Who is the leader? Me or dog?

Question
Hi Labman,
Thanks for taking my question.  We got a 15 mo old lab/pit mix (rescue) recently.  Admittedly I'm still learning him (and him me) and he is the sweetest dog.  The thing that unsettles me is sometimes I'm confused as to whether my dog considers me his leader.  When he's at home, he is so well behaved, it's more than anyone can ask for.  Aside from some separation anxiety, he is just the most mild mannered dog...in the house.  Once he gets outside, I cannot for the life of me, teach him how to heel and walk properly on the leash even after trying just about ever positive reinforcement technique: treats, talking/praising...the only thing I haven't done (and am avoiding severely) is choke collar, prong collar, jerking leash, etc.  I got the gentle leader harness which helps but obviously doesn't address the real problem.

In addition, he tends to get fixated on things (other dogs, birds, squirrels, staring in the woods, etc.) and I could be making the biggest racket next to him and he wouldn't even notice, let alone listen to my commands.

Is my dog disrespecting me and if so, why is he doing this?  He listens fairly well in the house so I don't sense a dominance issue.  I actually feel like he views me as his leader IN THE HOUSE.  Once we're outside, the rules change.  Any thoughts or suggestions on how I can humanely correct this behavior?

Thanks much!
Michelle

Answer
The dog world is quite divided on this subject now with many going to one extreme or the other.  I would suggest picking up a book by Patricia Mcconnell or the Monks of New Skeet.  Neither fall into the extreme camps of Cesar Milan or Ian Dunbar.  I tried reading a Jean Donaldson book, but it kept getting further into pyscho I didn't finish it.  If you found a good obedience class, it would be great.  Ask plenty of questions and go elsewhere if the instructor relies on prong collars or too heavily on treats.