haha.. no, he has not associate going potty as getting into trouble, because when he potty in the right place, he will be running to me for compliments,, or pat on the head..
dogs are smart, i think they just try to act dump, when they don't want to do what u want them to do.. when i command my dog 'crate'.. he just give u the look 'what are u talking about?'.. but i am so sure he knows it!