Patent Publication Number: US-2023143669-A1

Title: Method and apparatus for selective behavior modification of a domesticated animal

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     Not applicable. 
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     Not applicable. 
     THE NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT 
     Not applicable. 
     REFERENCE TO A SEQUENCE LISTING 
     Not applicable. 
     STATEMENT REGARDING PRIOR DISCLOSURES BY THE INVENTOR OR A JOINT INVENTOR 
     Not applicable. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Field of the Invention 
     The present disclosure relates to the selective behavior modification of a domesticated animal, and particularly to training a domesticated animal such as a dog to communicate a need for assistance to humans by providing (i) a feedback indicator to the dog after a predetermined delay from an event detection and (ii) a caretaker message to a caretaker. 
     Description of Related Art 
     Animals are utilized by humans as both pets and working companions. A popular example is the dog. In addition to providing companionship, many dogs also provide highly specialized functions such as guide dogs, drugs-seeking dogs, or rescue dogs. In order for animals to co-exist successfully with humans in their daily life, obedience training is of fundamental importance. Humans need to maintain a certain level of control over the behaviors of an animal. 
     Typically, the first behavior which requires training is in relation to bathroom breaks. In a domestic situation for example, a dog must be trained to go outside to perform the function rather than soiling the interior. With repeated training over time, dog and caretaker come to understand behavioral patterns and the situation gradually comes under control. It is a manual process, and suffers from the following drawbacks: 
     Bathrooms breaks are not 100% repeatable in terms of time of occurrence, leading to the occasional ‘accident’. The timing can be dependent on variables having relatively large ranges and impacts, such as the amount of water consumed by the dog and the timing of the consumption. 
     Secondly, it is sometimes necessary to leave the dog in the care of a sitter, who would not have the same rapport with the animal, resulting in increased frequency of ‘mishaps’, which can be distressing for both sitter and animal. 
     A third problem relates to the sale or transfer of the animal—the new owner has to rebuild a new relationship with the animal, which again results in ‘mishaps’. This can be particularly difficult in the case of a guide dog, where the new owner is a blind person and unable to see the physical behavior of the animal. 
     Therefore, the need exists for a system than can provide feedback to the animal and communication to the trainer so as to allow for developing and rewarding certain behaviors. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Generally, the present disclosure provides an apparatus for training a domesticated animal, wherein the apparatus includes a first detector configured to generate a signal corresponding to a presence of the domesticated animal in a predetermined position relative to the first detector; and a controller operably connected to the first detector, the controller configured to (i) generate a feedback indicator perceptible by the animal after a first delay from the signal, and (ii) lockout for a predetermined period, a subsequent feedback indicator in response to a subsequent signal from the first detector. 
     The present disclosure further provides an apparatus for training a domesticated animal, wherein the apparatus includes a platform configured to be occupied by the domesticated animal, the platform having a weight sensor configured to generate a signal corresponding to a weight of the domesticated animal in response to a presence of the domesticated animal relative to the weight sensor; and a controller operably connected to the weight sensor, the controller configured to generate (i) a feedback indicator perceptible by the animal after a first delay from the generation of the signal and (ii) a caretaker message transmitted through a wireless communication to a portable communication device. 
     The present disclosure contemplates a method for training a domesticated animal, wherein the method includes the steps of receiving a signal from a detector, the signal corresponding to a presence of a domesticated animal in a predetermined location; generating, after a predetermined period of time, at least one of (i) a feedback indicator directed to the animal and (ii) a caretaker message directed to a caretaker; and delaying generation of a subsequent feedback indicator until after a given period from the generated feedback indicator. 
     The following will describe embodiments of the present disclosure, but it should be appreciated that the present disclosure is not limited to the described embodiments and various modifications of the invention are possible without departing from the basic principles. The scope of the present disclosure is therefore to be determined solely by the appended claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S) 
         FIG.  1    is schematic of a configuration of the present system including the platform, a controller, a first remote user and a second remote user. 
         FIG.  2    is a perspective view of an embodiment of the platform and controller using a mass sensing detector. 
         FIG.  3    is a perspective view of an embodiment of the platform and controller using a weight sensing detector and a local display. 
         FIG.  4    is a perspective view of art embodiment of the platform and controller using a weight sensing detector and a local display. 
         FIG.  5    is a perspective view of an embodiment of a mat with a pet detection system. 
