Frequently Asked Questions
Does Poochie-Bells work for both large and small breeds?
Yes...  Your dog just needs to nudge the bells or anywhere on the ribbon.  In addition, we have placed two sets of bells at the bottom
along with two sets mid-way so that any breed can reach.  This will move the ribbon and jingle the four bells so you can hear it.  

Do I leave the bells on the door all the time?
Yes. Your Poochie-Bells should hang on the inside doorknob all the time when training, for your dog to be able to ring them when
he needs out. In addition, having the bells on the door reinforces your dog's understanding and association that when the door
opens, the bells ring - when training your dog. He/she will associate the bell sound with the door opening by having the bells there
consistently.  Once he/she is trained, you can move your poochie-bell if you like to a hook next to the door within reach for your dog
to ring.

Does my Poochie-Bell have to hang on the doorknob?
Your Poochie-Bell can hang on your doorknob or you can hang it right next to the door on a small hook.  Take a look at our
accessory page for more options.

Can I just use a bell like a hotel bell on the floor?
Sure that is another method for bell training.  However, please keep in mind that Poochie-Bells are designed for dogs. A hotel bell
can be moved by passing feet, lost or even carried away by the family pooch or children.   Poochie-Bells are specifically designed
for safety and effectiveness while looking great in your home.

Does Poochie-Bells attach to any door handle type?
Yes!  Poochie-Bells are designed to attach to most door handle types.  With a typical doorknob, you can just slip your Poochie-Bells
over it and you're all set.  With a slider or other type of door handle such as one with a push-handle type opener, you can unsnap the
top hanging loop and loop through your door handle and re-snap into place.  

My dog is very short...will my dog reach the bottom bells?
If you feel that approx. 25" down isn't quite long enough for your dog and that he/she may not be able to reach them we suggest you
hang your Poochie-Bell right next to the door
(with a small hook) so that you can hang at just the right height for your pooch.

What if  my dog rings the bells all the time?
As with any training procedure, it is important that you remain the authoritative leader.   You can rectify this behavior by controlling
the frequency you allow your dog to go outside.  If you dog just went out, and then rings the bells shortly after coming inside, do not
let him back out until a reasonable amount (no more than once an hour)  of time has passed and he re-rings the bells.  Your dog
has learned the behavior, you just need to modify it.  He will soon learn not to abuse his new communication tool with you.

Can I use treats to help with my Poochie-Bells training?
We recommend that you try training without treats first.  You want your dog to understand the reward of ringing is your attention and
the ability to let you know effectively that he needs out.  If, though, you find your dog hesitant or nervous to ring the bells due to the
sound, you can smear a little peanut butter or cream cheese (just a dab) on the bells to let him know the bells are his friend and not
to be scared
(be aware of food allergies first).  Giving your dog a food treat may speed up your initial training, however, your dog may
learn to ring every time he would like a treat and not just when he needs out, so we recommend bell training without food treats.

How old should my puppy be before I start trying to use Poochie-Bells?
We recommend that your puppy be at least 12 to 16 weeks of age before trying to train him to use Poochie-Bells.  As with any
training program, your puppy needs to be old enough to understand the training concept.  

How long does it take for my dog to use the Poochie-Bells consistently?
Well....this one is up to you.  Depending on your dog's ability and YOUR consistency in training and praise, each dog may adopt
ringing the bell differently.  Bottom line, don't get frustrated with your training and be realistic about the time it takes to teach your dog
this new habit.  We've had feedback that some dogs have adopted the bells as quickly as a few days to several months.

Are Poochie-Bells just for puppies or can any dog be trained to use the bells?
Old dogs can learn new behaviors!!!  Poochie-Bells are definitely not just for puppies.  

How do I get other ribbon styles?
Check our the Extra Ribbons Page on our web site for more options.

My dog uses several doors to go out...which one do I hang the Poochie-Bells on?
All of them unless you want to train your dog to use a specific door.  Poochie-Bells are made to be able to fit on a variety of door
knob types.  The snap enables you to attach easily to a variety of door handles.  

Can I hang my Poochie-Bells on the exterior of my door so I know when my dog wants to come in?
Poochie-Bells are made for interior use.  Long term exposure to Mother Nature may harm your Poochie-Bells.  Hearing bells from
outside within your house may also depend upon weather, closed windows, doors, etc. and you may not be able to hear the bells
from inside the house if they are placed outdoors.

Should I train my dog to use his nose or his paw to ring the bells?
We recommend training your dog to use their nose so that you minimize scratches on your door.  The key is re-enforce and be
consistent EVERY TIME you go out with your pooch.

Can I get Poochie-Bells on eBay?
The authentic  Poochie-Bells product is not sold on eBay.  

If my pet uses two different doors, should I order the same color for each for my pet's training consistency?
No.  You do not need to purchase the same color for multiple doors within the same house.  We have found that the consistency of
the size, shape and placement of the bells allows for your pet to recognize  Poochie-Bells regardless of the style ribbon you select.

Does Poochie-Bells support any charities?
Yes!  We have sent MANY free Poochie-Bells out to charities across the country as well as our new campaign of selecting one
association  per quarter and donating a % of sales to that cause.  Our latest was the
Southern California Greyhound Association
(which you can find out more about on our Favorite Links Page.  We also encourage the use of coupons with Poochie-Bells in
which a % of the coupon used is donated to a specific charities.

Some of the past charitable organizations Poochie-Bells has supported with free Poochie-Bells are:  4Paws Inc.; West End Animal
Shelter; Legacy Boxer Rescue; Newfoundland Dog Rescue and the Havanese Club.

Can I submit my pet for Poochie-Star of the month without purchasing Poochie-Bells?
Sorry - wouldn't be fair to our other Poochie-Stars.  We love hearing from our clients and learning how their dogs implemented
Poochie-Bells.  

I have a doggie door, why would I need Poochie-Bells?
Having a communication tool for you and your dog alerts you to when your dog needs to go outside.  By hearing Poochie-Bells, you
know that your dog needs to go out.  You can control when your dog is outside rather than having your dog come and go as he
pleases.  Outside threats such as other animals, cars, weather, etc. are factors and knowing when your pet is outside gives you
control instantly if your dog is out or not.

Does anyone famous use Poochie-Bells in their home?
Privacy among our clients is part of our business philosophy.  We can't tell - sorry!  But...we will say that even if we do have famous
pooches as our clients, all dogs are created equal in our eyes and all are stars!  
You may want to check out our picture page of
celebs and their poochie-bells.

What type of dog is Oscar (on the main page)?
Oscar is a carrin terrier/poodle mix.  Wonderful dog!

Are Poochie-Bells made in the USA?
Yes!  We are very proud of the fact that all of the products that Poochie-Bells manufacturers, both our doggie doorbell and our leads
and collars are all made here in the USA.
Poochie-Bells® Registered Trademark
Copyright 2005-2008 Poochie-Bells LLC
Patent Pending Poochie-Bells 2008
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