The 6 Best Dog Collar Bells and Other Ways to Keep Track of Your Dog

Written by Susan Olayode
Updated: March 25, 2023
© iStock.com/Bigandt_Photography

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Going hiking with your dog can be such a rewarding experience. You both get much-needed exercise along with the fresh air and other benefits of hiking. There can be one problem with this, however; dogs like to wander, and if you don’t have a leash, so much could go wrong.

One thing that most dog owners who hike hate is their dog causing injury to wildlife. This could even happen while at home. Your dog could also wander far, and finding them could be difficult. Collar bells provide a solution to these potentialities and could improve your hiking experience.

Another application for collar bells is for dogs that don’t like to bark. It can be nerve-wracking looking for your small puppy because they won’t bark in return when you call. Your vet may recommend using a bell to make it easier to find your dog.

There is, however, a lot of debate on whether you should use collar bells with your dog. Is it ethical? Will it injure your dog’s hearing? In this review, we discuss these questions and also share some great dog collar bells and where to find them.

Is It Ethical to Use Dog Collar Bells?

It is not news that dogs have more sensitive hearing than we do. This is why your dog can hear the delivery truck coming way before you can and may alert you with a bark. Dogs also have a hearing frequency range that is broader than humans.

As a result, people worry that having a bell on your dog’s collar can harm their hearing. There, however, hasn’t been any known case of a dog experiencing hearing loss from wearing one. Most times, it takes a little bit of getting used to, but soon enough, most dogs learn to live with it.

You could also try to limit the use of the bell on your dog’s collar to specific times. This, however, depends on why you need the bells in the first place. For example, if it is just for hiking, for example, you can limit bell use only to when you go hiking.

In our opinion, bells can be useful in some situations. For example, to warn a bird, squirrel, rabbit, or other wildlife of your exuberant dog’s presence. It could also be useful if you can’t find your small dog around the house or when you go hiking. Below are some wonderful dog collar bells that you can use to keep track of your pet.

  1. Copper Bells for Dog Collars with Snap Clips
    • Made of pure copper
    • Rust-proof
    • Includes a heavy-duty, easy-on-easy-off snap
    • Won't fall off your dog's collar
    • Full-swivel flexibility so the bells won't get tangled
    Check Amazon
  2. Pet Bells for Dog Cat Collar - 6 pack
    • This bargain pack includes 6 high-quality bells
    • Each bell is a different color
    • Includes a link that you can use to attach a bell to your dog's collar
    • The sound is crisp and easy to hear
    • Made of rust-resistant, chrome-plated metal
    Check Amazon
  3. Beau's Bells 2 Extra Loud Cat & Dog Bells - Luxury Handmade Copper
    • Made of pure white copper
    • Feature stainless-steel clappers
    • These bells are designed to be safe for your dog's sensitive ears but audible from as far as 50 yards away
    • Available in small, medium, and large so you can purchase them in the appropriate size for your pet
    • Set of two can be attached in various ways
    Check Amazon
  4. SCENEREAL Large Dog Collar Bells - Set of 2
    • Designed specifically for large dogs
    • Hangs freely from your dog's collar for complete comfort
    • Jingles loudly so you can keep track of your dog
    • Made of metal: 1 is gold plated and the other is silver plated
    • Features a large nylon hoop with snap buckles for easy application and removal
    Check Amazon
  5. MeoyoTex Collar Bells for Small Dogs  - Silver - Set of 8
    • Designed for small dogs
    • Lightweight, yet durable
    • Made of copper, which doesn't corrode easily
    • Has a loud ring so you can track your small dog easily
    • Silver metal coating further prevents rusting and makes it more durable and attractive
    Check Amazon
  6. GABraden 4 Loud Pairs Dog Collar Brass Bells
    • Handmade in factories
    • Feature a lovely golden design
    • Lightweight and won't weigh your dog down
    • Made of copper, which is corrosion-resistant, and has a stainless-steel clapper that is sensitive to movement
    • Comes with a split ring that's easy to apply and stays on securely
    Check Amazon

A-Z-Animals’ Top Picks for the Best Dog Collar Bells

#1 Best Overall: KITTAIL Copper Bells for Dog Collars

The KITTAIL Copper Bells are our pick for the #1 Best Overall dog collar bells. This beautiful and easy-to-clip set of two bells is sturdy and works great for both small and large breeds. It is made of pure copper and will not rust, either.