         FIG.  6    is a perspective view of a an embodiment of a mat configured with embedded wireless communication and pet detection. 
         FIG.  7    is a perspective view of an embodiment of a mat configured with embedded wireless communication and radio-frequency identification (RFID) pet detection. 
         FIG.  8    is a perspective view of an embodiment of a platform configured with embedded wireless communication and radio-frequency identification (RFID) pet detection. 
         FIG.  9    is a schematic of the components of an electronic circuit of the controller. 
         FIG.  10    is a schematic of the components of an electronic circuit of the controller. 
         FIG.  11    is a schematic of the components of an electronic circuit of the controller having a detector employing light detection. 
         FIG.  12    is a schematic of the components of an electronic circuit of the controller having a detector employing infrared heat detector. 
         FIG.  13    is a schematic flow chart of the steps in generating a feedback indicator to the animal. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Referring to  FIG.  1   , the present system  10  includes a platform  20 , a detector (signal generator)  60 , a controller  100 , and at least one remote User Equipment (UE)  200 , wherein the system is configured for implementing selective behavior modification of a domesticated animal  12 . Generally, the animal  12  performs a desired behavior which is sensed by the detector  60  which in turn sends a signal to the controller  100 , wherein the controller is configured to subsequently generate (i) a feedback indicator to the animal and (ii) a caretaker message to the caretaker. 
     The domesticated animal  12  can be any of a variety of domesticated animals including, but not limited to cats, dogs, pigs, goats, horse, cows. For purposes of description, the present system is set forth in terms of the domesticate animal  12  being a dog, however it is understood the description is not limited to dogs. 
     The platform  20  provides a surface  22  in proximity to the ground, wherein the surface can be occupied by the animal  12 . In one configuration, the platform  20  is a mat  28  in proximity to the ground, wherein the mat is configured for the animal  12  to occupy. As the platform  20  can be the mat  28  with the controller  100  and the detector  60  embedded in the mat, the platform can thus be directly on the ground, without any intervening legs. However, it is understood the platform  20  can be any of a variety of configurations and heights, which accommodate occupation by the animal  12 . The platform  20  can include friction pads  24  on the surface exposed to the animal  12  as well as the surface contacting the ground, wherein the friction pads are configured to reducing slipping or the animal relative to the platform and the platform relative to the ground. 
     The platform  20  includes or cooperates with the detector  60 , wherein the detector is configured to detect an event, such as the presence of the animal  12  relative to the detector or the platform. The detector  60  generates an electrical signal in response to an event detection, such as a mechanical displacement in the detector, and communicates a corresponding signal to the controller  100 . The event can be the presence of the animal  12  in a predetermined area, or passed a predetermined line or area, as well as a weight of the animal, a sound of the animal, or an image of the animal. Thus, the event detection is the signal of the animal  12  performing or accomplishing the event. 
     The detector  60  can be any of a variety of mechanisms for sensing or detecting a weight, a location or presence, or a movement of the animal  12 . The detector  60  encompasses detection by any physical phenomenon such as optical, thermal, electrical, mechanical, or electromagnetic. Referring to  FIG.  2   , in one configuration, the detector  60  is a sensor  62  which responds to the mass of the animal  12  such as a weighing scale. The detectors  60 , such as weight sensors  62  or scales, can be located on a bottom of the platform  20 , thus providing an interface to the ground or floor. As seen in  FIG.  3   , the platform  20  can include a display  26  connected to the controller  100  for selectively displaying information, such as a weight of the animal  12 . As set forth below, the display  26  can also provide a feedback indicator, such as a light or visible signal to the animal  12 . 
     Referring to  FIG.  4   , the platform  20  can include a first detector  60   a  and a second detector  60   b , wherein the first detector is a weight sensor and the second detector is an accelerometer, wherein the accelerometer provides a signal to the controller corresponding to movement of the animal. Although two different detectors are shown, it is contemplated that the platform  20  can include two of the same type of detectors, or more than two detectors, wherein the detectors are all of the same type or different types. 
     Referring to  FIG.  5   , the platform  20  is configured as the mat  28 , wherein the detector  60  is embedded in the mat, and is a vibration or movement sensor such as an accelerometer, which is triggered by movement or positioning of the animal  12  on the platform. 
