That's a good idea about putting a bandaid inside to soften the sound. I tried to get Thor to use a service bell, but he was just terrified of the noise. I think he'd rather stay inside all day then hear the ding. I spent weeks teaching him to "touch" the bell, where I'd treat him just for touching the sides, expecting that one day he would accidentally ring the bell, and I'd shower him with praise and treats and go from there. It worked perfectly, except after that one time he rang the bell by accident, he never, ever did it again. If I asked him to Touch the bell, he would crawl up to it and tap the side like it was a nuclear bomb.
I eventually gave up and I use potty pads now. I would love for him to ring a bell, but a lot of dogs also succumb to "bell abuse", and literally will ring the bell every minute, just to get your attention. Thor still pees on his pad way more than necessary in hopes of getting extra treats, so I just don't think he and the bell are meant to be. |