You’ll love that these bells’ design allows for full-swivel flexibility. This means it won’t get tangled as your dog navigates rough terrain or just does its thing at home. This bell is also easy to lock and remove but has a heavy-duty snap that keeps it from falling off.

Users, however, advise that this bell works best for larger dogs as it is a little on the bigger side. One way you can navigate this is by using only one bell for your small dog. The bells themselves make a lovely, cheerful noise and are easy to hear.

Pros and Cons of KITTAIL Copper Bells for Dog Collars

ProsCons
This pair of two bells is crafted from sturdy, rust-proof, pure copper.The pair of two bells is too large for small dogs.
They are designed to swivel so your dog won’t get them tangled during its adventures.
The bells are easy to lock and remove and have a heavy-duty snap to keep it secured to your dog’s collar.
These bells make a lovely, cheerful noise that’s easy to hear.
Best Overall
Copper Bells for Dog Collars with Snap Clips
  • Made of pure copper
  • Rust-proof
  • Includes a heavy-duty, easy-on-easy-off snap
  • Won't fall off your dog's collar
  • Full-swivel flexibility so the bells won't get tangled
Check Amazon

2. Best for Affordability: Aoche 6-pack Pet Bells for Dog Collar

Aoche Dog Collar Bells offer great design, multiple colors, and high-quality construction for an unbelievable price. This pack gives you six differently colored bells. Each one has a link that you can attach to your dog’s collar.

The sound that the Aoche Dog Collar Bell makes is crisp, pleasant, and easy to hear. The bells themselves are made of rust-resistant, chrome-plated metal.

Purchasers liked that the could match the bell colors with their outfit when hiking with their dog. These bells are also easy to open and attach. One pleasant surprise buyers get is that each bell has a slightly different pitch, and it can be fun to combine more than one.

Several reviewers reported that these bells were poor quality.

Pros and Cons of Aoche 6-pack Pet Bells for Dog Collar

ProsCons
Each bell in this set of six is a different color and has a link you can attach to your dog’s collar.Several reviewers reported that these bells were poor quality.
These bells make a crisp, pleasant, easy-to-hear ringing sound.
They’re made of rust-resistant, chrome-plated meta.
These bells are easy to attach to your dog’s collar.
Each bell has a slightly different pitch.
Best for Affordability
Pet Bells for Dog Cat Collar - 6 pack
  • This bargain pack includes 6 high-quality bells
  • Each bell is a different color
  • Includes a link that you can use to attach a bell to your dog's collar
  • The sound is crisp and easy to hear
  • Made of rust-resistant, chrome-plated metal
Check Amazon

3. Best Premium: Beau’s Bells Luxury Handmade Dog Bells

While Beau’s Bells Luxury Handmade Dog Bells are a little pricey, they offers a lot of value. The bells are made of pure white copper and come with stainless-steel clappers. You’ll hear this bell very clearly when it rings, making it easy to keep track of your dog.

Beau’s Bells are handmade by a family with many pets who understand the importance of bells. It can be attached in various ways and has a sensitive clapper. Any small movement triggers a ring so you can easily know where your pet is.

Buyers love that these bells come in small, medium, and large sizes. This makes it easier to pick the best based on your dog’s breed size. You’ll also love that this bell’s technology ensures that the sound is safe for your dog’s sensitive ears but can be heard from as far as 50 yards away.

A few reviewers said that their bells broke after a short period of use.

Pros and Cons of Beau’s Bells Luxury Handmade Dog Bells

ProsCons
This pair of bells are made of pure white copper and feature stainless-steel clappers.A few reviewers said that their bells broke after a short period of use.
They have a sensitive clapper that is triggered by small movements so they ring and let you know where your dog is.
They are available in small, medium, and large.
The sound is safe for your dog’s ears but can be heard from as far as 50 yards away.
Best Premium
Beau's Bells 2 Extra Loud Cat & Dog Bells - Luxury Handmade Copper
  • Made of pure white copper
  • Feature stainless-steel clappers
  • These bells are designed to be safe for your dog's sensitive ears but audible from as far as 50 yards away
  • Available in small, medium, and large so you can purchase them in the appropriate size for your pet
  • Set of two can be attached in various ways
Check Amazon

4. Best for Large Dogs: SCENEREAL Gold and Silver Large Dog Collar Bell

You’ll love theSCENEREAL Gold and Silver Large Dog Collar Bell because it is specifically made for large dogs. This bell will not get entangled in your pet’s fur. It hangs freely from the neck and makes a loud jingle to help you track your dog easily.

