Best dog doorbells for potty training

A house-trained pup that does its business outdoors is every dog owner’s pride and dream. Wouldn’t it be nice if your dog can tell you when it needs to go out to relieve itself?

Clearly, you don’t speak “Bark”, and your dog doesn’t speak human language, there needs to be another medium for communication. Enter dog doorbells to the scene.

In this article, we will look at some of the best dog doorbells for potty training. We will look at both mechanical dog doorbells and electronic dog doorbells and share our top picks for both. We will also discuss some of the major factors to consider before picking the best dog doorbells and also share some tips on how to train your dog to use these communication devices.

Also check out our article on the best dog clicker for another excellent training aid. And if you are concerned about your pooch doing its business indoors, check out our popular article on the best puppy training pads and indoor dog potty.

Read on to find out which are the best dog doorbells for potty training!

Best dog doorbells list

Some of the best dog doorbells for potty training are listed below:
PictureProductSpecifications

Caldwell's Pet Supply Co. Dog DoorbellsMaterial: Nylon canvas strap with Nickel-plated steel bells.
Size: 26” strap. 1.4” bells set.
Price: $.



Pebble Smart Doggie DoorbellMaterial: Plastic bell casing with a rubber activator pad.
Size: 3.0” x 3.0” x 2.5”.
Price: $$$.
PoochieBells Original Dog DoorbellMaterial: Nylon grosgrain strap with stainless-steel bells.
Size: 26” strap. 1.4” bells set.
Price: $$.


barkOutfitters GoGo Bell Dog DoorbellMaterial: Brass-finish bell with a thin metal hanger.
Size: 6” hanger. 1.5” bell.
Price: $.
Mighty Paw Metal Potty BellMaterial: Brass bell with silver coating. Solid iron hanger.
Size: 6” hanger. 1.5” bell.
Price: $$.


Nohma Leather 6 Arctic Sleigh BellMaterial: Brass bells with nickel coating. Leather strap.
Size: 16” strap. 1.5” bell.
Price: $$.
Mighty Paw Leather Tinkle BellsMaterial: Brass alloy bells with nickel coating. Leather strap.
Size: 24” strap. 1.5” bells set.
Price: $$.


Comsmart Dog Training BellMaterial: Steel alloy bell with a rubber base. Plastic buzzer.
Size: 2.95” dia. x 1.77”.
Price: $.
Mighty Paw Smart Bell 2.0Material: Plastic bell casing with a rubber touchpad.
Size: 2.75” dia. x 1.0”
Price: $$$.


Kissin Wireless Touch Dog DoorbellMaterial: Plastic bell housing with a rubber ring touchpad.
Size: 2.36” dia. x 0.59”.
Price: $$$.

What are dog doorbells and how can they be useful?

A dog doorbell is not much different from any other doorbell – it generates an audio signal that the dog can use to get your attention.

Dog doorbells are popular communicating devices that dog owners can use for potty training by teaching the dog to ring the bell whenever it has to go outside to do its business. These audio devices work for about 95% of the dogs and only the most tone-deaf or sound-anxious dog would find them unsuitable.

Some dog owners even use the doorbells outside the doors for dogs to signal whenever they want to come in. And these doorbells also work well with cats.

There are two broad categories – mechanical and electronic, and four common types of dog doorbells as listed below:

