How to Train Your Dog to Ring a Bell to Go Out

Teach the dog to touch a target with his nose. Rub a fragrant treat such as liver or a hot dog on the palm of your right hand. Hold your palm toward the dog, and tell him “touch,” moving your palm close enough that he can smell the food on your hand. Reward the dog with a small treat when his nose makes contact with your hand. Repeat the “touch” exercise until the dog consistently touches your palm when you give the command.

Tie a long piece of string to a bell and hang it near the door. The bell should be level with the dog’s nose so he can ring it without jumping up on the door frame. The length of the string will vary, depending on the height of the dog.

Rub a bit of treat along the side of the bell, and stand the dog near the door. Give the “touch” command, and point to the bell, encouraging the dog to touch the bell. Once the dog rings the bell, praise him with a treat. Call the dog away from the bell, and repeat the “touch” command. The dog will begin to associate the sound of the ringing bell with a treat, and will gladly run to the bell when he hears the command.

Incorporate the “touch” command with the dog’s desire to go outside. When you notice the dog sniffing or pacing as if he needs to go out, ask the dog if he needs to go outside. As he runs to the door, tell him “touch” and point at the bell. When he rings the bell, open the door and let him out.

Watch the dog quietly to see if he goes to the bathroom. If he goes potty, reward him with a small handful of treats. If he goes outside but doesn’t potty, refuse to give him a treat. Rewarding him for ringing the bell when he doesn’t need to potty will teach him he can repeatedly ring the bell and get a treat even if he doesn’t really need to go out.