Should Dogs Wear Bells?

This week I am pet-sitting the most adorable Yorkie pup named Donut. She is friendly and loves to greet everyone, but she doesn’t realize how tiny and fast she is. This can sometimes cause problems because people don’t always see her coming. To help with this, her parents have her wear a small bell on her collar (the size of a cat’s bell) to alert others of her presence.

Donut seems to be okay with the sound but I have noticed that she sometimes chews on the bell. So, I’ve been questioning whether she is truly comfortable wearing it all the time.

Let’s take a deep dive on the topic.

Why do People Put Bells on Dog Collars?

The top reasons are:

• The jingle sounds help locate your dog at home. This can be helpful if you have a spacious property and/or a small pet who likes to play hide and seek like Donut.
• It can be an additional safety measure in crowded places like elevators, busy streets, or parks because the sound alerts others to a dog’s presence.
• People who go to the woods with their dogs, make them wear a bell to keep away wildlife 🐻.
• Pet owners of multiple dogs use different bells with unique sounds to tell them apart and keep them located.

The Cons of Bells for Dogs

The most obvious downside is that the sound of the bell can be annoying or startling for some dogs. Although it is not likely to damage their hearing, they might display anxious behaviors.

Another important point to consider is that the bell can pose a choking hazard if it is too small or if it breaks and the tiny pieces come out.

If you are going to put a bell on your pet, it’s a good idea to monitor how he or she reacts to wearing it and be prepared to remove it if you notice discomfort or excessive chewing.

Considerations for Using Bells

If you choose to have your dog wearing a bell because you consider the pros are bigger than the cons, here are a few considerations to do it safely:

• Make sure the bell is the perfect fit— not too heavy or too loose
• Regularly inspect that the bell is in good condition
• Use positive reinforcement to teach your dog to walk with the bell
• Monitor their behavior and allow them to get used to the sound
• Consider alternative options like GPS trackers or reflective collars

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