  • Strap or door-hanging doorbells: These are the most popular types of dog doorbells and have been there from the days of dog sleds or sleighs. A hanging doorbell consists of a nylon or leather strap – 20 to 30 inches long, with two or more sets of small metal jingling bells attached to it. The strap has a nylon hanging loop to suspend it from the door handle or knob. Hanging dog doorbells are most popular as most dogs love to pull and tug and hence can learn to use them pretty quickly. However, since they are always hung from the door, you would have to get used to the jingling sound every time the door opens or closes. Moreover, there are chances of the pet’s nails or claws getting stuck in the bells.
  • Arm or Wall-mounted dog doorbells: Wall-mounted doorbells are essentially like the shopkeeper doorbells. They have a thin metal strip with holes or tape on one end and brass or other metal bell suspended on the other end. The doorbell can be installed at a preferred height on the door or on the wall beside the door. The dogs can use their nose or paws to ring the bell whenever required. The main benefit of these bells is that they can be installed at any level in a way that they are rung only when the dog rings them and not on every door opening or closing. And they work quite well with short dogs and cats too.
  • Dog service bells or buzzer-type dog training bells: These buzzer-type dog training or service bells feature a metal casing with anti-skid rubber-base and a big plastic or rubber touchpad on top for the dog to press whenever it needs to go. The main benefit of these types of dog doorbells is that they can be placed on the floor at any suitable location in the house, not necessarily on the door. Moreover, they can be carried along and used for a variety of purposes such as food alerts, playtime and more.
  • Electronic dog doorbells: These the true 21st-century dog doorbells powered by batteries and/or electric outlets. They consist of one or more transmitters and a receiver. The transmitter is installed on the door and can be activated by the dog whenever required. The receiver can be plugged-in a power outlet (or placed on a counter if it is battery-powered) anywhere within the range. These modern dog training bells have a long range (you can use them even on different floors) and allow complete control on the type, volume and frequency of the sound. They are, however, costly and need additional investment in batteries or electricity to power the transmitters and receivers.

In our recommendations, we have listed options for each of the four different types of dog training bells.

In the next sections, we will look at some of the best dog doorbells for potty training and discuss the major factors to keep in mind before picking the best dog training bells.

Which are the best dog doorbells for potty training?

Caldwell’s Pet Supply Co. Dog Doorbells – Best dog doorbell for potty trainingPotty Bells Housetraining Dog Doorbells for Dog Training and Housebreaking Puppy. Pet Training. Pet Supplies. 1.4 Inch Dog Bell with Doggie Doorbell and Potty Puppy Training. (Grey)

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Specifications:

  • Material: Stainless-steel bells with nickel coating attached on a nylon canvas strap.
  • Size: 26” x 1.0” strap with a 6” hanging loop and two bunches of 1.4” bells.

Content: 1 set of nylon hanging dog doorbells.
Price: $.
Features:

  • Best-selling hanging strap dog doorbell featuring two sets of bells attached to a durable nylon canvas strap. Made in China.
  • Improved design features two bunches of lead-free, stainless-steel bells, each with three bells.
  • The newest design has an adjustable length strap with a snap-button loop for easy installation on doorknobs, handles, or hooks.
  • Designed to produce a loud, distinctive sound when tugged or pulled by the dog. Each doorbell strap is inscribed with a charming double-sided ornament insignia.
  • Available in over six color combinations and backed by a lifetime 100% money back guarantee commitment by the manufacturer.
  • Competitively priced in the range of 8 – 13 USD depending upon the color combination. Cheaper than most other dog doorbells.

Detail Review:

Caldwell’s Pet Supply Company’s dog doorbells have been the best-selling hanging dog doorbells in the market for years and our favorite. Off course there is a good reason for that. These dog doorbells offer great value-for-money and get you on the path of potty training your dog without breaking the bank.

The Caldwell’s Pet Supply Company’s dog doorbells feature a nylon canvas strap that is made of high-quality stretchable fabric. The strap is 26-inches long and has a big, 6-inch diameter snap-button hanging loop. The latest design of these doggie doorbells have an adjustable height. The dog doorbell is made in China.

The jingle bells are made of lead-free stainless-steel with chrome-nickel plating. A major improvement that has happened in the latest series of Caldwell’s dog doorbells is that they now have three 1.4″ jingle bells in each of the two bunches of bells instead of only two. This helps the doorbell to produce a louder, more distinctive sound when the canine pats, pulls or tugs the doorbell. Each doorbell strap is inscribed with a charming double-sided ornament insignia.

The Caldwell’s Pet Supply Company’s dog doorbells are available in over six color combinations and backed by a 100% satisfaction guaranteed or money back commitment by the manufacturer – a big testament to the quality these dog doorbells offer. And they are about 25-40% cheaper than most other hanging dog doorbells like the PoochieBells dog doorbell.

