Bailey rings a bell, too. And you're exactly right! I hear the bell EVERYTIME I sit down. :). I just convince myself that I need (or rather my butt needs) exercise and then get up.

I asked my trainer about "bell abuse" during potty training - and she told me that it is perfectly okay to say "no" when you know that they don't need to potty.

For the most part, I get up and let her out - but I do occasionally say "no" - especially if its only 15 minutes after her last potty. I must say that the abuse has slowed down now that she's older (2 yrs) - and of course, there's no bell abuse tonight - its only 3 degrees outside!!

Good luck!

Lauren, Nikko is so darn cute, he can probably get away with anything! How could you ever refuse that little darling. I am so jealous of your bell training, and am wondering if it is too late to try with my girls who are 9 months and 6 months.

By the way, I love the name Nikko. I named my schnauzer Niko, and someone asked why I gave him a name that meant cat in Japanese..... duh, well I just love that name.

MauiGirl,

Aw, I just love schnauzers! :D My parents had schnauzers most of the time I was growing up, and they'll always hold a special place in my heart.

From what I understand, it's pretty much never too late to start bell training - and certainly under a year isn't too late! Go for it, and let us all know how it goes for you. Just don't forget to be insanely consistent - ALWAYS ring that bell when you guys go out for potty, try to never forget. I'm sure once or twice forgetting won't ruin everything, but consistency sure seems to be super important.

Nikko sure is my special cutie... and up to a certain extent, he does get away with murder - but we are also trying very hard to raise a well-adjusted dog (NOT easy for overprotective, overbearing, overloving first-time parents like us). It's so hard to balance the two sides. BTW, I took a little Japanese and spent a bit of time over there ... I'm pretty sure "cat" in Japanese is Neko, not Niko. I didn't actually know what Nikko meant, I just liked how it sounded, but someone on here on YT kindly told me it was Japanese for "daylight" if I remember right. Nikko sure is my little sunshine. ;)

Lauren & Nikko

Ok, you have convinced me to try a bell. It will be helpful cause when I'm upstairs in my office I feel guilty when I go downstairs and find them sitting at the back sliding door, waiting to go out. Sometimes Niko will come along and bark for them to tell me.

Glad to know Niko isn't really cat (somebody else said it refers to speed or battery). Doesn't matter, like you, I just like the way it sounds. Name translations from one language to another are kind of funny anyway. Something can be cute in one language but derogatory in another. LOL