There are many different methods to teach your dog the basics such as “sit”stay” before you try to teach your puppy to ring a bell. You will want to introduce him slowly to the bell without training him until he is older. If you begin training him too soon, he could become bored and develop an aversion to the ringing sound.
When you first begin training your dog to ring a bell, set the bell up where it will be easy for your puppy to reach. Place it near a door or another point of interest that he may go to when he gets excited. You do not want him to feel like he is being forced to reach it.
Now, bring him near the bell and let him sniff it before you give him a command to “ring the bell.” At this point, only give him a click or a treat. If you get impatient with his reluctance to get the command right away, simply give him a treat again.
The clicker method is quite popular with some dog owners. First, you will want to teach your puppy a sit or stay command. Place the bell close by, about a foot or so from the command. This will train your dog quickly and easily.
Next, instruct your dog to “ring the bell” by using the clicker method. Give him the command and then click the bell. When he tries to reach the bell, give him the click and again give him a treat. Repeat these steps until he has learned to ring the bell on his own.
You may also use the positive reinforcement method for training. Place the bell near the command and praise when he reaches it. If he is unwilling to reach the bell, give him a treat and make sure he is rewarded for reaching the command.
When he tries to reach the bell and fails, give him a treat, but instead of giving the click, tell him “good job” and reward him with another treat. When he finally succeeds at ringing the bell, give him the reward and praise. This can be done repeatedly over a period of time until he gets the command correct every time.
Eventually, your dog will start to become accustomed to the ringing sound. After he has mastered the bell command, you may decide that he may want to get a treat when he reaches the bell. To earn a treat.
By using these simple training methods, you will soon see an improvement in your dog’s behavior. And be able to train him to understand that the click or treat is what he needs to receive.