For their decent quality and excellent value-for-money, the Caldwell’s Pet Supply Company’s dog doorbells are our Editor’s pick for the best dog doorbells for potty training. If you are looking for cheap yet high-quality dog doorbells to get started on training your pooch, then these dog doorbells offer a great return on investment.
Pros
  • Best-selling hanging dog doorbells with a 26” nylon canvas strap and nickel-plated, stainless-steel jingle bells.
  • Improved design features three, 1.4” bells in each of the two bunches.
  • Features a 6” hanging loop with a snap-button for easy hanging on doorknobs and handles. Has an adjustable height.
  • Available in over six color combinations and backed by a lifetime 100% money back guarantee commitment by the manufacturer.
  • Competitively priced and 25-40% cheaper than other leading brands.
Cons
  • Like other hanging dog doorbells, there are chances of the pet’s nails getting stuck in the jingle bells.

Pebble Smart Doggie Doorbell – Best electronic dog doorbellPebble Smart Doggie Doorbell -Blue Accent

Specifications:

  • Material: Water-resistant ABS plastic receiver. Plastic activator base with a rubberized front.
  • Size: 2.75” diameter x 1” activator/transmitter and receiver.

Content:

  • 1 receiver and one or two activator/transmitter.
  • Instruction Manual.

Price: $$.
Features:

  • Best-selling wireless electronic dog doorbell with a waterproof ABS plastic receiver and transmitter. Assembled in Oregon, US with parts manufactured in China.
  • Patented design features a receiver and one (or two) activators/transmitters. The receiver uses 2-AA batteries, while the activator uses a 12V battery (included) which can last for up to one year.
  • Rubberized activator pad can be triggered by only 0.75-0.9 lbs. of pressure and can communicate with the receiver up to 250-300 feet away. Comes with a built-in treat holder for positive reinforcement training.
  • Extremely easy to install with an included double-sided tape. Best suited for glass or wooden surface.
  • Features four configurable volume levels in the range of 65-80 decibels and 36 ringtones to choose from.
  • Available in a standard white casing with a blue accent and backed by a one-year warranty by the manufacturer.
  • Comes in a set of a single receiver with one activator. A two-activator pack and other accessories are also available directly from the manufacturer’s website.

Detail Review:

The Pebble Smart Dog Doorbell, developed and marketed by the Oregon, US-based manufacturer, is one of the most innovative wireless electronic dog doorbells in the market, and probably the most successful too. It came out of a successful Indiegogo project way back in 2013 and since then has gone through a bunch of improvements, making it even more versatile and useful.

The Pebble Smart Dog Doorbell features a receiver and activator/transmitter set that can communicate over a distance of up to 250-300 feet. Both the receiver and transmitter sets have a water and snow-proof ABS plastic casing. The activator has an oversize rubber foam pad that can be activated by a gentle touch from the dog’s nose or paws. The receiver uses 2-AA batteries (not included) while the activator uses a replaceable 12-V battery (included), which can last for up to 1-year.

The transmitter of this innovative doorbell can be activated by only 0.75-0.9 lbs. of pressure. The doorbell also has a unique built-in treat dispenser to make training easy and a lot more fun. Instructions on how to install and train the dog are also included with the package and also available online.

The Pebble Smart doorbell now has four configurable volume levels in the range of 65-80 decibels and 36 ringtones to choose from. The latest models use Type-G frequency as opposed to the A and D type frequencies used in previous models. This allows the same receiver to work seamlessly with different transmitters.

Installation is easy, and the casing comes with a double-sided tape attached to it for a simple peel-and-stick.

The Pebble Smart Dog Doorbell is available in a standard white casing with a blue accent. A fuchsia accent model is also available for purchase directly from the manufacturer’s website. The doorbell is backed by a one-year manufacturer warranty and you also have a dedicated customer service to help with any questions or concerns.

