We've never had set meals for the dogs. I didn't decide this, that's just the way it's always been. We have one larger food bowl that is filled on both sides, and then a large thing filled with water. We just make sure there is always food and water there. I believe if we fed them at a certain time and took the food away after Smokey would never eat. They just eat when they feel like, and as much as they feel like....and they are healthy, not overweight. But probably not all dogs would do ok with this.

As far as the gender...I've had these two dogs my entire life, so I've never really had a female to compare the males with. I've heard females are sometimes calmer and less likely to escape, but hey, I think it really depends on the dog and owner.