Need some help - Cattle Dog in hunt mode on walks
I have a 2-3 year old cattle dog who is an incredibly sweet boy. He is well trained in the house and he has recall when going to the dog park (he's nice with other dogs as well).
The problem is whenever we go on walks he enters hunt mode with his head down scanning back and forth. He then starts tuning commands out and will pull on his leash to go into an army march. I've been trying to teach him to stay by my side until I "release" him to go do the things he wants to no avail. We have tried treats, shorter leashes, face leads (he's chewed through 4 and goes wild on them trying to get them off) to even a no pull prong collar which he still tries to pull you down the street on. I have been correcting him, stopping the walk until he stops, etc. but 5 seconds later he is right back at it. There doesn't seem to be the invisible leash with him and no matter how many times you correct him he'll go right back at it 5 seconds later.
It makes walking or hiking with him an unpleasant experience. Does anyone have any suggestions. This is my 5th dog, second cattle dog and I've never had this problem.