For its innovative design and versatile usage, the Pebble Smart Dog Doorbell is our Editor’s pick for the best electronic dog doorbell for potty training. This patented dog doorbell offers an excellent ingenious design that can be used both indoors and outdoors.
Pros
  • Best-selling electronic dog doorbell with a water and snow-proof ABS plastic casing. Assembled in the US.
  • Patented design with a two AA-battery-powered receiver and transmitter. Can communicate over a range of 250-300 feet.
  • An oversized rubber foam pad can be activated by only 0.7-0.9 lbs. of pressure. Also, has a built-in treat holder for easy training.
  • The latest model includes four configurable volume levels in the range of 65-80 decibels. Offers 36 ringtones to choose from.
  • Backed by a one-year manufacturer warranty. Additional accessories are available directly from the manufacturer’s website.
Cons
  • The range of 250-300 feet is shorter than that offered by some other electronic dog doorbells.

PoochieBells Original Dog DoorbellPoochieBells Original Housetraining & Potty Time Dog Doorbell w/ Pet Industry Endorsed Training Guide. Handcrafted in the USA (Animal Kingdom Collection)

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Specifications:

  • Material: Stainless-steel bells with nickel coating attached on a nylon grosgrain strap.
  • Size: 26” x 1.0” strap with hanging loop and two bunches of 1.4” bells.

Content:

  • 1 doorbell set with a nylon strap.
  • Training guide.

Price: $$.
Features:

  • The original dog strap doorbell featuring two sets of bells attached to a durable nylon grosgrain strap. Hand-crafted in Connecticut, USA using locally-sourced components.
  • Features two bunches of lead-free, stainless-steel bells (two bells per set) with a snap-button loop for easy installation on doorknobs, handles, or hooks.
  • Designed to produce a loud, distinctive sound when pulled or touched by the dog. Each doorbell strap is inscribed with the manufacturer’s paw print insignia.
  • Available in three Animal Kingdom designs and backed by a lifetime 100% money back guarantee commitment by the manufacturer.
  • Other designs and patterns for dog doorbells are also available from the same manufacturer.

barkOutfitters GoGo Bell Dog DoorbellbarkOutfitters GoGo Bell Dog Doorbell for Housebreaking/Housetraining Door Bell/Potty Training Your Poochie to Let You Know When They Need to Tinkle (White, Qty 1)

Specifications:

  • Material: Golden-finish brass bell with a flexible rust-resistant paint-coated metal hanger.
  • Size: 6.0” x 0.9” hanger with a 1.5” bell.

Content:

  • 1 arm/wall-mounted doorbell.
  • 2 installation screws or double-sided tape
  • Training Instructions.

Price: $.
Features:

  • The original arm/wall-mounted dog doorbell with a high-quality, all-metal construction. Made in China for the US-based company.
  • Features a 1.5″ and 1.6 oz., thick-walled brass-alloy bell that produces a distinct, loud sound, audible over a long distance.
  • Easy to install with the included 2-screws or the double-sided tape. Can be installed at any preferred height, making it suitable for all dog breeds and cats too.
  • An instruction guide is also included with the package. Advertised to work in 95% of the cases.
  • Available in gold finish bell with a black or white hanger. Backed by a lifetime money back warranty by the manufacturer.

Mighty Paw Metal Potty BellMighty Paw Metal Potty Bell, an All Metal Dog Doorbell with Sleek Silver Bell and Support, The Thick-Walled Durable Bell Optimizes Sound Quality. Includes Free Training Tips

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Specifications:

  • Material: Silver-nickel coated brass alloy bell with a silver-coated solid iron hanger.
  • Size: 7.5” x 0.6” hanger with a 1.5” bell.

Content:

  • 1 arm/wall-mounted doorbell.
  • Installation hardware – 2 screws and dry-wall anchors.
  • 1 Wall hook.
  • 3-step training guide.

Price: $$.
Features:

  • All-brass, wall-mounted dog doorbell with a solid iron hanger. Made in China for the US-based company.
  • Features a large, thick-walled brass bell that produces a distinct, loud sound on the slightest disturbance by the pet.
  • Easy to install the hanger with 2-screws and drywall anchors (included). Can be installed at any preferred height.
  • A wall hook and 3-step instruction guide are also included with the package as a bonus.
  • Available in an elegant silver finish and backed by a 90-day, 100% money back guarantee commitment by the manufacturer.

