[CassieW]

I also taught Ziggy to ring a bell to go outside. I started by just getting him to ring the bell so he would not be scared. We spent a day or two on that. I'd hold the bell and give him a treat if he rung it. Once he was doing that consistently I hung them on the doorknob of the door I take him out of. Anytime I would take him out to potty, I'd ask "go potty?" and make him ring the bell. I'd give a treat for ringing and and then a treat for actually pottying outside. After a few days he started ringing the bell on his own. After a week or so, I'd only give the treat for pottying so that he did not abuse it for playtime. Fortunately, he has not abused it too much. I was told by a trainer that when they are little, you must take them out every single time he rings the bell or he will quit ringing them because they are not being taken out when they do what you ask of them. If I am taking him out for a walk or playtime, I take him out a different door.

I started with the bells when he was about 12 weeks old. He is now 6 months and rings them consistently. What is really funny is if he does not have to go that bad, he will just touch it with his nose. If he REALLY has to go, he will run, grab the bells, and sling them against the door repeatedly!

Great job, Felix!