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Great progress! I kind of feel that if he is asking to go to the bathroom you could just act like he is potty trained when you are out and take him whenever he says he needs to go. Sometimes it is hard for them to pee on command. During potty training I had to take my DS six times (lost count actually but he asked every time) while we were in the same restaurant and he only produced pee one time. But it let him know that going in the diaper is no longer an option.
We don't even use the portable seat topper any more it was just gross and he didn't even like it. The gap in the public seat is a little unnerving but I just let it go and tell myself he will get a bath later. I try to cover with toilet paper but most times my DS wants to remove it because it bothers him. It takes a little persistence and patience but I think you are doing great and it sounds like it's clicking. Not sure if I answered your questions!

We're not far into potty training, but LO has done really well so far. I feel I might have a little bit to contribute. I must say, though, that I'm not one to do more work than needed for this kind of stuff. For instance, we do treats if she goes to the potty and remembers to ask when she's successful. I am not going to buy paraphanalia and make charts and go all out if she doesn't need that kind of motivation. So, if you're the kind of parent that wants to cover all bases from the get-go (no shame in that game!), then my bare bones approach is not the best for you.

We're not doing anything extra as far as making potty breaks outside of the house more like home. She's going to have to learn to use those toilets, and I think the best way to do that is practice. Plus, I really don't want to carry around a potty seat. Gross. We will keep a little potty in the car for emergencies.

Second, my LO doesn't see any difference between regular panties and training pants. Yes, the training pants are a tiny bit thicker, but if she's really going to wet her pants the lining does no good. It's not enough.

We've been out and about since day 1, and the best thing for us has been teaching her to empty he bladder before we leave and giving her many opportunities to potty in restsurants/stores/church/etc. She's only going to learn by experience.

@irene: any chance he's afraid of the loud flushes from public toilets?

@irene: good luck!! He really may have inherited your Dh's dislike for public restrooms... I have a friend who does not allow anyone in her family, kids included, to use a public restroom to do poop... Only pee allowed.. I couldn't believe it but I guess they just learn to hold it... People adjust and so do kids... He will get it (hopefully soon)!

@irene: yeah my DH won't take my DD to the men's restroom but he's ok to take my DS. Apparently they really can be a lot grosser than women's ...

@irene: Well when DS was small I would have him stand on the toilet and pee into that way when in public - but it doesn't sound like your DH would go for that!

I've got a girl, so not really any suggestions for the standing bit. Our approach has been very similar to @Weagle: We didn't use training pants or a small toilet. We bought a ring for our toilet at home and underwear. We always offer the bathroom before we leave home. And we offered the bathroom frequently when out.

Regarding public bathrooms, with the seat gap, I often had LO sit to the side. Public bathrooms are loud! LO is just now learning to accept auto-flush toilets (almost 6 months in) and she still despises hand dryers. Flush the toilet first, let him see how loud it is and what it does.

Regarding your husband, I feel like he needs to get on board. I think that's how our daughter grasped so much quickly. She went to the bathroom with me. She saw how it works through observation. We are expecting #2, and I told my husband very plainly if this one were to be a boy (it's not) that he'd have to take the reins with training. DH and I are both now comfortable with him taking LO to the bathroom in public too.