So I have a small problem. My three-month old English Springer Spaniel has been trained to ring the bell we have hanging from our door when he needs to go outside. It's been nice having him know what it's for but he's also starting to ring it when he doesn't need to pee .

We get plenty of exercise (usually late in the day) so I can't figure out why he's acting so restless. He will pace the room, bark at me while I'm on the couch, ring the bell and generally act like he needs to potty but when we go outside, he does nothing but sniff around the yard.

Any ideas why he's being a pest (aside from his unavoidable puppy-dom)

Thanks!

Hi MC5, I'm new here but your post made me smile so I'm going to throw in my 2cents. Sounds to me like your dog has figured out how to make you do what it wants(training you). I think puppies like to have 100% of our attention and this one has figured out how to get yours. Very smart, he-he.

Your puppy is at the age where puppies want to get out and explore the world. Especially at night, when the grass is damp with dew, and the things they smell are intoxicating.

Night is the time when many wild animals are on the prowl. Even domesticated animals are on the move, especially cats. Dogs often prowl and hunt at night, too. Puppy wants to explore, hunt, smell, experience the world. Completely normal.

If at all possible, try changing your routine just a little, and take puppy out for an evening stroll after dark. He'll love it, get a little more exercise, and get to explore all of the mysteries of the night.

I thought of something else that might help as well, when you do go out with him for what you are hoping is a potty break as soon a you get out tell him to 'go peepee' or whatever word you want to use and as soon as he does then give him a little treat and praise. He will soon know exactly what you want.
When my australian cattle dog was 2 months old and I was training her to "come" when I called, I always gave her a tiny treat when she obeyed. She started 'working it' if you know what I mean. She would wander off and then stop and look at me waiting for me to call her. If I didn't call then she would go alittle farther and so on till I finally would say "come". Then she would barrel over to get her goodie. Dogs can be truly amazing. She has me well trained now.

maybe your dog is sick due to his intense work out everyday

Hey! All great advice (he's not sick though...) and it all seems to ring true. Thanks for all your insight. I think I will take him for an evening stroll through the yard. I had no idea about the smells of the night so that's very interesting as well.

I definitely think he's got us trained as well! Mmmhmmmm...