Potty training is often a great hurdle that many puppy owners must jump. Fortunately, there are several tools that can help make the process easier, like potty training dog bells. It’s almost like a way for our little pups to speak to us. One press of the button means “hey, I gotta go!”
As your puppy gets familiar with going outside to relieve itself, it may start to hang around the door when it needs to go potty. However, it may not be able to hold it in until you find it waiting at the door. A potty training bell can help you hear exactly when your puppy needs to go so that you can avoid more accidents in the house.
Most dog bells have similar designs, but there are several other options, like floor bells and electronic bells. We have reviews of the best dog bells for potty training so that you can save time on researching all the different kinds and spend more time focusing on potty training your puppy.
At first glance, PoochieBells’ doorbell may look like an average dog bell. However, it actually has a very thoughtful design that makes it the best overall dog bells for potty training.
It comes with two sets of bells so that you can hear your dog ringing it, even if you’re in a different room or level. If the bells are too loud, you can remove some to adjust the noise level.
While cheap or low-quality products use standard craft bells, PoochieBells goes the extra mile and uses its own patented bell. These bells are designed specifically for dogs and their safety. They have smaller gaps so that nails don’t get stuck between them, and they’re 100% lead-free.
Although the bells can withstand chewing, the nylon strip may not hold against extremely heavy chewing. However, it’s still durable enough for long-lasting use if your dog doesn’t regularly chew on it. The nylon strip also comes in various colors and patterns, so it can look like a fun adornment for your door.
Pros
Loud bells
Safe for dogs’ nails
Comes in various colors
Cons
Nylon strip won’t withstand heavy chewing
2. Caldwell’s Potty Bells Original Dog Door Bell – Best Value
This dog bell uses a tough nylon strap with loops reinforced with nylon stitching so that it can withstand chewing and tugging. It comes with a total of six bells that can be removed if they’re too loud. The bells are nickel-plated and have thick walls, which can potentially produce a fairly loud sound.
However, your dog will have to swipe at the bells with a good amount of strength if you want to hear them from another room. The thick metal plating used for the bells can actually muffle up noise if they’re just brushed gently.
The slits on the bells are also fairly wide, and dogs with small and narrow nails can get their nails caught in them. So, we wouldn’t recommend this dog bell for timid small breed puppies, but it’s safe for larger dogs to use, and it’s durable enough to last you a long time.
Pros
Durable nylon strap
Durable bells
Affordable price
Cons
Bells aren’t very loud
Nails can get caught on bells
3. Mighty Paw Smart Bell 2.0 Potty Training Dog Doorbell – Premium Choice
The Mighty Paw Smart Bell 2.0 Potty Training Dog Doorbell is a premium dog bell that comes with many customizable options. It has four volume settings and 38 different ringtones. You can pair up to two dog bells to one receiver, so you can plant them at different entrances in your home.
The system is also very easy to install. All you have to do is plug the receiver into an outlet and plant the dog bell within 1,000 feet of the receiver. The dog bell is dust and water-resistant, so it’s easy to clean if your dog pushes it with a muddy or wet paw. The sensor is also very sensitive and only requires 0.75 pounds of pressure to activate.
This dog bell has a simple and sleek design, and unlike traditional dog bells that hang on a strip, it can be very unnoticeable in your home. However, it may be too inconspicuous because your dog may also have a hard time locating this small dog bell. So, training may take a little longer.
Pros
Water and dust-proof
Adjustable volume
Less noticeable than traditional bells
Activates with a light touch
Cons
Not easily visible for dogs
4. HYCTOPSON Dog Doorbells for Potty Training – Best for Puppies
A common problem that new puppy owners face with dog bells is that puppies treat them like toys. Traditional dog bells that have bells hanging off a strip of nylon can look like an enticing tug toy that makes fun noises.
If you have a puppy that’s chewed through a traditional dog bell, an electronic option is often a better fit. The HYCTOPSON Dog Doorbells for Potty Training is a great alternative because it’s durable and can’t be mistaken as a toy. It has a flat design, so puppies won’t want to chew it.
The button also sounds off with a light touch, and you can choose from 20 different ringtones and five volume levels. You can even choose to temporarily mute the bell and opt for LED lights to flash whenever it’s pressed. This feature makes it a great option for individuals with hearing impairments or homes with infants and young children that need undisrupted nap times.
The only possible inconvenient feature is that the bell repeats its ringtone three times every time it’s activated. While it ensures that you hear it ringing, the repetitive sounds can start to feel like a nuisance.
Mighty Paw Leather Tinkle Bells Dog Doorbell offers a classier look compared to dog bells using a nylon strip or ribbon. You can choose from two different colors of attractive leather. Just keep in mind that the leather is pretty thin, so it’s prone to tear if a dog gives it a particularly strong tug or constantly chews on it.
The metal bells are a lot more durable and can produce a very loud sound. You can hang up to six bells on the strip and easily remove any if the volume is too loud.
The dog bell also comes with a wall hook, so if you have a particularly tiny pup, you can use the wall hook to hang the bell from a height that’s lower than your doorknob.
If you’re looking to replace an old or damaged dog bell, the Mighty Paw Tinkle Bells Dog Doorbell is a considerable option. It has fun patterns and designs, so you can have an attractive dog bell hanging on your doorknob.
The nylon strip is fairly durable and can handle some tugging or chewing. However, it’s not for heavy chewers, which is why we recommend this dog bell for dogs that have already learned to use a dog bell.