The SCENEREAL bell is made of metal and comes in a pair. One is gold plated, while the other is silver plated for variety. It also has a large nylon hoop with snap buckles that make it easy to wear. This design also ensures that the bell will stay on as your pet plays. The bells are also lightweight and make a sound at any minimum movement to so you will know where your dog is at all times.

Reviewers love that the SCENREAL package offers two bells which you can even use for two dogs and they are reasonably priced.

A few reviewers reported that their bells fell off the strap shortly after purchase.

Pros and Cons of SCENEREAL Gold and Silver Large Dog Collar Bell

ProsCons
These bells are made specifically for large dogs.A few reviewers reported that their bells fell off the strap shortly after purchase.
They won’t get tangled in your pet’s fur; they hang freely from the neck and make a loud jingle that’s easy for you to track.
These metal bells are come in pairs: one is gold- plated and the other is silver-plated.
They have large nylon hoops with snap buckles that make them easy to attach to your dog’s collar.
They’re lightweight.
You can split the pair between two dogs.
They’re reasonably priced.
Best for Large Dogs
SCENEREAL Large Dog Collar Bells - Set of 2
  • Designed specifically for large dogs
  • Hangs freely from your dog's collar for complete comfort
  • Jingles loudly so you can keep track of your dog
  • Made of metal: 1 is gold plated and the other is silver plated
  • Features a large nylon hoop with snap buckles for easy application and removal
Check Amazon

5. Best for Small Dogs: MeoyoTex Silver Collar Bells for Small Dogs

If you need a collar bell that isn’t too heavy and won’t weigh down your smaller dog, MeoyoTex Silver Collar Bells for Small Dogs is just what you’ve been looking for. The MeoyoTex Silver Collar bells are specifically made with small dogs in mind. This bell is also made of the hardest metal to withstand your small dog’s play.

The MeoyoTex bell is made of copper, which does not corrode easily. This also helps to make the bell loud, making your small dog easy to track. The silver metal coating also helps to keep this bell from rusting and makes it very durable.

Buyers love that this bell comes with eight pieces. You can keep several for your pet and even give some away as gifts. The ring this bell comes with is easy to open and attach to your dog’s collar too.

Some reviewers reported that these bells didn’t ring very loudly.

Pros and Cons of MeoyoTex Silver Collar Bells for Small Dogs

ProsCons
These bells are made of copper, which doesn’t corrode easily.Some reviewers reported that these bells didn’t ring very loudly.
They’re designed specifically for small dogs.
They come in sets of eight.
The ring is easy to open and attach to your dog’s collar.
Best for Small Dogs
MeoyoTex Collar Bells for Small Dogs - Silver - Set of 8
  • Designed for small dogs
  • Lightweight, yet durable
  • Made of copper, which doesn't corrode easily
  • Has a loud ring so you can track your small dog easily
  • Silver metal coating further prevents rusting and makes it more durable and attractive
Check Amazon

6. Best Design: GABraden Dog Copper Collar Bells

When it comes to beauty and design, the GABraden Collar Bells are the best. They are handmade in factories and have a lovely golden design that would look fabulous on your pet. They are also lightweight and won’t weigh your dog down, ensuring that you both still have fun on hikes.

The GABraden Bells are made of copper and designed to last for dog owners and dogs who love the outdoors. They are corrosion-resistant and come with a split ring. These bells are easy to apply and will stay on securely once you attach them.

Purchasers love that this bell is loud and makes a sound with even minimal movement. This is because it has a stainless-steel clapper that is sensitive to movement. One package of this comes with four loud bells and two rings.

A few reviewers said that these bells weren’t loud enough.

