ( our boston has to eat too, and she isnt such a quick eater, ginger will eat so fast and then if daisy isnt done, well, ginger gets that too!) then out again after about an hour, then playtime for a couple hours. maybe a walk, if it is the weekend. then naptime. then up and out again. then playtime. then naptime. then dinner time, then out at about 8, and then bedtime. (out just before) seems to work. oh, and out at bells. seems like i spend half my hometime out with ginger, but at least the weather is better now!!