One of the most frustrating parts of puppy housetraining is that it is sometimes difficult to tell when your puppy has to actually go to the bathroom.  Some puppies are more naturally inclined to alert; whereas others are unsure how to do it.

If you would like your puppy to give you a signal for a potty break, you will want to establish a system early on in the puppy housetraining process.  There are a couple of options that work quite well if done consistently:

1. The first system involves getting the dog to make a display and ideally bark or whine to indicate it has to go the bathroom.  How you can get this to happen more reliably:

• Make sure your puppy has a word to indicate the bathroom act like ‘Potty.’

• Use the same door initially for potty breaks so that the puppy knows the usual location.

• On your way to the outside door, attempt to create a lot of enthusiasm or excitement.  ‘Do you have to go Potty?’ you say numerous times in high pitched, baby-talk like voices.  Keep an upbeat body language, spring in your step, and perhaps clapping at times to encourage the puppy’s excitement.

• When you get to the door, you will do the same thing.  Frustrated excitement should build in your puppy.

The very first sound that comes out of your dog, even if it’s just a whine instead of a full fledged bark, immediately say ‘Yes!’ and open the door.  In successive times, do the same process and only open the door when your puppy makes noise.  Ideally, the puppy will make noise faster and louder.
Some puppies are naturally more talkative and will do this faster and easier, but they can all learn to do it.

2. The second system involves setting up bells.  These bells will give the dog a way to communicate with you. Here’s how to use the bells in your puppy housetraining system:

• Purchase several medium/large bells and fairly heavy duty rope that can be tied to them.

• Create a door hanger from the rope and tie the bells onto strands of the rope.  Securely knot each knot so that they won’t unravel easily.

• Place the bells on the usual door that is used to take the puppy outside from.

• Each time you take the puppy to the door, ring a bell yourself and then open the door to go outside.  You’ll do this for a few days.

Now, the puppy knows a bell rings before the door opens.  It’s his turn to learn that he can control the bells too.
As you bring the puppy to the door, stand close to the bells.  Your puppy will move close as well and will likely accidentally hit the bells himself with some part of his body.  Say ‘Yes!’ and immediately open the door.
Each successive time, make sure to wait to open the door until he bumps into the bells.  As he catches on that it is his actions that open the door, the more pronounced the ringing will become.

These are the two best methods for teaching a puppy to alert.  There is one word of caution: Once a puppy knows how to get you to let him out, he will learn to use it sometimes for non-potty reasons too!