We have an amazing cocker (18 months) - beautiful nature, well behaved, never had any problems in the house, walks well on the lead on the pavement, good recall and obedient.
However if we go for a walk (on lead) and he sees open land, a green space or any of the spaces we allow him off lead, he becomes completely uncontrollable. He will start pulling so hard and whining at the top of his voice - if you let go at any stage, he would run across roads to get to the space.
We have seen 2 trainers - first one said she thought it was an issue as he has a walker who takes him to fenced in green space (in a van) and he's allowed to do what he wants so he's learned green space = off lead/do what I like. Second trainer said to turn around when he behaves like that and go home but even if we do that, he doesn't seem to learn that if he behaves that way we don't go.
It is starting to really worry me. Today he spotted a village green and he was actively trying to throw himself off the pavement to cross the road to get to it. I end up with his lead so tight he's practically walking only on his hind legs. I know it sounds odd as cockers are small but he's incredibly hard to hold on to and it looks like we are wrestling with him as he's not walking properly but basically throwing his full weight towards the open space. Nothing distracts him when he's like this (no food/treats) for long though he will sit (though whines loudly) but the minute he's out of the sit, he goes straight back to throwing himself towards the space.
Has anyone got any tips? I think it's the behaviourist next from here!