I have been using the bells for years. At first, mine would "play" and ring them just to see me come running to open the door or just to go out. But that eventually stopped and now they usually ring them when they need to go out for real. They ring the bell then sit patiently at the door for someone to come. It's so cute to hear the bell, then walk around the corner and see them sitting there so nicely waiting on you. I started using bells for my family, not my dogs. LOL, At least with the bells there is no question that they need to go out.