Command Call or Press

Difficulty level: ★★★

"Ring a bell" is a playful and useful trick that teaches your dog to ring a bell with its paw. This can be used to get attention or as part of a game.

How to Teach Your Dog to 'Ring a Bell'

1. Choose a bell: Use a table bell or a bell with a large push button that is safe for dogs.
2. Introduce the bell: Introduce your dog to the bell and reward him as soon as he sniffs it.
3. Use a treat: Hold a treat near the bell and encourage your dog to press it with his paw. As soon as the bell rings, reward him immediately.
4. Give the command: Say "Ring" or "Ring" as your dog rings the bell. Use a marker signal like "Yes" or "Good."
5. Reward only on command: Make sure you only reward your dog when he rings the bell after you give the command.
6. Refine the trick: Practice until your dog rings the bell on command without the reward.

Tips for success

• Start small: Reward your dog for every interaction with the bell.
• Use clear signals: Combine the command with a hand gesture for extra clarity.
• Make it more challenging: Place the bell in different places to vary the trick.

Why is 'Pressing a bell' important?

This trick is not only fun but also practical. It offers your dog a playful way to get attention and strengthens their coordination and focus.

Troubleshooting during training

• Is your dog not pushing? Lure him with a treat and patiently encourage him.
• Is he distracted? Practice in short sessions and in a quiet environment.
• Is he afraid of the sound? Get him used to it by ringing the bell yourself and rewarding him for it.

Want to show us how you teach your dog to "Bell" or "Press"? Send us a video explaining the training process and sharing your approach. Email your video to klantenservice@fidello.nl and receive €10 in store credit if your submission is published .