Sent by: Marcus T. | Austin, TX | Rescue mutt owner

I need help. My dog is a leash-eating machine, and I’m losing my mind (and my money).

His name is Remy. He’s a 1-year-old rescue—some kind of Lab/Shepherd/chaos demon mix. I’ve had him for 4 months, and in that time, he has destroyed FIVE LEASHES.

Not just chewed them. Destroyed them. Completely severed. In half.

It always happens the same way. We’re on a walk. Everything’s fine. Then he sees a squirrel or another dog or a plastic bag blowing in the wind, and he lunges. I hold him back. And then—because apparently he’s a genius-level problem solver—he turns around and starts chewing the leash while I’m still holding it.

By the time I realize what’s happening, he’s halfway through it.

I’ve tried everything:

Rope leashes? Chewed through in 10 minutes.

Thick nylon? Chewed through in 20 minutes.

Leather? Honestly lasted the longest (like 3 days), but also cost me $40 and now it’s destroyed too.

Chain leash? He can’t chew through it, but he HATES it. He refuses to walk. Just sits down and looks at me like I’ve betrayed him.

I thought maybe he was bored, so I started bringing toys on walks. Didn’t help. He ignores the toy and goes straight for the leash.

I thought maybe he was anxious, so I tried calming treats. Also didn’t help.

My friend suggested a trainer, so I signed up for a class. The trainer watched Remy chew his leash during the session and said, “Wow. He’s committed.” THANKS, SUPER HELPFUL.

The trainer did give me some tips:

• Redirect him the second he starts chewing
• Use a bitter spray on the leash
• Work on his impulse control
• Consider a hands-free waist leash so he can’t reach it as easily

I tried the bitter spray. Remy looked me dead in the eye and kept chewing. I don’t think he cared.

The waist leash thing actually helped a little? He can’t turn around and grab it as easily. But he still tries.

Here’s the thing that’s driving me crazy: I know this is a training issue. I know I need to be more consistent and patient. But every time I buy another leash, I feel like an idiot. I’m basically funding his destructive hobby at this point.

Also, I’m running out of leashes. I’m down to one backup, and I’m terrified to use it because it’s my last one.

Does anyone have a leash recommendation for aggressive chewers? Or tips on how to break this habit? Or should I just accept that I’ll be buying leashes for the rest of my life?

At this point, I’m considering getting a leash made out of steel cable. Is that a thing? Can someone make that a thing?