If you really want to keep using the bell It'll take some time and a lot of watching for signals that he needs to go. You're definitely right that he's just ringing the bell to go outside and not strictly for pottying. I would aim to take him out every 4 hours or so, and if he's gone out in less time than that and hasn't ate or drank a bunch recently than I would ignore the bell. Also watch his body language, he'll act a bit different if he needs to go out. After he rings the bell you should be watching him closely for signs he needs to go out. He might make the connection, he might not. Give it a go for a while and see how it goes. If he's still ringing the bell just to go outside after a few weeks then I would say either get used to multiple trips outside or just set him on a schedule and don't wait for him to let you know. At 9 months my pup went out first thing in the morning, before I left for work, when I got home from work, and before bed. (sometimes he needs an additional break in the evening, I just watched his body language) On the weekends, he's out first thing in the morning, 1pm, 6pm and before bed.
