Good thoughts desired - Page 3

WONDERFUL news, sometimes miracles do happen...

As the vet directed that I go back to feeding frequent small meals-I'm looking for a timed feeder that can be used on a wire crate-I do not think I would be comfortable with some of the ones I've seen that would have to be set inside the crate-I think she would rip them apart (then there's the batteries)-she is VERY food motivated!!  I would like to find something that could be set definitely for one, better yet two feedings-on the days I work, I can never be sure when I may be back home.

It's time to take her for a walk-she is doing great and we certainly do appreciate all of the thoughts you guys have sent our way!!

Deb

Great news, so pleased for both you and your dog that things turned out okay,

Wow! God was smiling on both of you! Have you considered using any digestive enyzmes like prozyme?

 

The vet has me giving her 30mg of Ranitidine twice a day; with all three section of her stomach being enlarged, the vet is convinced that is was a motility issue, the dog has also been switched to a bland diet fed 3X a times a day. Thankfully she is very much back to her normal self!  She also has not been allowed the free range of our acreage-too many mushrooms in the woods . . . .

For a timed feeder, look into Lebristro.  I use it for my dog with Mega E.  Price was reasonable and it had the best reviews on-line.

Pros

  Timing is good and consistent

  food dish can be separated from container

  Can set up for 3 meals a day; if needed, can have it dispense more than the "2 cups"

Cons

   Made of plastic; may not hold up to a high drive dog.   You might be able to put the container outside of a crate and adjust the dispenser/food bowl inside the create.

   If used outside, ants get in it.  I counter this by just having enough food for the day and putting ant bait around the kennel.  It is not 100%, but it works better than nothing.

   Food dispensed is not exact; 1 cup may not dispense 1 cup (usually less).  I played around with it for a day or two and adjusted as needed.

For a timed feeder, look into Lebristro.  I use it for my dog with Mega E.  Price was reasonable and it had the best reviews on-line.

Pros

  Timing is good and consistent

  food dish can be separated from container

  Can set up for 3 meals a day; if needed, can have it dispense more than the "2 cups"

Cons

   Made of plastic; may not hold up to a high drive dog.   You might be able to put the container outside of a crate and adjust the dispenser/food bowl inside the create.

   If used outside, ants get in it.  I counter this by just having enough food for the day and putting ant bait around the kennel.  It is not 100%, but it works better than nothing.

   Food dispensed is not exact; 1 cup may not dispense 1 cup (usually less).  I played around with it for a day or two and adjusted as needed.

Thanks Fawndella-I will check it out, but so far I haven't seen one that would be applicable, she is highly food motivated and will spend a long time trying to get the one piece of kibble that someone knocked out of their bowl and rolled under the edge of the crate-not too sure just how long plastic would last with her either . . .

I am not sure what method you use for training, but maybe incorporate the clicker method or something like it.  I know the dispenser above makes a distinct sound when it activates.  Something like:

       No food in dispenser; you are the dispenser.

       Dispenser makes sound and she sits by bowl for food (or does not touch the dispenser) - treat provided

       Dispenser makes sound and she drives for the food (or touches the dispenser) - no treat provided

 

Just a thought.  Good luck and I am glad all is goind well

Hey Fawndella,

Training is not the issue-nor am I a fan of clicker training, but that is not either here or there; most units are not created to be attached to the outside of a crate not to mention the neccesity of modifying the the crate-as for placing a unit inside the crate-now we have the potiential for problems-as mentioned the dog is highly food motivated-she would not leave the unit alone until she managed to either figured how to get it open or destroy it in the process-then there would be the issue of batteries rolling about-not good!  But I appreciate the suggestions!