Nohma Leather 6 Arctic Sleigh BellNohma Leather 6 Arctic Sleigh Bell Leather Strap Door Hanger Dog Puppy Training Amish Handmade

Specifications:

  • Material: Brass bells with silver-nickel coating attached on a genuine leather strap.
  • Size: 16” x 1.25” strap with hanging lace and six 1.5” bells.

Content: 1 door-hanging strap doorbell with hanging lace.
Price: $$.
Features:

  • Beautiful, hand-crafted dog sleigh jingle bells that also work well as dog doorbells. Made by the Amish in Holmes County Ohio, USA.
  • Features a 16” genuine leather strap with 6 loud, 1.5” brass bells. The bells are available in silver-nickel or gold-brass finish.
  • Comes with a leather lace to hang the jingle bells on the door.
  • Available in the blue strap color with nickel-plated bells. Other leather strap doorbell options are also available from the same manufacturer.

Mighty Paw Leather Tinkle BellsMighty Paw Leather Tinkle Bells, Premium Leather Dog Doorbells, Extra Soft Leather with Durable Jingle Bells, Housetraining Doggy Door Bells for Potty Training, Free Hook (Brown)

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Specifications:

  • Material: Brass alloy bells with nickel coating attached on a genuine leather strap.
  • Size: 24” x 1.0” strap with hanging loop and two bunches of 1.5” bells.

Content:

  • 1 doorbell set with leather strap (black or brown).
  • 1 Wall hook.
  • 3-step training guide.

Price: $$.
Features:

  • Premium quality dog strap doorbell featuring four large metal bells mounted on a scratch-resistant leather strap. Made in China for the US-based company.
  • Features large, thick-walled jingle bells made with custom brass alloy metal. The doorbell strap has two, evenly placed bunches of bells each with two bells.
  • Heavy-duty genuine leather strap hangs straight and can withstand scratches, tugs and bites by the pet.
  • Comes with a reinforced snap-button rivet for easy installation on doorknobs, handles, or hooks.
  • A wall hook and 3-step instruction guide are also included with the package. But there is only ONE doorbell per package.
  • Available in two colors – black and brown and backed by a 90-day, 100% money back guarantee commitment by the manufacturer.

Comsmart Dog Training BellDog Training Bell, Comsmart Set of 2 Dog Puppy Pet Potty Training Bells, Dog Cat Door Bell Tell Bell with Non-Skid Rubber Base + 1Pcs Dog Training Clicker with Wrist Strap

Specifications:

  • Material: Steel alloy dog training bell with rust-resistant paint, a rubber base and a plastic buzzer.
  • Size: 2.95” diameter x 1.77” high bell.

Content:

  • 2 dog buzzer/service bells.
  • 1 dog clicker.

Price: $.
Features:

  • A set of two dog service bells having a steel-alloy body with rust-resistant paint and a plastic buzzer. Made in China.
  • Feature a sensitive buzzer that triggers the bell even with minimal force.
  • Non-skid rubber base keeps the bell stable and protects the floor from scratches.
  • Can be used for potty training as well as feeding or play time.
  • Available in a set of two dog training bells. Comes with a dog training clicker as a bonus.

Mighty Paw Smart Bell 2.0Mighty Paw Smart Bell 2.0, Dog Potty Communication Doorbell, Super-light Press Button Doorbell (1 Activator, White)

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Specifications:

  • Material: Water-resistant ABS plastic receiver. Plastic activator base with a rubberized front.
  • Size: 2.75” diameter x 1” activator/transmitter and receiver.

Content:

  • 1 receiver and one or two activators/transmitters.
  • Installation tape.
  • 3-step training guide.

Price: $$.
Features:

  • Innovative wireless electronic dog doorbell with a water-resistant ABS plastic construction.
  • Improved second generation design features a receiver and one or two activators. The receiver can be plugged in any power outlet, while the activators do not require any power source. No batteries required.
  • Rubberized activators can be triggered by only 0.75 lbs. of pressure and can communicate with the receiver up to 1000 feet away. Easy installation with double-sided tape.
  • Features four configurable sound levels and 38 ringtones to choose from.
  • Available in a standard white-color casing and backed by a 90-day, 100% money back guarantee commitment by the manufacturer.
  • Available in a set with one or two activators. Additional activators or receivers are also available separately.

