When I got my puppy she was a really quick learner, but even applying proper training techniques, I could not get her to stay by my side when walking. The halti collar worked great, you just have to keep them moving at first. Then after a few months of having her walk right beside me, I switched up to a normal leash and continued with the training and she has walked by my side ever since. In my experience, you have to be willing to try new things if something isnt working after a while. I got to the point where I wasnt wanting to go on walks, but the halti turned things around. FYI, there are other brands besides halti. Im not trying to plug any one brand.

One other point. Walk on lead next to walls so you can step in front of the dog when they try to get in front. Change directions often. Cut them off going around trees. If they start to pull ahead, take a left (or a right), but keep walking, and dont make eye contact. If you can see out of the corner of your eyes that they are looking at you, give soft praise, but dont make eye contact! This was a big help with keeping the dog by my side.