thanks guys for all your replies.
I have tried taking him to a puppy class for several weeks, but being a large group i had trouble keeping him under control. he goes nuts around so many dogs, and eventually had to pull him out of it. the large group scenario just wasnt right for us at the time. i agree that working with the dog and training him yourself is the best way forward, but for someone inexperienced and with a difficult dog it can be troublesome. dont get me wrong, simba is super smart and full of energy, but he is very easily distracted and goes bonkers around other dogs etc. i cant really afford to be doing 1-1 private classes every week at 200-300 per hit. I have taught him to sit, drop, shake and working on stay now, so I am trying but i need to ween him off food rewards as thats the only time he really listens. also the real problematic issues ive got with him is pulling like mad on the leash, jumping on everyone and being completely uncontrollable around other dogs. he doesnt show aggression towards them he just wants to play but it can come off as if hes looking for trouble.!
I also do agree that dog training is 2 step process. teaching the dog to perform a task and teaching a dog to listen to you or several people. doing both those things at the same time by an amateur is a tedious task, and in situations like this pro training teaching the dog the tasks, then a proper handover teaching the owner with some follow up sessions maybe can be of great benefit to everyone.
Any suggestions of places in sydney that are reputable would be great guys! :) surely they arent all bad?