Kissin Wireless Touch Dog DoorbellKISSIN Dog Door Bell with Wireless Touch Dog Bells for Potty Training and IP55 Waterproof Dog Training Door Bells

Specifications:

  • Material: Water-resistant ABS plastic receiver. IP55-rated waterproof plastic transmitter body.
  • Size: 2.36” diameter x 0.59” activator/transmitter and receiver.

Content:

  • 1 receiver and one or two transmitters with batteries.
  • 4 double-sided Installation tape pieces.
  • Mini-screwdriver.
  • Instruction Manual.

Price: $$$.
Features:

  • Popular wireless electronic dog doorbell with a water-resistant ABS plastic construction with IP55 waterproof rating. Made in China.
  • Innovative design features a receiver and one or two transmitters. The receiver can be plugged in any power outlet, while the transmitters use 23A-12V alkaline zinc-manganese batteries.
  • Rubberized transmitters can be triggered by only touching with the nose or paws and can communicate with the receiver up to 950 feet away. Suitable for all pets weighing 20 lbs. or above.
  • Features five adjustable sound levels (including a mute mote) and 55 polyphonic ringtones (up to 110 decibels) to choose from.
  • Available in a standard white or black color casing and backed by a 30-day, 100% money back guarantee commitment by the manufacturer. Available in a set with one or two activators.

How to pick the best dog doorbells for potty training?

With so many different types, designs and models of dog doorbells available in the market, picking the best dog doorbell for potty training can be a challenging task. After all, you want a dog doorbell that is easy for the canine to learn and convenient to use. Worry not! In this section, we will list the factors to keep in mind before picking the best dog doorbell for your pup’s needs.

In addition to any budget constraints you might have, you should check the following factors before picking the best dog doorbells for potty training:

  • Type and purpose of the dog doorbell
  • Building material
  • Design and safety
  • Volume, range and acoustics
  • Additional factors and considerations

Type and purpose

The first major consideration you need to think about is the primary purpose and the type of dog doorbell to opt for.

As discussed above, dog doorbells are available in two broad categories – mechanical dog doorbells and electronic/wireless dog doorbells.

Mechanical dog doorbells can further be classified into hanging strap dog doorbells, arm/wall-mounted dog doorbells and dog service bells.

Hanging dog doorbells are the most common types of dog doorbells for potty training. With their jingle bell sets and long hanging straps made of nylon or leather, they are extremely easy for a dog to get used to because most dogs love to tug and pull.

However, if your doorknob or handle is pretty high and you have a small dog or a cat, you would need to improvise to ensure that the pet can reach the bell strap to pull it.

Moreover, if your pet has long claws or nails, there is a possibility that it can get stuck in one of the jingle bells. Keep this in mind before considering these types of dog doorbells. Finally, since they are always hung to the door handle or knobs, you and your pet will have to get used to their sound every time the door opens or closes.

Caldwell’s Pet Supply Co. Dog Doorbells and Nohma Leather 6 Arctic Sleigh Bell are two examples of hanging dog doorbells.

Wall-mounted tinkle bells overcome all of the limitations of the hanging strap doorbells. They can be installed along the door at any height, making them suitable for all dog breeds and cats. And because the bells do not have a crevice, the chances of having the claws or nails getting stuck is negligible.

The only drawback with these types of dog doorbells is that they need to be installed by tightening two screws in the wall or door arm, or by using sticky tapes – both of which would leave a mark on the surface they are installed on.

In our list, the barkOutfitters GoGo Bell Dog Doorbell and Mighty Paw Metal Potty Bell are two examples of wall-mounted tinkle bells.

The service bells or buzzer bells do not need to be installed on the walls and are instead kept anywhere on the floor. You can even use them for feeding and play time. Though they all come with non-skid rubber bases, because of their movable design, an aggressive dog can move them around or chew on them if he/she decides to do so.

Electronic dog doorbells are the latest types of dog training bells. The main advantage with electronic wireless dog doorbells is their versatility with respect to the sound levels and ring tones and their range. Most of these doorbells offer a wide array of sounds and sound levels to choose from. And they have an excellent range – anywhere from 250 to 1000 feet. So, you can even place the receiver on a different floor than the transmitter. They are, however, costly and require batteries and/or a power outlet.

