Pulling at the lead.

Question
My husband and I just acquired a new dog from a moving friend. She is a 2 year-old Beagle mix. We've taken her for walks a couple of times now, and every time we go she almost chokes herself from tugging so hard on the lead. I know that Beagles follow the scent, but there must be some way to keep her from choking herself! We've tried to stop walking when she starts to pull, but this only makes her stop too, it's not really keeping her from pulling. Any suggestions?

Answer
Your dogs will to explore, and follow scents, outweighs the feeling discomfort of choking herself on the end of the leash.  

A harness would alleviate the pressure on her neck, but will only make her pull more.  Think of how a sled dog pulls on a harness.

I would suggest getting a private lesson, or a whole obedience course, with a professional trainer.  They can show you how to properly fit a pinch collar.  A pinch collar is a training collar.  When you correct the dog by a quick pull and release of the leash, the collar slightly constricts and pinches the scruff of the neck.  You do not pull on it, you just give small snaps.  Then once the dog is in the heeling position, you can praise, teaching her the position of "heel" which is at your left side.  Make turns, especially left turns which will cut the dog off if they're inching ahead of you, and keep the dogs head in front of your left leg as you turn.  Heeling is important for many reasons, such as when you're in an area where you need your dog to walk close to you and pay attention to you.  Remember, tools (like training collars) do not teach a dog right from wrong, you do (with a trainer's hands-on help).  The dog should have a designated time when she can go off and sniff freely, and then the rest of the time be heeling at your side and not sniffing.  Good Luck.