my dog lies...

[TeddyGrahams]

Originally Posted by Teresa Ford

RINGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG
Honestly this is why I do not like bell alerts. It trains people, not dogs. Your sweet Teddy understands Ring the Bell, means I get to go outside. He does not understand Ring the Bell and go out to Potty. Couple of things that will make a difference.
1. Do not use a flexi leash. (too much freedom to sniff and explore) Take him on a regular cloth leash hooked to his harness. Go directly to the spot you picked, his pre- chosen potty spot every time.
2. Give him his word cue 'GO Potty' or what ever you say. Give him 2 or 3 minuets tops.
3. If he goes potty, reward with praise and a tiny special treat. If he doesn't go potty. No treat, no exploring, sniffing or playing go straight back in.
4. Soon he will know going potty gets the reward, ringing the bell only means a quick potty trip.
Hope this helps. HAPPY NEW YEAR !

Thank you for the tips!

You're right, I think he just wants to be outside to explore and sniff (we have a rabbit issue where I live and they poop everywhere which is gourmet eats for Teddy..blech! I try very hard not to let him and on his walks we don't walk in that area but his potty spot is also the rabbit potty spot..grr)

Thanks to everyone for your feedback, we will be sure to try everything we can. I truly do hope this is just a phase. I love the bells though, if I'm baking or cleaning I can hear them from far away. I just don't want to hear them every 5 minutes lol I'm more than thrilled that he's learned to ring his bells, he's so smart! I'm convinced that yorkies are the smartest breed...just a bit headstrong

Happy New Year to you too!!

[Tina21]

Too funny I thought that I was the only one with a liar for a dog We dont have a bell but we do have panel blinds which Chloe rattles to go out/beg for a treat/make me get up for the h*ll of it

[Summus Animus]

Your Teddy is a ringing liar...Our Apollo is a squatting liar. Any time my hubby or I go into the bathroom, he'll squat on the piddle mat even if he doesn't pee on it. He then runs to the kitchen counter where we keep the treats and sits there.
We're currently potty training our second yorkie so can you imagine all the squat lying? It's like a squat fest in our bathroom.
We have no way to prove it but my hubby and I know for sure...Apollo holds his "number twos" until my hubby or I wake up so to make sure he gets a treat (we don't reward him unless we see him going potty).
Wow, look at us with all these cute little liars on our hands.

[Roccosmommy]

Your little "liar" sounds so funny. Here's an idea - take down the bells completely. Take him out to potty on your schedule, every hour or two. Immediately BEFORE you go out the door, ring the bells (that are out of his reach) so he knows it's a potty run. Treat him when you come in if he potties, if not, no treat and no harm done. He should eventually relate the bells to only a potty experience. Of course, also take him out for play and walks, but do NOT ring the bell. Good luck!