OK, not posted an update for a couple of days.
Yesterday we ventured a bit further, out onto the main road, as all seemed quiet. As soon as we got out of the cul de sac, he was excited to be off somewhere, nose to the ground and pulling like a crazy thing. So we didn't go far, I just kept stopping and putting him back where I wanted him. I did the same again a few hours later, and he was doing ok, so we went a bit further up the street, but then I realised it was 3.15 as I saw children swarming out of the village school (my fault, for not being aware of the time). However, he did a nice long 'sit, stay' whilst they all went by. so I let him onto the green for a sniff as a reward, and then back home again.
Today we've just been up to the green and back, but he's pulling like a train and nose down again. He wouldn't look at me, didn't listen, etc. A lady appeared on the horizon with a very small dog (French Bulldog, I think?), I got him to 'sit and stay' so they could pass by, all was going well, but then he jumped up to greet the dog as it passed.
I feel like I'm getting a bit short on patience. Do you think I have forged ahead too quickly? I'm keen to get out on regular walks again, for my own selfish reasons.
Unfortunately I can't train him at home today, we've got gardeners in to top some trees and cut back hedges, and Blue is just dying to get involved in all that.
The trainer told me not to let him sniff and scent mark on walks; all his attention should be on me, but I can't see how I can stop this?