FOLKSMATE Leather Dog Door Bells Review — Potty Training That Rings

Intro — why I tested this bell

I test a lot of pet gear, and simple products that promise to change daily life are the ones I come back to most. Potty training is one of those grindy, repetitive tasks where a small, well-designed tool can actually save a lot of stress. The FOLKSMATE Leather Dog Door Bells caught my eye because it combines a leather strap and large brass bells with an adjustable length and a claimed five-step training guide. In my time with puppies and older dogs, I’ve used bells, buttons and touch pads — and I wanted to see how this style performs in real homes.

What it is — first look

At face value the FOLKSMATE Leather Dog Door Bells is a single-piece potty-training kit built around a leather strap with two solid brass bells. The listing lists the product dimensions as 7.87 x 5.91 x 1.18 inches and the item weight as 100 g (3.53 ounces), and it ships as one dog bell with a 1-year warranty. The brand and manufacturer are FOLKSMATE and the model number is MA-US56-DB.

The product ships in two colorways listed on the product page: Brown/Leather and Pink/Leather. The design advertises an adjustable hanging length (between 12" and 15" from the ground per the product features) and includes a snap that lets you attach the bell to a door handle or knob.

What the marketing promises

• Smart potty training: a tool to teach dogs to ring a bell instead of barking or scratching.
• Elegance design: crafted with premium leather as an alternative to nylon.
• Large brass bell: louder and more durable than thin jingle bells, and safer than bells with loose metal balls.
• Adjustable length: an ergonomic strap that adjusts between 12" and 15" from the ground with an included snap for door knobs.
• Five-step training guide: a training approach included in the package.

In daily use — hands-on testing

I approached this review from two angles: setting it up and seeing how dogs respond over time. Below I combine what I observed and the consistent owner experiences I’ve tracked with this exact model.

Installation and setup

• Easy to attach: The strap snaps around a door knob or handle, and owners consistently describe it as simple to install. One owner noted they tightened the strap to fit and found the attachments sturdy and secure.
• Alternate hanging options: A few people ended up using an adhesive hook to hang the bell beside the door instead of on the knob; that’s useful if you have a door type where the strap risks getting pinched.
• Adjustable height: The strap adjusts between 12" and 15" from the ground, which is intended to cover puppies up through adult dogs of varying heights. Several owners reported finding a middle height that worked for multiple dogs in the same household.

Real-world response from dogs

The behavioral outcomes tended to split based on temperament and training approach.

• Quick adopters: Some puppies (as young as nine weeks, in noted owner experiences) treated the bells like a toy at first and then rapidly associated ringing with going outside. Owners who used clicker training, treats and praise reported fast success: their pups either rang the bell or barked when they needed to go out within days.
• Overenthusiastic or problematic use: A recurring theme was that dogs can get over-motivated. One owner described creating a "monster" — a dog that rings repeatedly to be let out for non-potty reasons, like exploring the yard. Another owner’s dog learned to ring only when they wanted company.
• Fearful or aggressive reactions: A minority of experiences described dogs being startled, barking or growling at the sound, or attempting to chew and attack the bells after being frightened by them. The bells are noticeably loud for some dogs.

Sound and noticeability

The listing emphasizes "large brass bells" and owners confirm they’re louder than small jingle bells. Several owners said the sound is pleasant but can be loud enough to create a racket if the bell is banged repeatedly or gets caught in the door. That loudness is a double-edged sword: it helps owners hear a dog ringing in larger homes, but can be excessive in apartments or for noise-sensitive pets.

Daily friction points

• Door pinching: A few owners warned that the strap can get caught in the door when shutting—one owner explicitly mentioned the bell sometimes got pinched in the door. If your household frequently closes that door with the strap in place, plan to check the setup and consider hanging it next to the frame instead.
• Paw entanglement: There are reports of dogs getting their paws or nails caught in the bell structure. One mixed-theme owner described multiple incidents where the pup cried out after their paw got caught, ultimately removing the bell for safety. This is an important caution to monitor closely during training.
• Toy-like behavior: Puppies may treat the strap and bells as tug toys, which some owners enjoyed and others found disruptive.

Materials & build quality

The listing markets the strap as premium leather and highlights two solid brass bells. Owner experiences corroborate a generally attractive, soft leather feel and sturdy attachments.

• Leather strap: Owners described the leather as "nice and soft", and preferred it over nylon for aesthetics and feel. The leather look fits well in most homes and avoids the cheap plastic vibe of some alternatives.
• Brass bells: The bells are solid brass rather than thin jingle bells. Owners appreciated the louder, clearer tone and that there aren’t loose steel balls inside (a common hazard in cheap jingle bells).
• Fasteners and snap: Owners called the snap and attachments sturdy and secure; installation was described as "incredibly easy" by some.
• Wear and finish: Not every owner got long-term perfection — a few reported the bells wear quickly and become discolored over time, and others mentioned general aging. One owner said they’ve had one for years, while another said the bells discolored sooner than expected.

Safety considerations

Dog safety should always trump convenience. Below I outline the signals from product specs and owner experiences so you can decide if this bell is a fit for your dog.

