[happy2003]

Our 6 month old Boston Terrier puppy hasn't had an accident in the house in over a month. I know she's not housebroken yet. And that the only reason that there hasn't been an accident is because have been taking her out like clockwork. Of course when she goes potty outside we praise her much and give her a treat. (Which of course she loves and responds to happily.)

We do want to start teaching her to signal when she needs to go. Obviously as she has gotten older she holds it longer and it seems like the constant outside-inside thing isn't needed as much.

Anyone trained their dog a signal to go outside? Ideas and references are greatly needed and appreciated!

[Lucky098]

I know of people who train their dogs to ring a bell by the door when they need to go out.

I'm not too familure with this technique, but I was told they put peanut butter on the bell, when it was time to go outside.. They took the dog over and had the dog lick the bell, causing a ring. The ring turned into going outside.

The people who I spoke with who have done this, love this technique and wouldn't have it any other way!

My own dogs will stand at the door and stare at it until we notice and let them out lol.

Good Luck

[shazamataz]

I have been going to do the bell trick for a while now but simply haven't gotten around to it,I've heard it works quite well.
The version I was told was just every time you go to take the dog outside crouch down to the dogs level and hit the bell, then open the door and walk out.

One of mine gives no warning, but the other one sits in the kitchen and just stares between me and the back door :D

[FadedMaster]

I too have seen the bell technique done in a client's home before and heard of friends of the family doing the same. I'm not sure of how to train the dog to do this either.

It sounds like you are on the right track though. Being consistent and sticking to a schedule will go a long ways in house breaking your dog.

I'm sure if you pay attention to your dog it will give signals very similar to what everyone else has mentioned. Many dogs will naturally learn to either stare at you or the door. I've seen dogs scratch at the door, which to me is a bad behavior (mucks up doors and such). The big thing is that if you see your dog do something that you like you need to encourage that.