Watch Clever Way These Pawrents ‘Potty-Trained’ Their Dog

If you’ve ever found potty training a puppy a daunting task, this inspiring story might just ring a bell – literally. A viral TikTok video, boasting over 6.6 million views, showcases the ingenious method used by one couple to potty train their Mini Australian Shepherd, Marshall.

@kennedyandmarshall

This was the best thing we bought when we brought Marshall home. He picked it up so quickly and I think it helped him become potty trained so quickly! Highly recommend trying this with your dog and especially your puppy. #puppytraining #puppytips #pottytrainghack #puppytiktok #puppylife #aussiepuppy #dogsoftiktok #puppiesoftiktok @Mountain Marshall

♬ Little Things – Adrián Berenguer

In an innovative move, Marshall’s owners, Kennedy Starcevich and her fiancé Sam Miller, trained the four-month-old pup to press a bell when he needed to go outside. Through a patient process of associating the bell ring with outdoor bathroom breaks, they effectively trained Marshall in a short span of three weeks.

Explaining their training approach, Starcevich said, “We encouraged him to press the button then we immediately took him outside so he learned to associate the button with going outside.” The technique, she suggests, has been successful, with Marshall promptly using the bell and waiting for his leash before performing his business outdoors.

Interestingly, the bell isn’t just a one-spot deal. Starcevich and Miller aim to employ the bell during long car rides, reinforcing its portability and usefulness beyond home boundaries.

This practical yet creative solution emphasizes the significance of consistency and understanding in home dog training. But as many in the video’s comments noted, ensuring the dog doesn’t associate the bell with fun outdoor playtime can be a challenge. Starcevich addresses this concern by sticking to a rigorous potty-or-nothing approach when the bell is rung.

We encourage everyone thinking of getting a pet to only adopt instead of shopping. Read more resources about adopting animals on One Green Planet, including 7 Reasons to Adopt Your Next Furry Best Friend, 5 Reasons Why Everyone Should Adopt a Pet, and These Heartwarming Before and After Pictures of Adopted Rescue Animals Will Make Your Day! Read tips for pet adoptions and what to consider before adopting an animal. We recommend using these apps to find shelter dogs near you!

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