A dispensing system (200) for chewable pet toys (100) contains multiple
toys and dispenses them at intervals determined by one or more modes of
operation. A display (220) and keypad (400) are used to enter programming
data into the memory of a microprocessor (315). When the system is in
operation, the display indicates progress through the program, the mode
of operation whether MANUAL, RANDOM, or BMOD (behavior modification), the
time elapsed, and the number of toys remaining. At various times, sounds
emanate from a loudspeaker (320), vibration emanates from a vibrator
(328), light emanates from a light source (325), and odor emanates from
an odor generator (327). Toys are dispensed down a ramp (225), at
predetermined times, or at predetermined times modified by random
numbers. Predetermined dispensations permit modification of the pet's
behavior (BMOD). Random variations on a predetermined schedule of
dispensations (RANDOM) prevent the pet from memorizing a schedule.
Multiple, simultaneous dispensations or jackpots reward the pet and
maintain the pet's level of interest in the dispensing system. The
various stimuli along with the dispensing-time modes prevent habituation
and keep the pet interested, contented, and stimulated.