     As shown in  FIG.  6   , the platform  20  is configured as the mat  28 , wherein the detector  60  is an embedded strain gauge connected to the controller  100 . Thus, as the animal  12  steps on the detector, the strain gauge is mechanically displaced and the event is detected. 
     In the configuration of  FIG.  7   , the detector  60  incorporates an RFID reader  64 , as known in the art. The RFID reader  64  can detect the presence of proximal RFID tag. The RFID tag can be worn by the animal on a collar, or alternatively embedded in the animal  12 . Thus, when the RFID tag is within the readable range, the event detection occurs. As set forth above, it is contemplated the controller  100  can cooperate with a plurality of detectors  60 , thus as the RFID reader  64  provides a signal to the controller, a second detector such as an accelerometer or light beam can provide a separate signal to the controller, wherein the controller uses both signals to confirm generation of the feedback indicator and the caretaker message. 
     Referring to  FIG.  8   , the controller  100  is located on a bottom of the platform  20 , wherein the detector  60  is an RFID reader  64  connected to the controller. 
     In  FIG.  9   , the platform  20  is shown with at least one detector  60  connected to the controller  100 , wherein the controller includes an electrical interconnection circuit  102  interfacing with the detector, an analog to digital conversion circuit  104  along with a processor  106  and a communications module  108  such as a wireless communications circuit with two-way communications and an antenna  110 . 
     In  FIG.  10   , the platform  20  is shown with at least one detector  60  connected to the controller  100 , wherein the controller includes the electrical interconnection circuit  102  interfacing with the detector, the analog to digital conversion circuit  104  connected to the processor  106  in communication with the communications module  108  such as a wireless communications circuit with two-way communications and the antenna  110 , and wherein the platform includes the local display  26 . 
     As seen in  FIG.  11   , in a further configuration, the detector  60  includes a light source  66  and a light receiver  68  configured to provide the light, wherein the light receiver can directly detect light transmitted by the light source. The detector  60  detects the presence of the animal by disturbance of the light transmission between the light source  66  and light receiver  68 . Thus, an interruption of the light signal at the light receiver  68  indicates a presence of the animal  12  and thus is an event detection. In  FIG.  11   , the detector  60  includes the light source  66  and the light receiver  68  located, in substantially the same plane. In this configuration, the presence of the animal  12  is detected by disturbance of the reflected light from objects illuminated by the light source  66 . 
     In  FIG.  12   , the platform  20  is shown with at least one detector  60  connected to the controller  100 , wherein the controller includes the electrical interconnection circuit  102  interfacing with the detector, the analog to digital conversion circuit  104  in connected to the processor  106  in communication with the communications module  108 , such as a wireless communications circuit with two-way communications and the antenna  110 , wherein the detector is an infrared (IR) sensor  70 , and thus senses a local infrared radiation, such as associated with the animal  12 . A signal corresponding to the sensed local infrared radiation is sent from the detector  60  to the controller  100 . It is contemplated the IR sensor  70  can be an active sensor or a passive sensor, as known in the art. 
     The controller  100  includes electrical circuits, such as signal processors  106 , and can be implemented as a programmed desk or laptop computer, as well as a dedicated computer, circuitry, or processors. The controller  100  can be readily programmed to perform the recited calculations, or derivations thereof, to provide determinations of the detector as set forth herein. 
     Thus, the controller  100  can include the electrical circuit  102  in communication with the detector  60 . The controller  100  can regularly poll the detector  60  or an interrupt signal can be generated by the detector to indicate the event detection to the controller. The controller  100  can be configured to generate the feedback indicator corresponding to a combination of signals from a plurality of detectors  60 , wherein the controller employs the signals from the separate detectors to confirm a status, presence, or location of the animal  12 . 
     The controller  100  can also include or be in communication with a local memory  112  such as a non-volatile storage, and/or a remote storage, such as in the cloud  120 . The remote storage  120  can include processing capability or programming such as software as a service as a service (SaaS based AI and/or Machine Learning model) to learn about development and behavior of the respective domesticated animal or breed if the domesticated animal is a pure breed. 
