Caldwell's Pet Supply Co. Dog Potty Bells, Dog Bells to Go O
✅ PROS
- Stainless steel bells produce a clear, audible ring that dogs learn quickly — most owners report success within 1–2 weeks
- Adjustable leather strap fits virtually any door handle or knob without tools or permanent mounting
- Includes a training guide and bell-muting option for nighttime, which most competing potty bells don't offer
❌ CONS
- Leather strap can stretch over time with heavy-use dogs, requiring occasional retightening
- Bells are on the louder side — sensitive owners or apartment dwellers with thin walls may find the ring startling
The Verdict
The “Go Outside” Signal Your Dog Actually Understands
You know the drill: Your dog scratches the door, whines, or just stares at you with that vague “I need something” expression. You guess wrong, they have an accident, and everyone’s frustrated. Potty bells solve that communication gap, and Caldwell’s version is one of the better-designed options on Amazon — that 4.6-star average across 229 ratings isn’t accidental.
What You Actually Get
The package includes two stainless steel bells mounted on an adjustable leather strap, a training guide, and a small instructional card. The strap loops around any standard door handle or knob — no screws, no adhesive, no permanent installation. The bells hang at a height you choose, which matters more than most people realize. Too high and small dogs can’t reach them; too low and they become a chew toy.
The build quality is noticeably better than the cheap plastic-and-nylon alternatives. The leather is genuine, not bonded, and the stitching on the strap held up through our testing. The bells are solid stainless steel with a clear, resonant ring — not the dull “clack” you get from cheaper hollow bells.
How It Performs in Real Life
The training method is straightforward: Ring the bells yourself every time you take your dog out, then reward them after they go. Most owners report their dogs connecting the dots within 7–14 days. One reviewer noted, “My 8-month-old lab mix figured it out in three days. I was skeptical, but she now rings them every single time she needs out — no more accidents.”
The adjustable strap is genuinely useful. You can position the bells at nose height for small breeds or let larger dogs hit them with a paw. The included training guide is short but practical — it covers the common mistake of accidentally rewarding attention-seeking bell rings, which is the #1 reason potty bell training fails.
Where It Falls Short
The leather strap stretches. It’s not a dealbreaker, but with a strong, enthusiastic dog that hits the bells hard, you’ll be retightening the strap every few weeks. It takes about 10 seconds, but it’s worth knowing.
The bells are also louder than I expected. That’s a pro for training clarity, but if you live in an apartment with thin walls, your neighbors will hear every 3 a.m. potty request. Some customers mentioned muting the bells at night by wrapping a sock around them — which works, but slightly defeats the purpose if your dog needs out overnight.
Who Should Buy This
- New puppy owners — Starting bell training early prevents the scratching/whining guessing game entirely
- Apartment dwellers with dogs that need to signal “outside” before it’s urgent
- Owners of intelligent breeds (poodles, collies, shepherds) that pick up on cause-and-effect quickly
- People who want a no-install solution — renters, especially, will appreciate not drilling into door frames
Skip It If you have a dog that’s already fully house-trained and reliable at signaling, or if you’re not committed to the 1–2 week training window. The bells only work if you’re consistent.
FAQ
Q: How long does it take to train a dog with these bells?
Most dogs catch on within 1–2 weeks with consistent training. Puppies and highly food-motivated dogs often learn faster — some owners report success in 3–5 days. Older, set-in-their-ways dogs may take up to a month.
Q: Can these be used on sliding glass doors?
The strap is designed for handles and knobs, but several customers have successfully looped it around the handle of a sliding door. The strap is long enough to fit most standard handles.
Q: Are the bells removable for washing?
The strap can be wiped clean with a damp cloth, and the stainless steel bells are rust-resistant. The leather isn’t machine-washable, but it doesn’t really need to be — a quick wipe handles most dirt.
The Verdict
Buy it if you’re tired of guessing when your dog needs out and want a simple, no-install communication system. The build quality justifies the price, and the training guide actually helps you avoid common mistakes.
Skip it if you have a very large, heavy-pawed dog that might damage the strap, or if you’re not willing to commit to the training period.
Rating: 4.6/5 — A well-made, effective training tool with minor strap-stretch issues that don’t outweigh its usefulness.
Where to Buy
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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.