A training toilet design that can be adapted for either a dog or a cat or other animal and even for a young human child is disclosed. A space or enclosure receives the trainee and upon receipt a switch is actuated. The switch can either be a pressure actuated mechanical switch or a motion detector switch. In response to the switch changing state, a microcontroller is actuated to provide any one of a number of responses. Responses include an audible encouraging comment when the trainee exits the toilet and when the trainee enters the toilet. A timing lapse programmed into the microprocessor can ensure that the exit message is played only when there has been a predetermined lapse time between the entrance and exit of the trainee. Modes that are provided by different combinations of these features are determined by a mode switch that is operable by the user.