     The communications module  108  of the controller  100  is configured to provide at least one of wireless or wired communication from the controller to the caretaker, such as a UE  200  of the caretaker. Thus, the controller  100  can include a transmitter  114  and a receiver  116  (shown in  FIG.  9   ) configured to provide wireless communication as known in the art. The UE  200  includes any smart phone, mobile phone, computer, tablet, wearable device, desktop, personal computer, and the like. An exemplary UE  200  can include a display, a user interface, a processor, a memory storing computer program instructions, a transmitter, and a receiver as known in the art. The UE  200  is operable to display, receive user inputs via the user interface (text or audio) and is able to transmit and receive data through wired or wireless connections. Examples of wireless UEs  200  to which communications can be sent are cellphone, personal computer, or ‘smart home’ device such as an Alexa® device of Amazon Technologies, Inc. or Google&#39;s Home device. 
     The system  10  can include a speaker or sound generator  80  for creating the feedback indicator that is perceptible by the animal  12 . The speaker  80  can be carried by the platform  20  and can be remote and receive a wireless transmission front the controller  100  to generate a corresponding sound. 
     The controller  100  is configured to generate the feedback indicator to the domesticated animal  12  and the caretaker message to at least one caretaker. 
     In generating the feedback indicator, the controller  100  is configured to generate the feedback indicator (an animal directed alert) alter a predetermined feedback delay from the event detection. If the animal  12  leaves the platform  20  prior to expiration of the feedback delay (a minimum period of time), then the controller reverts to await the next event detection. That is, only after the animal  12  has remained on platform  20 , or the designated area, for a time which is longer than the feedback delay, does the controller  100  generate the feedback indicator to the animal. The feedback indicator (animal directed alert) can be any indicator sensed by the animal  12 , such as a sound, a tone, a bell, whistle, as well as an imparted vibration to the platform  20 , or a visual signal such as a light which can be from a separate light or the display of the platform, as well as any combination or sub combination of these types of indicators. 
     The length of the feedback delay between the event detection and the feedback indicator can be set by the controller  100  to any of a variety of lengths. In one configuration, it has been found effective for the feedback delay between the event detection and the feedback indicator to be between 1 second and 30 seconds, and in further configurations, between 3 seconds and 7 seconds, with a 5 second delay having been appropriate. 
     If the feedback delay (predetermined amount of time) does not expire with the animal  12  in the corresponding location, then the controller  100  reverts to awaiting the next event detection. That is, if the animal  12  does not remain in the detecting (triggering) location or position for the entire feedback delay (predetermined amount of time), then the controller  100  does not provide the feedback indicator to the animal. 
     Conversely, once an animal  12  learns it will be rewarded for triggering an event detection (such as the animal learning it will be let out when the feedback indicator is given), the animal may then begin to trigger the event detection too often. The controller  100  includes an adjustable lockout period configured to prevent the animal  12  from triggering subsequent event detections within the lockout period (predetermined period). That is, the controller  100  locks out certain event detections from generating feedback indicator. The controller  100  can go into a lockout mode once the animal  12  has triggered a given number of event detections within a certain time, or even after a single event detection. The length of the lockout period is the time between the last feedback indicator and the next event detection that results in a feedback indicator. In one configuration, upon the controller  100  providing the feedback indicator for a given animal  12 , the controller will then go into the lockout mode for a certain amount of time, during which no feedback indicators will be generated. After the lockout period, the feedback indicator will be generated for that animal  12  upon the next event detection. The duration of the lockout period can be adjusted by the controller  100 . By setting the controller  100  to an appropriate lockout period, the controller can assist in preventing the unwanted behavior of too many feedback indicators and caretaker notifications. 
     In generating the caretaker message, the caretaker message can be subject to a caretaker delay between the event detection and the transmission of the caretaker message. Typically, the caretaker delay is as long or longer than the feedback delay. While it is contemplated the caretaker delay can be shorter than the feedback delay, such timing can result in “false” alarms with caretaker messages sent without the animal  12  getting the feedback indicator, it is expected that the caretaker delay will be equal to or slightly greater than the feedback delay. 
     The caretaker message can be a wireless transmission from the electrical circuit, such as the communications module of the controller to the caretaker, via the UE  200 . The controller  100  can be configured to generate the caretaker message to a number of pre-determined UEs  200 , such as at least one remote wireless device, including a cellphone, a personal computer, or a smart-home device such as Alexa device of Amazon Technology Inc or Google&#39;s Home device. 
