This seems to be a problem for many people. It certainly is for us. So far, a rather classic story: DS never showed any signs of being ready to be use the potty/toilet. We started potty training him when he was about 2 years and 9 months, he got wees fast, but still poos in his pants now at 3 years and 1 month. He also never asks to go to the toilet and will wee in his pants unless I or DH sit take the initiative. He is out of nappies for nights too (refuses to wear them), but wets the bed half the time.
I would like to ask people who had this experience with their children - how long did it take for your children to "get it"? Did you do anything to make it happen?
I am a bit peed off (pun not intended) by the whole promise of potty training being so easy if you only wait till the "right time". If I knew beforehand that it would be such a massive issue, I would have started potty training DS much, much earlier. I went to kindergarten in a country where early potty training was the norm, and I do not remember any children there (all were older than 3) being smelly or having accidents.