Our top pick – the Pebble Smart Doggie Doorbell is an example of electronic dog doorbells.

So, depending upon your requirements, purpose and preference, you can pick any of the standard mechanical dog doorbells or a smart electronic dog doorbell for your pooch.

Building material

The manufacturing material of the dog doorbells and associated parts is also an important factor to consider as it governs the durability and lifetime of the doorbell.

Hanging dog doorbells have bunches of jingle bells generally made of stainless-steel or brass with silver-nickel or gold-brass coating. The straps are made of nylon canvas or leather. Leather straps are more durable, scratch and chew-resistant. They are also costlier than nylon canvas straps. Depending upon your dog’s age and chewing tendencies (mild or aggressive chewers), you can pick a doorbell with a canvas or leather strap.

Arm or Wall-mounted dog doorbells have solid metal construction with a flexible iron hanger. If you decide to go with such doorbells, make sure you pick ones with double-walled bells. They are louder, durable and virtually unbreakable and chew-proof. And because of their weather-proof casing, they can also be used outdoors.

Dog service or buzzer-type training bells have metal casings with a soft-rubber or plastic buzzer. These bells have a non-skidding rubber base to prevent accidental movement while in use. Such bells are, however, most suitable only for small and medium dogs who are not too keen on chewing everything they encounter. An aggressive chewer may find the touch-pad as something of interest for destruction.

Electronic dog doorbells feature receivers and transmitters having water-resistant plastic housing for the circuitry and rubber or plastic touchpads for activation. Nothing much needs to be said about their build quality, except that you would need to train your pet to not treat the touchpad as a chew toy in any situation.

Check the manufacturing material of the dog training bell and associated parts before picking the best dog doorbell for your needs.

Design and safety

In addition to the building material, there are a few design features to look out for before picking the best dog doorbells.

For hanging dog doorbells, make sure that the hanging loop is properly stitched or has a heavy-duty snap button to handle some level of tugging and pulling by the dog. Furthermore, the jingle bells on the strap should be designed in a way that they minimize the chances of the dog’s nails or claws getting stuck in the bells.

Similarly, for wall-mounted dog doorbells check the hanger is easily mountable, flexible and still be virtually unbreakable. And it should support both tape and screw anchoring.

Buzzer-type dog service bells do not have a lot of critical design features to worry about except that they should have a non-skid base and a buzzer that can be activated with minimal pressure/force.

Electronic dog doorbells get a little more complicated when it comes to design features. The main difference between a good quality and a cheap knock-off electronic dog doorbell is the range and reliability of the receiver-transmitter communication. Interference from other household devices such as TV’s, microwaves and Wi-Fi routers can affect the range of the doorbells, so be on the lookout for a model which provides reliable communication. Our top pick – the  Pebble Smart Doggie Doorbell has one of the most reliable design among electronic dog doorbells and hence is our favorite.

Check the design and safety features of the doorbell and evaluate carefully before picking the best dog doorbell for your pooch. You can generally get more information from the product reviews and manufacturer and videos on YouTube.

Volume, range and acoustics

Closely related with the manufacturing material and design of the doorbells are the acoustics and range of the doorbell. After all, you need a doorbell that is audible from anywhere in the house.

Hanging dog doorbells, especially the jingle bells are not extremely loud (except the handmade Nohma Leather 6 Arctic Sleigh Bell, which we did find to be reasonably loud) and only suitable for a single-floor apartment or home. Tinkle bells such as the barkOutfitters GoGo Bell Dog Doorbell are a lot more audible.

Electronic dog doorbells have a longer range and can have a receiver over 300 feet away from the transmitter or activator which has the dog touch-pad. And they are versatile too with different volume levels (3-5) and ring tones. So, if you have a large house or a multi-floor condo, then you should consider getting an electronic dog doorbell for your pets.

Check the volume level and sound pitch of the dog doorbell before picking the best dog doorbell for potty training your pooch. You can generally find this information from the manufacturer videos and Q&A section of the product.