This product comes with three sets of bells, so you can use up to six bells at one time. The bells have thick walls and can ring loudly, so you’ll be able to hear them from different parts of the home. In fact, the standard amount of bells may be too loud for dogs, especially timid ones. Fortunately, you can remove some bells to quiet the noise and help your dog get used to it.
Advance Pet Potty Training Dog Bells is another affordable option that contains all the basics that you need for a potty training dog bell. It has an adjustable strap so that the length can be between 27 inches to 31 inches. This feature allows dog breeds with shorter legs to easily reach the bells.
This dog bell comes with five bells. While the bells can emit a rather loud sound, they still may not be loud enough if you live in a more spacious multi-level home. However, it should be substantial enough for apartment dwellers.
Another factor to be wary of is the design of the bells. This dog bell seems to use standard bells that aren’t specifically designed for dogs. So, if you have a smaller dog, its nails might get stuck in between the gaps of the bell. Before you use this product, make sure to check that it’s safe for your dog’s nails.
Pros
Adjustable strap
Suitable for apartment dwellers
Affordable
Cons
Nails can get stuck in bell
May be too quiet
8. Mighty Paw Metal Brass Tinkle Bell Dog Doorbell
This adorable dog bell is a more discreet option than traditional dog bells on a nylon strap. It’s a single bell that you mount near the entrance of where you let your dog out, and it looks much more charming than a long strap hanging on your door. Your dog is also less likely to chew on it because it doesn’t look like a toy.
The bell is made with durable brass and iron, so it’ll still stay on your wall even after a strong swipe. It’s also rust-resistant, so it’ll last you a long time.
The bell is pretty easy to install, but just keep in mind that you do have to mount it with screws. So, make sure to take precise measurements because you’ll be left with holes in your wall if you have to reinstall it.
Also, since there’s only one bell, you can’t adjust the volume at all. So, this bell is a better option for smaller homes.
If you don’t want to hang anything on your door or near doorways, you can always opt to train your dog to use a floor bell. The Comsmart Dog Training Bell has a cute design, and you can place it anywhere that’s within your dog’s reach.
The bell has a broad button on top that’s easy for small puppies to press. It also has a rust-proof surface and a non-skid rubber bottom, so it’ll stay in place every time your dog uses it.
Although it has a non-skid bottom, the bell is pretty lightweight, so your dog can easily pick it up and relocate it. The bell is also relatively quiet compared to other dog bells, so it’s better suited for small apartment units.
Pros
Cute and compact design
Non-skid rubber bottom
Rust-free metal surface
Cons
Lightweight, easy to pick up
Quiet bell
Tips for Potty Training With Dog Bells
It’s a rather unrealistic expectation for potty training to go smoothly with little to no accidents. So, there’s no need to be hard on your puppy and yourself. However, there are some tips that may help speed up the process.
Consistency Is Key
Puppies are more likely to catch onto potty training if all the rules stay the same. So, every time you go outside, make sure to use the dog bell and ring it loud enough for your puppy to notice. If you skip ringing the bell, it may confuse your puppy or even lose its meaning to your puppy.
Create a Positive Association With the Dog Bell
Hanging a dog bell on a door and expecting a puppy to catch onto ringing it is quite a large step. Oftentimes, the process has to be broken down into smaller steps.
Some puppies may be shy or timid and might be scared of the loud noise that the bells can make. Therefore, it’s important to establish a positive association with the dog bell, and you might have to start with touch training.
Lay the dog bell on the ground and allow your puppy to sniff and investigate it. Every time it touches the bell, whether intentionally or intentionally, praise your puppy and reward it with a treat. You can even try dabbing some dog-safe peanut butter on the bell or placing a treat on top of it to encourage your puppy to touch it.
Teach the “Touch” Command
Once your puppy becomes comfortable with the bell, you can teach it the “touch” command.
Hold the bell near your puppy and say, “touch.” Once any part of your puppy’s body touches the bell, praise and reward your puppy. Keep repeating this until your puppy constantly touches the bell after you say the command.
Hanging the bell on a doorbell may be too great of a jump. So, if your puppy has a hard time understanding that it should touch the bell, break down the transition even further. Try holding the bell closer to your puppy but not as close as when you first started.
When your puppy successfully completes the “touch” command from this distance, increase the distance a little further. Then, you can gradually hold the bell further away from your puppy until you’re able to hang it on the doorbell.
Image Credit: Pezibear, Pixabay
Choose a Dog Bell Your Puppy Likes
Sometimes, the multiple bells on a nylon strap can be too loud and intimidating for puppies and might discourage them from coming near it. If your puppy doesn’t like this type of dog bell, try using a different kind, such as the less noisy Mighty Paw Metal Brass Tinkle Bell Dog Doorbell.
We also like the Mighty Paw Smart Bell 2.0 Potty Training Dog Doorbell because it’s great for dogs that might feel intimidated by a nylon strap dog bell, and it’s highly customizable to fit in seamlessly with any kind of home.
Overall dog bells are excellent potty training tools. They’re worth the time and investment and can help solidify communication between you and your puppy.
Jessica is a freelance writer who spends most of her day researching and writing while her fluffy Cavapoo, Nora, naps beside her. She loves pets and animals because there’s so much to learn from them, and they do so much for us. As a dog mom, she understands the special connection that pet parents have with their pets. So, she loves sharing helpful information that people can use to better understand their pets. When she isn't writing, you may find her walking dogs, tending to her plant babies, or drinking her nth cup of coffee....Read more
