Timer Dog Feeder: A Customized Solution for Separation Anxiety

Are you tired of leaving your furry friend alone at home with nothing to do? Do you struggle with separation anxiety and the guilt that comes with it? Look no further than the timer dog feeder, a customizable solution designed specifically for pet owners like you. In this article, we'll take a closer look at this innovative device and how it can help make your life easier.

Design and Functionality

The timer dog feeder features a simple yet effective design that allows you to control when and how often your dog receives treats. With its small footprint and compact design, this device is perfect for any room in the house. On the outside, you'll find two connectors - USB and DC - which provide normal operating power and programming capabilities, respectively. A colorful pushbutton adds an extra layer of manual control, allowing you to feed your dog a single portion at a time.

Microcontroller Magic

At the heart of this device is an Arduino Duemilanove board, a precursor to the popular Uno microcontroller. This small machine may seem simple, but it's what makes the timer dog feeder truly versatile and capable of so much more than just basic timing functionality. With its ability to receive programming commands via USB, you can customize your dog's feeding schedule to suit their individual needs.

Mechanical Components

Underneath the hood, you'll find a regular standard-sized RC servo that drives the food pellet transportation mechanism. This is where things get interesting - initially, we planned to use a small Chinese stepper motor and worm gear to transport the pellets, but unfortunately, they got stuck and the motor proved too weak to overcome the issue.

Why Choose a Timer Dog Feeder?

There are many pet feeders already on the market, but we wanted to create something unique that would cater specifically to our needs. As someone with a dog suffering from separation anxiety, I understand the importance of providing a distraction and comfort during periods of alone time. This device is designed to do just that - by periodically giving your dog treats over a shorter period, you can help alleviate their stress and anxiety.

The timer dog feeder is more than just a clever solution for pet owners with separation anxiety. It's a testament to the power of DIY ingenuity and the potential for customization that microcontrollers bring to the table. With its compact design, easy programming, and mechanical components, this device is sure to become a trusted companion for many furry friends around the world.

Timer dog feeder