Additional factors and considerations

In addition to the four major factors discussed above, there are a few miscellaneous additional considerations that can make a specific dog doorbell a better choice over others.

One such consideration is the additional accessories and bonus items, if any, that come with the doorbell.  Most of the options that we listed come with training guides or instruction manuals to guide you through the process of teaching your pet to use the doorbells. Some dog doorbells such as the Mighty Paw Metal Potty Bell and Comsmart Dog Training Bell even include items such as door hooks and clickers to further sweeten the deal. Keep these accessories in mind before picking the best option.

Another additional factor is the color combination and strap design in which the dog doorbell is available. Bright, reflective color straps are fashionable and make the doorbell more visible to the pet even in low lights. Many options that we listed, especially the hanging dog doorbells are available in multiple colors and strap designs, so you can pick the most suitable one for your needs.

Finally, one of the most important additional consideration is the warranty and post-purchase customer service support offered on the doorbell by the manufacturer.  Manufacturers such as Caldwell, PoochieBells and barkOutfitters score big in this category with their excellent lifetime warranties and dedicated online customer support service. Other options such as Pebble Smart and Mighty Paw offer warranties and money back commitments ranging from 90-days up to one year. Just make sure you make your purchase only from direct manufacturers and authorized re-sellers to ensure that you get the genuine product and not a knock-off.

Keep these small considerations in mind as well before picking the best dog doorbell for your beloved pet.

Training your dog to use the dog doorbells

Now that we have looked at the best dog doorbells, let us look at some tips and tricks to train your dog to be comfortable with using training tools. While the exact steps that you need to follow for training your pooch would vary by the type of dog training bells and the training goals, most training processes follow the same standard steps. For more information and tips and tricks, you can check out any of the puppy or dog training books.

  • Introduce the dog doorbell: Before you go ahead with training your dog to use the bell, you would have to introduce it to the pet. Show your dog the bell and let the pet touch it with the nose. Ring the bell a couple of times and then let your dog ring it. Every time the pupper rings the bell, reward it with treats (you can check our article on the best dog treat for some recommendations). When not practicing with the bell, make sure to take it away.
  • Hang the bell by/on the door: Hang the bell so that it is accessible to the pet and ask the pet to ring it. Whenever the dog rings the bell reward the pet with treats. Repeat the process until the dog learns to ring the bell every time you ask. When not practicing with the bell, make sure to take it away.
  • Dog doorbell as an “outdoor potty” cue: Leave the bell hanging by/on the door and let the pet ring it to go outside. Put a treat outdoors and every time the dog rings the bell, open the door to let it have the treat. Repeat this a bunch of times to let the pet have a hang of it.
  • Ring the bell for potty: Whenever the dog has to go out for its business, point to the bell and let the pet ring the bell. Once it is done with its “outdoor business”, reward the pet with treats. Each time the dog has to go to the potty make sure it is ringing the bell. Bring the pet in and do not reward if the dog rings the bell and only loiters or plays around. This would ensure that the dog understands that the bell is for ringing when going for potty and not for simple outdoor play.

Following the broad steps discussed above can help in achieving higher success rates. You can also use a similar process if you want your doggo to ring the bell when asking to get in after a play session outdoors.

For some more guidance, you can check out the following video for using dog doorbells for potty training your dog.

 

Final thoughts on the best dog doorbells for potty training

In order to ensure that your dog only does its business outside and there are minimal accidents, you need a communication mechanism by which your pet can draw your attention to its needs. After all, you cannot expect your doggo to sit cross-legged or scratch and bark until you take him outside. Training your beloved canine to use dog training bells to give a signal is a perfect solution. And they can work for outdoor cats too.

In this article, we listed some of the best dog doorbells for potty training. We listed the best options for all the different types of mechanical dog doorbells as well as the innovative electronic training bells that you can hear even from the next floor. We also covered the major factors around the effectiveness of these training tools and the considerations to keep in mind before picking the best dog doorbell for potty training your beloved pet.

We hope that you found this article useful and it would help you in picking the best dog doorbell for potty training your pooch. Do let us know your feedback and questions by commenting below. Until next time, have a happy time housebreaking your pup!

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