We've done basic obedience classes and Dudley has an excellent sit, down, stay. We are looking into getting him to an intermediate class in the near future; although the deadline for the winter class has sadly passed us by
It's just when we get out in public and he sees all the animals and people he just wants to tug and pull so badly to get to them. I agree there is no replacement to teaching him the right way to walk.
We went to our local pet store today to try and find a martingale collar, but alas, no such luck. We ended up trying on a variety of harnesses though and I ended up coming home with one. I know that people say it makes them pull harder, but so far, I have seem a major improvement in his walking. He actually stops and looks back at me frequently and he's not gagging or having his eyes turn red from the strain on his neck, so I am very happy.
I'm still going to look for a martingale collar, but for the time being, this seems to be working as well as does the practice we have been putting in. I've never been a huge fan of "choke" collars as I have seen them used improperly way too many times.
Thanks for all of your suggestions and advice guys!