     The controller  100  can include configured to wirelessly transmit the caretaker message such as an SMS, an e-mail, or a notification mobile applications to one or more remote wireless UEs  200  associated with the caretaker. The controller  100  can be programmed with the addresses to which the caretaker message is sent. These addresses could be in the form of cellphone numbers, e-mail addresses, IP addresses, or any combination thereof. In one configuration, these addresses can be changed by the user. For example, the cellphone number of a caretaker, such as a dog sitter, can be added if they are placed in charge of the animal  12 . This could be done via an application on a cellphone. 
     In addition to transmitting the event detection in the caretaker message, the controller  100  can include additional data with the caretaker message, including but not limited to physiological data associated with the event detection, such as weight. It is further contemplated, the controller  100  can transmit the caretaker message to the remote storage for contemporaneous or subsequent analysis. In one configuration, the data at the remote storage  120  can be accessed by or provided to further caretakers, such as veterinarians or even research institutes. 
     In one configuration of the controller  100 , the processor  106  records time-stamped information relating to the occurrence of the event detection. In those configurations of the platform  20  that include the weight sensing detector, the controller  100  can record select time stamped data of the event detection such as the time of the behavior or action time and the sensed weight. The recorded data can be retained in the format of the local non-volatile storage and/or the remote storage in the cloud. The recorded data of the event detection (such as behavior action times, weight, etc.) can also be electronically shared with a remote caretaker, such as a veterinarian. As set forth above, the recorded data also be analyzed at the remote location in a SaaS based AI and/or Machine Learning model to learn about animal breed development and behavior. It is contemplated that the UE  200  can include software to provide output displays of historic weigh information in any of a variety s of formats, such as but not limited to charts or tables. 
     In other configurations, the platform  20  can include or the controller  100  can be operably connected to additional sensors  62  incorporated into the platform. The additional sensors  62  can be configured for sensing heart rate, heart rate regularity, breathing rate, or blood oxygenation levels of the animal as known in the art. The sensors  62  can also include image capture or optical sensors as well as electrical sensors configured to detect physiological signals from the animal  12 . Further sensors  62  can provide local environmental data such as but not limited to temperature humidity and even brightness. 
     The controller  100  can also be configured to identify the animal  12  that triggered the event detection. In one configuration, if there is a larger dog and a smaller dog, the controller  100  can be configured to relate a given weight or band of weight to the first dog and a different weight or band of weights to the second dog. Thus, the behavior of each dog can be independently tracked by the controller  100 , and the corresponding feedback delay, feedback indicator, caretaker delay, and lockout period can be applied. It is contemplated a variety of mechanisms can be used to distinguish different animals  12 , such as weight, RFID tags, image recognition, as well as speech/voice recognition. Thus, as the controller  100  can distinguish between animals  12  triggering the event detection, one animal may have a first feedback delay, a first caretaker delay, and a first lockout period and a second animal can have a second feedback delay, a second caretaker delay, and a second lockout period, wherein the delays are different from each other and the lockouts are different from each other. Therefore, the controller  100  can associate the event detection with a specific animal  12  and then apply the corresponding feedback delay to generating the feedback indicator, the corresponding caretaker delay in transmitting the caretaker message, as well as the corresponding associated lockout period. 
     It is contemplated the platform  20  can be positioned inside an animal housing such as a kennel. The detected physiological signals from the animal  12  can be used by the facility or the caretaker to measure animal physiology, since in many cases the kennel may be in a stressful environment for the animal, such as extremes of temperature, or prolonged confinement. Measurement of animal stress or other physiological signals can alert the caretaker to problems which need to be addressed. 
     Referring to  FIG.  13   , in one embodiment, the system  10  operates by the steps of (i) detecting, from the detector  60 , the presence of the animal on the platform  20 ; (ii) continuing to monitor the detector to ensure the animal remains on the platform during the feedback delay (a predetermined amount of time); and (iii) upon expiration of the feedback delay (predetermined amount of time), presenting the feedback indicator to the animal. 
     In one configuration, presenting the feedback indicator to the animal, includes activating the speaker to generate an audible signal after the feedback delay. 
     In addition, the method can include the step of the controller  100  generating the caretaker message (such as an electronic message) and transmitting the caretaker message to the caretaker after any caretaker delay (before, at or after expiration of the feedback delay), wherein the caretaker message can be automatically sent to the pre-determined remote UE  200 , such as a wireless device or devices, such as a cellphone, personal computer, or ‘smart home’ device such as Amazon&#39;s Alexa or Google&#39;s Home device. The caretaker message can include weight information for general information or recording purposes. Software on the remote wireless UE can provide output displays of historic weigh information such as charts or tables. 
