I have heard all sorts about methods of training in which you hang a bell or chimes down from the door so when the dog needs the toilet they can ring them so we know if we're in a different room.

I understand that every time you take the dog out you're supposed to ring the bell before you leave and immediately after you come back from toilet duty and eventually the dog makes the association and rings the bell themselves.

I think it would be so wonderful for Daisy to learn eventually but I'm a little confused as to a few things:

1) Should you wait until you 've got the normal toilet training down and then intrduce the bell?

2) Is there a certain age that you should start doing it? Daisy's only a puppy and I just know that if we hung a bell from the door handle she'd think it was a toy and always play with it when she's not supposed to. Could I do it now and just tell her 'no' whenever she tries to paw or bite it, just like I would if she started doing it to the walls or furniture, in order to train her when it's inappropriate to ring the bell?

It just seems like an awful lot for a young pup to take on at this stage, although if anyone can do it, Daisy can, she's really bright!

Thanks for your help.