How to Use Tinkle-Bells

Teaching your pup to ring a bell when they need to go outside to potty is much easier than it sounds.

Hang your Tinkle-Bells on the door handle for the door you use to exit for a walk or potty break and adjust the toggle so that they are secure.

Leash up your pup as if you are going for a walk and before you open the door, simply ring the bells. Don't say anything - just ring them once or twice and then immediately exit and go out for your walk.

Do this every single time you go out for your walk. This creates an association for your pup - the ringing bells means we're going for a walk! After a few days of this exercise, try ringing the bells before you get your pup leashed up and see what their reaction is - is it the same reaction you get when you pull the leash out of the closet? That's what you want to see. You're on the right track. Now that you've rang the bells, leash up your pup and go out for a walk. You don't want to ring the bells and then go start dinner - you want the association to only be with a walk.

Every pup is different; we all learn at different speeds and so do they. Be patient and consistent and eventually your pup will give them a try too! It could take a couple of days, a couple of weeks, or a couple of months. It only takes a second for you to ring the bells before taking your pup out for a walk, but it makes a big difference!

Keep a keen ear out for the bells and if your pup ever rings them on their own be sure to reinforce this behaviour with praise and of course, a walk. Eventually your pup will come to understand that they can communicate their needs to you through the Tinkle-Bells and you'll soon have a pup who is happy, healthy and accident free.

If you're having trouble, give us a call and we'll come out and give you a discounted "Tinkle-Bell Lesson"!