     In a further configuration, the controller  100  can be connected either directly or wirelessly to a door or a door actuator, which could be activated on command from the controller. The controller  100 , in response to the signal from the detector  60  (the event detection), can instruct the door or actuator so as to selectively let the animal  12  pass through the door. In select configurations, the controller  100  is operably connected to the door (or the actuator), wherein the controller can dispose the door (or the actuator) between an open position and a closed position. Thus, the controller  100  can allow the animal to pass through the door without requiring any caretaker intervention. The present system  10  can accommodate when the caretaker is remote, such as at work during daytime hours, and the animal  12  can be given automatic access to a garden area. 
     In operation, the first step in the use of the present system is to train the animal  12 . Animals, and in particular canines, can be trained using classical conditioning methods. For example, the Pavlov&#39;s Dog technique involves positive reinforcement by means of a reward system when the dog behaves correctly. In the case of the present system, the dog receives a reward (the dog will get let out to relieve itself), once it has completed a certain action (i.e. mounting the platform and waiting for the audible sound (the feedback indicator)). 
     More specifically, teaching a dog to “place” is a common training practice, such as from the American Kennel Club, How to Teach Your Dog to Go to Their Place, by Stephanie Gibeault, December 2020. The present system  10  adapts this common command and utilizes it for animal to human communication. For example, the dog learns that its “place” is on the platform when it needs to communicate to a human that it needs to go outside for bathroom purposes. 
     Thus, the animal  12  is first trained to carry out a particular behavior, such as going to the platform  20 , occupying the platform, and waiting until a short predetermined time (the feedback delay) has elapsed (typically on the order of less than 10 seconds) until the feedback indicator is provided, such as the sound. In training, this sound alerts any caretakers within audible range that the animal requires attention, and the appropriate action can be taken such as opening a door. 
     With suitable training, the dog will gradually associate its own action with a particular desired human reaction. Once this stage is reached the training phase is complete, and the dog can carry out the action autonomously. An advantage of the present system  10  is that once the training is complete, anybody, not necessarily the original trainer, can understand what the dog is attempting to communicate, in contrast with prior systems in which the caretaker is required to interpret the actions of the dog. 
     As set forth above, the controller  100  can also alert remote caretakers by wireless messaging, such as electronic SMS, e-mail or mobile applications notification. This remote messaging is advantageous when the caretaker is temporarily outside audible range of the controller. In addition, this feature allows the remote monitoring of the dog&#39;s behavior when the primary caretaker is remote and a secondary caretaker is attending to the dog. Further, the recording of the behavior pattern of the animal allows the event data to be passed to the remote processing where the data can be recorded and analyzed. 
     As set forth above, the message from the controller  100  can also be sent to a home monitoring device such as the Alexa® device, which could provide an audible broadcast message throughout a household, or automatically activate a door release mechanism to allow the dog out. By incorporating the voice-based AI-powered digital assistant, the need for the dog to wear a special door-opening device, such as those currently required by current devices on the market is removed. 
     As set forth above, the controller  100  can also measure the weight of the animal  12  while the animal is on the platform  20 . This additional information can be sent within the caretaker message for the purposes of monitoring weight over time. The capture of weight information can be used in the monitoring and management of weight, weight reduction, growth of young dogs, pregnancy progress. 
     The disclosure provides a method including the steps of (i) detecting, by the detector  60 , a presence of the animal  12  on the platform  20 , wherein the detecting can be through a periodic polling of the detector, or by an interrupt signal generated by the detector; (ii) continuing to monitor the detector to ensure that the animal remains on the platform for a minimum period of time, such as the feedback delay; and (iii) upon passing the minimum period of time, such as the feedback delay, presenting the feedback indicator to the animal, such as activating a speaker to generate an audible alert. 
     An additional advantage of the present system  10  lies in that it can simplify the bathroom training process and enhance the obedience of the animal  12 . It can also be beneficial to the relationship between the caretaker and their pet or working animal companion, as the system provides another mode of communication. 
     This disclosure has been described in detail with particular reference to an embodiment, but it will be understood that variations and modifications can be effected within the spirit and scope of the disclosure. The presently disclosed embodiments are therefore considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is indicated by the appended claims, and all changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalents thereof are intended to be embraced therein.