picking up my leer 100XR soon need some advice

Yes, sit inside with the tailgate down (so you can get in/out) and the back glass down and latched. See how the dogs are popping it open from their perspective. Then you may be able to tell what parts need replaced.
I sat like this in mine when I had to replace the cables.

 

Be interesting to know if the dogs have learned to pull the escape handle. Look for teeth marks.

 

I work at a leer dealer and they weren't lying to you about the latch system not being able to be replaced with a different style. Other companies use the rod system but the cable system that leer uses is a much higher quality design. Of course it wasn't designed to be "dog proof". I think that you just have to be creative and maybe try some of the suggestions that others have said.

Good luck.

 

Pretty sure they're just bumping up against the cable, as there's an exposed section right near where it connects to the latch thing on each side. Tried this myself and it popped right open.

 

Yeah, I had the rod type latch on my last cap. I was actually thinking I could replace the two cable pull latches with T-handle locks- I measured everything and found parts online that seem like they'll work. I'll report back once I get the parts and give it a shot.