HE ate 10' of Leash?? Leather? Nylon?? You may have a little problem here.

 Quote: joy van veen

I find reading all these food motivation, and toy motivation posts interesting. But it's as if it's a different language. As a guide dog trainer, having a GD (guide dog) food motivated is only a little less of a no-no than being ball obsessed.

This is not a criticism. Different needs mean different tools and approaches, so carry on by all means. But sometimes I automatically cringe when I hear descriptions of how food or toy driven a dog is and how that's a good thing. LOL

I work with alert dogs, one or two groups a year, and the local Center for the Blind TD has the same POV. When we partner up with seizure alert dogs (a motley crew, as you probably know), he learns more about marker training -- and I learn more about being very very patient with "my way is the only way."

I do have to say, IMHO, that a dog who is not food-driven has something awry in the genetics .... food drive is pretty much a given in a healthy dog. Again, JMO.

 Quote: steve strom

HE ate 10' of Leash??

Dried-cow linguini?

Or a three foot piece twisted up in his intestines.

 Quote: steve strom

Or a three foot piece twisted up in his intestines.

Yep. I won't even give rawhide treats, and they are not several FEET.

I hope he poops out 30 or 40 little pieces.

 Quote: Connie Sutherland

I do have to say, IMHO, that a dog who is not food-driven has something awry in the genetics .... food drive is pretty much a given in a healthy dog. Again, JMO.

In most cases I would say you are correct in that having a food drive is a fairly normal natural behavior. There are always as with anything a degree of normal following the usual variability model with extremes on either end.

For instance there are dogs with low food drive where you offer them what should be a fairly high value morsel when they're hungry and they are fully willing to walk away without taking interest in the item. My first dog was like this and still to an extent is like this. He responds much better to play and praise than any kind of food reward.

There are low to moderates who will do something for you if the treat is tasty enough or they are hungry enough. These dogs usually have a sense of being full from time to time.

There are moderate to above average who will learn fairly enthusiastically on pretty average fair (dry kibble or biscuits) even after being fed.

Above average to extreme. Dogs that will eat anything food or non food even on a full stomach to the point of harming themselves. Hence my lab who will eat grass, rocks, wood, and ceramic dishes, is willing to tackle you for a piece of kibble, usually with frantic enthusiasm.

Yes, of course all this is true.


But I was responding to this:

"As a guide dog trainer, having a GD (guide dog) food motivated is only a little less of a no-no than ..... " and I was making the point that nature dictates that a normal healthy dog would indeed be food-motivated. Food drive is pretty much a given.

And getting waaaay off-topic, too ....

Yes 10 ft of leather leash. You can just imagine how frantic I was when I realized it. He has been pooping out small pieces of leather for 3 days now. Still lots in there but he seems to be doing well. Thank god.

I bought a cotton leash and sprayed it with bitter apple and he likes the taste of it and licked most of the leash. I watched him and kept telling him no. Needless to say I don't take my eyes off him anymore and make sure I can actually see what's in his mouth.

I would say he falls in the extreme category. This is my first experience with a dog like this.


I am sure it is going to be an adventure every day with him.

 Quote: Cassy Cooper

I bought a cotton leash and sprayed it with bitter apple and he likes the taste of it and licked most of the leash.

So you marinated the leash for him?

My dog is the same way. Spicy, sour....it ALL taste good.