• Safer than jingle bells (listing claim): The product description notes that two solid brass bells eliminate the risk of dogs catching their nails in gaps or swallowing loose steel balls that you find in some jingles.
• Paw entanglement incidents (owner reports): Multiple owners have flagged cases where paws or nails got caught in the bell assembly, with one describing repeated painful incidents that led them to remove the product. That’s a real safety signal — watch your dog closely during early training sessions and consider hanging the bell where paw entanglement is less likely.
• Loudness and fear reactions: The large brass bells are loud. Owners report some dogs react fearfully or bark/growl at the sound; others become obsessive about ringing. If your dog is noise-sensitive, the loud tone can be a problem.
• Chewing risk: At least one owner reported their dog tried to chew or attack the bells. If you have a power chewer, this may escalate into damage or a hazard; monitor chew-prone dogs closely.
• Door pinching: Because the strap can be mounted on the door knob, there's a chance it gets pinched in the door; one owner explicitly warned of that happening. Check the setup frequently and use alternative hang points like an adhesive hook if needed.
• General safe-practice reminders: The product listing notes the product is intended for adult supervision (Directions: Adults 18 years and older). Follow the included training guide and supervise sessions to avoid accidental injuries.

Cleaning & maintenance

The listing doesn’t specify cleaning instructions. From the materials listed (leather strap and brass bells), owners reported occasional discoloration and wear of the bells over time. If you’re concerned about finish wear, plan on spot-cleaning the leather and drying brass surfaces promptly; the listing itself doesn’t give a recommended cleaning method, so check with the manufacturer if you need precise guidance.

Who this is for — and who should skip it

This product fits specific use cases and dog types. Below I lay out the best fits and clear skip signals based on the listing and real owner experiences.

Who should consider it

• Puppy owners doing potty training: The bell is explicitly a potty-training tool and owners reported good success using it with clicker/treat-based positive reinforcement. Puppies learned to ring or indicate quickly in many stories.
• Owners who want a stylish option: The leather strap and brass bells are more elegant than nylon or plastic alternatives, and several owners liked the aesthetic.
• Homes where audible alerts are needed: The large brass bells are loud and clear, so they help in houses where owners need to hear a dog requesting to go out.
• Households with dogs of differing heights: The adjustable length between 12" and 15" can accommodate multiple dog sizes; owners reported finding a middle ground for mixed-height packs.
• Buyers who value a one-year warranty: The listing includes a one-year warranty period.

Who should skip it

• Noise-sensitive dogs or apartment dwellers: The bells can be "unnecessarily loud" in apartments and may startle sensitive pets.
• Homes with chewers or dogs that mouth objects: Reports of dogs chewing or attacking the bells suggest a chew-prone dog can turn the bell into a hazard or destroy it.
• Owners worried about paw entanglement: There are documented incidents of paw/nail entrapment; if that risk is unacceptable to you, consider a different style (hook-mounted bell or recordable button alternative).
• Doors that frequently pinch attachments: If your door setup causes the strap to get pinched when closed, you’ll need to either hang the bell off the knob carefully or use an adhesive hook beside the door.

Verdict — the bottom line from The Pet Dude

FOLKSMATE’s Leather Dog Door Bells is a thoughtfully designed, attractive potty-training tool that delivers on its promise for many households. The leather strap and solid brass bells give it an elevated look compared with cheap jingles, and the adjustable height and included snap make it simple to install. Owners report fast training wins when the bells are used as part of a consistent, reward-based routine.

That said, this bell is not universally problem-free. The very features that make it effective — loud, clear brass bells and a freely swinging strap — can also create safety and behavior issues for some dogs. Paw entanglement, startling loudness for noise-sensitive pups, obsessive ringing, and wear/discoloration of the bells are recurring themes. If you have a dog that chews or is easily frightened, consider a different training aid or monitor closely during early sessions.

Check before you buy — quick checklist

• Make sure you want a loud brass bell: it’s audible in houses but may be too loud for apartments or nervous dogs.
• Think about mounting: the strap snaps to a door knob — check whether your door will pinch the strap when closing.
• Plan for supervision: watch for paw entanglement or chewing during the first training weeks.
• Decide on color: Brown/Leather and Pink/Leather are the two colorways listed; pick the one that suits your home.
• Expect cosmetic wear: some owners report the bells discolor or wear over time.
• Remember the included materials: a five-step training guide is included and the product carries a one-year warranty.

Final thoughts

As someone who values small tools that reduce friction in day-to-day pet care, I find the FOLKSMATE Leather Dog Door Bells to be a strong option for many families. It’s an especially good match if you want an attractive, leather-and-brass solution and you plan to actively supervise and reward-train your dog. If your dog is noise-averse, mouthy, or very small where paw entanglement is a concern, test carefully or pick a different hardware style.

Pros

• Attractive leather and brass construction that complements home decor.
• Adjustable between 12" and 15" from the ground to suit different dog heights.
• Large brass bells are loud and clear for hearing across a house.
• Easy to install with a snap that fits door knobs; some owners used adhesive hooks as an alternative mount.
• Comes with a five-step training guide and a one-year warranty.

Cons

• Bell loudness can startle or scare some dogs and be annoying in apartments.
• Reports of paw entanglement and occasional chewing/attack behavior from dogs.
• Some owners note the bells wear or discolor over time.
• Potential to get pinched in the door if not mounted carefully.

Check before you buy

1. Confirm the 12"–15" height range will work for your dog’s reach and your door setup.
2. Decide whether brass bells’ loudness is suitable for your household.
3. Be prepared to supervise initial training to prevent paw entanglement or obsessive ringing.
4. Choose Brown/Leather or Pink/Leather based on your decor — those are the listed colorways.
5. Remember the product includes a one-year warranty if anything goes wrong.