Get a leash. As a rule, during housebreaking training, you should
always take your puppy out on a leash - even within a fenced in
yard. This way, you can better control him during training sessions
and can reel him in quickly if he decides to try to turn training
time into playtime! This will also teach him the concept of "when
the leash is on, it's ok to make" - versus when the leash is off
while you're inside your home.
Wrap your TinkleBellz’s hanging strap tightly around the inside knob
of the door that your dog uses to go outside. If he uses more than
one door, you should hang TinkleBellz on those doors, as well.
Decide on a “Potty Command”
We suggest the plain and simple: "Let’s go make!" - but any
enthusiastic "potty time" mantra will do! Note: Be sure that
everyone in your household uses the same command, as consistency is
vital.
Getting started...
We feel the best time to start training is first thing in the
morning when you know your dog really has to make. While stating
your "Potty Command", take your pup’s front paw and gently swat it
against the TinkleBellz. Since he will need to make urgently, only
guide him to ring the bells a couple of quick times. While doing
this, give him words of encouragement such as: “Good boy, good
bells” and “Ring the bells, let’s go make!” Note: if your dog is so
tiny that he can’t reach the bells while standing, gently pop him up
onto his back legs and guide a front paw to the bells.
DO NOT give him treats at this time! You don’t want to accidentally
train your pup to think that ringing the bell is a “trick”! Only
AFTER he goes out to make (and actually makes!) do you then
reward him with a treat. Again, no treat unless he actually
relieves himself! Now, when he does relieve himself, show him
how happy you are by using positive words in an excited tone of
voice. Be sure
to give him his treat right then and there - versus
waiting until you get inside. Treat tip: use soft puppy training
treats. Break them
into tiny bits so he gets just a little taste
every time he goes potty.
Here's Simon ringing his bells at age 11 weeks!
Repetition
Repeat the above training method every time you take him out to
make.
Be consistent and diligent with this training, and your puppy
will soon be ringing the bells by himself! Remember, the more
disciplined YOU are, the
more successful this training program will
be!
It’s also critical that you continue to praise him when he rings the
TinkleBellz, as it will further reinforce this positive style of
communicating his needs. Some pups catch on in days, while others
take longer - even up to 4 weeks. Be patient and, again, use lots of
positive reinforcement.
* Be sure to purchase another
set of TinkleBellz to take on the road to Grandma’s house or even to
a hotel room! Immediately show your dog where you've hung his bells.
Then he will know, wherever the bells are hanging, is the door he
will use to go outside to make.
Repeat the above training method every time you take him out to
make. 
