Yes , they can pull like a tractor!
I find that all dogs are different. But also WHERE you walk them makes a difference . On a country lane , just grass verges, they think they are in a field, so they want to wander and sniff. That’s ok with me.
On a pavement with traffic and people, mine instinctively stay near me, they are scared.
In a park, on the lead, they don’t like off lead dogs coming up to them because they cant run, so they won’t walk to heel.
I find the best way is to walk briskly at a trotting dog speed, to keep them busy enough to not be distracted. Keep in touch with their brains and talk to them. Eye contact every couple of minutes is excellent and is food reward. If they pull ahead, say their name brightly, and they look round, then say Come, and as soon as they they put a foot towards you say Good Boy, and get them happy for another treat. A trainer taught me that .
My OH doesn’t connect with my dogs on walks, and wanders along in a dream,two being a pain. With me , they are ok until other dogs approach, so I turn round and find more passing space drip feeed them treats till it’s all clear.
Are you taking him to training classes? After a shaky start, my cocker loved it and being cleverer than the other breeds was the superstar of the Tricks class. They love working their little brains for fun.
My big tip for any training is eye contact . (Unless you have a foster guide dog, which means it will fail it’s course). And have fun!