Thank you all for your concern. And also praises over the pee pee.
Please don't get me wrong. In anything less then a very controlled environment where danger or temptation to pull it will still be the harness. Like when I walk him on the sidewalk down my street. Honestly his tugs when the do happen are gentle and he's like ok end of the line and if not immediately sits will stand in place. I did try the front hooking Premier Easy Walk Harness in petite size of course. Tightened well up and he still managed twice to get partially out of it. Will probably try again with the Premier when he get a little bigger.
I don't honestly know why he responds better on the collar and it's sure not because of pain or irritation. Maybe he's like some skin kids, give a little extra freedom/responsibility and they are more attentive and willing as opposed to restrictions.
He's pretty laid back in general and it appear even more so on the collar. Here's a picture from the other day at doggie daycare at the grandhumans. AND YES that's my dad's cat out there with him. lol
As far as not going to a class with larger dogs, I wish that were an option in this area but it's not. One good thing is the trainer requires us to sit in different places each week so trust me we won't be next to the GSD. lol