Train your puppy to ring a bell

[BoxerWB]

Keri - That's why the proofing step (ring only for potty) is so crucial to the training process! 

[BoxerPerson]

Or you can think of it as your exercise program LOL
Phoebe admittedly rings the bell to potty and to go outside...and sometimes I swear just to be annoying...however, I do let her out each time due to the fact you never know and she gets out to play...so the bell has evolved to the "let me out" notice.

[aquagirl900]

If ours were just outside and ring the bell I tell them to lay down.  If they are persistant I feel that they are telling me they really need to potty and I let them out.

[Bers]

Or you can think of it as your exercise program LOL
Phoebe admittedly rings the bell to potty and to go outside...and sometimes I swear just to be annoying...however, I do let her out each time due to the fact you never know and she gets out to play...so the bell has evolved to the "let me out" notice.

I do the same with my doggies too, even though they don't use a bell. Sometimes they ask to go out just to play (not in this weather of course!!), so I will get up and let them out when they ask *within limits*.

[AandWBoxers]

I'd REALLY love to start teaching my Luna to do this. Unfortunately I am hearing impaired (not deaf, just bad hearing...and I'm 27...had hearing problems all my life.)

I, too, am hearing impaired and I know I won't hear the tinkling bells...  I have been following Rex and Mugs into the kitchen when they go in there.  That way I'll see if they go to ring it and be ready with a treat. 

I would think you could teach your dog to do just about anything to get your attention regarding going outside!  Teach her to roll over or something!!   

[blynn03]

I taught mine to walk to the door, turn around, and then sit and look at me.  If we are somewhere else, they don't go to the door, but they do sit and look at me.....and I am able to tell by their body language that they mean business.

[AandWBoxers]

Mugs was starting to do that, as well - go to the door and stand and look at us.  Like she is right now.......... 

Mugs rang the bells this morning, too!!   

[BoxerWB]

...and I am able to tell by their body language that they mean business.

  "This is serious business, Mom! I gotta poop!" ... sounds like Aaron and Xena. She goes and "stares a hole in his head" anytime she needs something.

[blynn03]

Yeah...there is definitely a distinctive stare when they are serious versus when they just want to go outside.   

[Patti]

Yeah...there is definitely a distinctive stare when they are serious versus when they just want to go outside.  

Yep, I agree. Otis is a little more antsy right before he plants himself in front of the door (when we are without a bell), and I can just tell what's going on.

[Mommy2Luna]

I'd REALLY love to start teaching my Luna to do this. Unfortunately I am hearing impaired (not deaf, just bad hearing...and I'm 27...had hearing problems all my life.)

I, too, am hearing impaired and I know I won't hear the tinkling bells...  I have been following Rex and Mugs into the kitchen when they go in there.  That way I'll see if they go to ring it and be ready with a treat. 

I would think you could teach your dog to do just about anything to get your attention regarding going outside!  Teach her to roll over or something!!   

Ahaha! Sounds like a good idea...although I'd hope she won't pee herself while rolling. lol. That would be a disaster.

Glad to see a fellow "hearing impaired" boxer owner! :D

[AandWBoxers]

LOL A big mess indeed!   

Mugs has started to sit at our front door and STARE if we're not in the kitchen.     I made a mistake once of not getting up right away...  She taught me!!!

I was born with the hearing deficit, also, (Thanks, Grandma...), and will never forget the first time I heard the fizz of Coke poured in a glass!  I was a sophomore in HS.  (Just got my first hearing aids...)  It's great for when the kids are fighting, tho...  Just turn them down!!   

[Gott2beme]

Oh I sooo agree on this one!!!

Before we had brought Izzy home, we were visiting with my honey's friends and their older dog had went up to the bell hanging on their door handle and pawed at it.  I laughed!  I was amazed!!  They said it was the best thing they could of ever learned!!

So when we picked Izzy up, the breeder gave us a little bag of things to take home....a bell on a long string was included with a paper from their vet on how to "bell train."

I am happy and proud to say.......Izzy has been ringing the bell to go outside now for 2 weeks....she's only 11 weeks old!  I had told my daughter about training her boxer baby the same way and....well.....I'm a mom I know nothing!!!  LOL  Her pup is 18 weeks old and they still have problems! 

I use to train pups the old fashion way......catch 'em quick!  LOL  But this is truly the best way!!

[Patti]

Good job, Izzy!

[VANCE]

maximus will ring the bell when he has to potty about 75% of the time.the other times he will make a grunting sound

when he just wants to go outside & play he will ring it 100% of the time