Pros and Cons of GABraden Dog Brass Collar Bells

ProsCons
These handmade copper bells are lightweight, so they won’t weigh your dog down.A few reviewers said that these bells weren’t loud enough.
They are corrosion-resistant and come with a split ring that’s easy to attach securely to your dog’s collar.
This bell is loud and makes a sound even with minimal movement thanks to its stainless-steel clapper.
The set includes four bells and two split rings.
Best Design
GABraden 4 Loud Pairs Dog Collar Brass Bells
  • Handmade in factories
  • Feature a lovely golden design
  • Lightweight and won't weigh your dog down
  • Made of copper, which is corrosion-resistant, and has a stainless-steel clapper that is sensitive to movement
  • Comes with a split ring that's easy to apply and stays on securely
Check Amazon

How to Choose the Best Dog Collar Bells

Are you ready to get some dog collar bells to help track your dog? Here are some important factors to consider before making a purchase:

We discuss these in more detail below:

Dog Breed

Is your dog a large or small breed dog? How dense is their fur, and what is their energy level? Some bells are better suited for small breed dogs, while others might weigh too much. In the same way, some bells can get stuck in a dog’s thick fur. We choose good options that avoid these problems when creating this list.

Material

What material is your dog bell made of? Copper seems to be the best as it’s corrosion resistant. This is especially important if you like to take your dog on long walks outdoors. Choosing a bell with a stainless-steel clapper is also good as they tend to be louder and more sensitive to movement.

Affordability

What is your budget for a dog collar bell? Most are inexpensive, but we have some with good features that could cost a bit more. You’ll see one of those as our premium option. Most dog collar bells come with good deals offering multiple bells that make it easy to replace them when necessary.

How to Tell if Your Dog Can Tolerate Dog Collar Bells

The very first thing to consider is your dog’s temperament. Some dogs can be a little high-strung and don’t really like change. Laid-back dogs will, however, adapt well to you adding a bell to their collar.

Your Home

A collar bell could be problematic if you have more than one dog plus a dog with a penchant for chewing things. One dog won’t stop trying to chew the collar bell off the other or even their own collar. Not only could the bell get destroyed in this scenario, but you might also have to deal with a foreign object in your dog’s digestive system.

Your Dog’s Eating Habits

If you’ve had to rescue shoes, clothes, or generally anything left lying around from your dog, a bell might not work. Your dog could take it as an invitation to eat yet another strange object. Some reviewers also choose to purchase smaller bells that hang closer to their dog’s neck to avoid this.

When to Use Dog Collar Bells

There are many situations where you need to use a dog collar bell. The first and most important is to keep track of your dog’s whereabouts. This could be when you go out hiking or camping. The bell will tell you where your dog is so you can be sure that they are safe.

Dog collar bells are also great for keeping track of your dog in your home. This is important if you have a tiny dog that you can easily lose. Pet owners with deaf dogs will also find a dog collar bell very useful.

Dog collar bells could also work as a warning to others about your dog. When you go hiking, your dog could injure small wildlife like birds. The bell serves as a warning that will allow the animal to escape.

Other Ways to Keep Track of Your Dog

One modern way that many dog owners keep track of their dogs is through using a GPS tracking collar. You’ll find many different varieties that you can choose for your dog. Most of these connect to your phone, making it easy for you to trace and find your dog.

Some GPS trackers also have a barcode that strangers can scan to get your information. This can be very helpful for use in locating you if your dog ever gets lost. GPS trackers, however, won’t warn wildlife of your dog’s approach while on hikes or walks.

The 6 Best Dog Collar Bells and Other Ways to Keep Track of Your Dog FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

Do bells on dog collars work?

Yes, bells on collars are effective in helping you keep track of your dog. Our review contains a list of dog collar bells that are loud and clear but remain safe for your dog.

Should dogs have bells on their collars?

Your reason for putting a bell on your dog’s collar will determine if it is right for your dog. This article also discusses confirming whether your dog has the right temperament for it.

Are bells on collars cruel?

Putting bells on your dog’s collar could help you keep them safe and also protect important wildlife from your dog. They can also help to keep track of your dog outdoors. Pet owners with deaf dogs will also find that bells on collars are a great way to know their dogs’ whereabouts.

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