Sounds like you need to start re-training the "walk" or "heel" in an environment where there are zero distractions... like a bedroom. Once the dog "gets it", then move another part of the house where there might be more distractions.

I have no idea how long this might take, but I would guess you should expect the process of perfecting a walk to extend into months of training... correctly.

 Quote: mike hawker

Sounds like you need to start re-training the "walk" or "heel" in an environment where there are zero distractions... like a bedroom. Once the dog "gets it", then move another part of the house where there might be more distractions.

A HUGE ditto. And as Johan says, teaching a dog to walk properly isn't the same as taking him on a walk.

They do not have to have the same command, even; "heel" and "let's go," for example, are what I use for proper heeling, and for going for a walk.

Personally, I start to teach virtually all commands indoors, with zero distraction, with a not-full-of-frustrated-energy dog.

Then another room.

The empty yard is the next venue (and also the next level of distraction).

Yeah, back to square one I think. I'm sure I'll be able to get him to heel in obedience class next week. When we do it quickly at a run, he's usually right by my side or when we walk in a small circle. It's frustrating because all you hear is you have to exercise your dog and I was on a great schedule- am & pm and now I have to stop for weeks or months it sounds like. Doctors orders for me to get out everyday, guess I'll have to walk alone for awhile.
There is no way I could do an ecollar without professional help. He's a submissive pee-er as it is. The one thing I don't understand- is if he pees submissively, doesn't he see himself as lower in the pack?

 Quote:

When we do it quickly at a run

Because you are keeping up with your dog, rather than your dog keeping up with you.

Slow down, way way down, like you're walking in slow motion. Use a ball or hotdog to lure the dog and mark/reward for the correct position.

 Quote: Leslie Downey

It's frustrating because all you hear is you have to exercise your dog and I was on a great schedule- am & pm and now I have to stop for weeks or months it sounds like. Doctors orders for me to get out everyday, guess I'll have to walk alone for awhile.

Try the 'follow the leader' technique that Johan and I suggested. Sure you may not walk 2-3 miles in a straight line but you can do it in turns and switchbacks.

Plus I'd add that sure you are getting exercise on a people walk. But really a youngish bigger dog like your Bouvier would barely get warmed up on a people walk, just to compound on the pulling issue he is probably frustrated by not exercising enough himself. You need to separate your exercise needs from his as they are totally different IMHO. YMMV.

Good point. I will try the follow the leader- starting with a short time for the next week or two and see how he does. When I have to take him someplace, what do I do? Do I keep correcting him if he pulls? I will try to keep him inside until he gets it, but we may have to travel. We do have a fenced yard although small, we play ball in the yard. Although I know I should have a training line on him he has chewed through several, even soaked in bitter apple, so I've sort of given up on that. Thanks for all your advice.

 Quote: Leslie Downey

Good point. I will try the follow the leader- starting with a short time for the next week or two and see how he does. When I have to take him someplace, what do I do? Do I keep correcting him if he pulls?

Do a 180o walk a few feet and do another 180o so you are back on track. Make it a game so that he is forced to pay attention to you. Even now my dog she heels like a champ I like to throw in random changes of direction to keep her sharp. You can reward with small pieces of treat when the dog is in proper position. I wish I had a video of it to show you. Once you see it done it is actually pretty easy to pick up. Good luck with it!

 Quote: leslie downey

Good point. I will try the follow the leader- starting with a short time for the next week or two and see how he does. When I have to take him someplace, what do I do? Do I keep correcting him if he pulls? I will try to keep him inside until he gets it, but we may have to travel. We do have a fenced yard although small, we play ball in the yard. Although I know I should have a training line on him he has chewed through several, even soaked in bitter apple, so I've sort of given up on that. Thanks for all your advice.

I know it really seems like a lot to take in, but it can take some dogs as little a 5-10 minutes to "get it". The key is timing. Plan ahead (seriously - rehearse a few times without the dog attached to the leash if necessary) and be ready to leave the dog behind when it gets a head of you. What I mean is, as soon as the dog is out of position abruptly change directions and head in another direction quickly. Like mentioned earlier, you may step on paws a few times. The object in this walk is not about the distance, its about teaching the dog to walk properly. Even if you never get past your driveway the first few days, that's ok! And praise HEAVILY when the dog falls back in place beside you or sticks with you on a turn. As for the leash chewing, the dog needs to learn it is YOUR leash and therefore off limits. Do you crate your dog? If you don't, you may want to try it. It will help with sorting out issues. If you only let the dog out when you can supervise the dog can't hide off in a corner and chew. A great way to accomplish this is by tethering the dog to you when it is out of it's crate. Any leash chewing can be stopped instantly, and you can also be working on the dog following after you as you move about the house doing regular everyday things.

Leslie check your PM's.

Today went much better. It took us several minutes to get out of the driveway and we only walked in front of a couple of houses. We zigged, we zagged. He definitely gets it, he anticipates the turns. It was by far the longest we walked in one direction without a pull. Apart from the squirrel and the 2 birds he did really well. Then we went into the yard and fetched the ball. He definitely got a lot more exercise this way, than just a fast walk for 30 mins. Thanks guys. Saw the video Mike, yeah we actually looked like that.
I can ride my bike if I need exercise. I'm hoping I can take him along on bike rides when he's older, but it's a little scary if the prey drive kicks in.