Quote Originally Posted by JenBKR
I should mention that the treats seem to work when we are inside at training class, but when we are outside he has no interest (especially on walks).
This indicates to me that he is NOT ready to move on. Treats should be gradually faded after the dog understands what you are asking it to do so that it will gladly do what is asked even if there is no treat involved. Until the dog can do what you ask at least every two or three times without a treat, it is not ready to advance. Moving outside where there are more distractions only makes it worse.

As a trainer, the number one frustration that I have with owners is moving on without the dog fully understanding what you are asking it to do. It is repetition, repetition and more repetition which most handlers find boring so they force the dog forward when they really should be starting over with fundamentals. Don't be in a hurry to advance. Make sure you have a solid basic foundation before building anything more complex into the mix. You will be glad in the long run that you did!