Frustrated lab?

Question
Hiya, My girlfriend and I have just this week got a lovely male black lab called Nero, 12mths old, and thus far he has been really good, well house trained and good natured. The only problem we have with him is walking him - he constantly pulls the lead, especially if there are other dogs around. We have tried several short sessions of lead training such as "tree" techniques, and changing direction when he pulls hard. Trouble is, he really doesn't seem to mind that he is choking himself, we have bought him a new lead and collar, which choke him less but he is still pulling. We frequently walk with friends who also have dogs and Nero is out of control in their presence, it's so hard to get his attention for more than a split second. Walking him alone he often responds a little better after he tires himself out after 30 mins, but come the next walk time we have to start over. Many people have suggested the "choke chain" as a possible route, but there are so many negative opinions on this front we are really unsure if this is a good idea or not. We are worried if he is getting enough exercise, as walking him any distance takes far too long if we are to try to keep correcting him. He sleeps in the kitchen, we close the door at night, as he will bark at the stairs if he can see them, he is scared/wary of them and I feel that leaving him alone for 8 hours is too long. We were awoken thismorning by barking and whining! Your help is much appreciated, we love our pup and want him to be happy!!

Thanks,

Tom.

Answer
Hello Tom and thank you for your question,

Congrats on yuor new pup firstly. My female black lab was just the same and was unwalkable as she drug me down the side walks, I tryed normal snap collar, buckle belt type color and assorted choke chains..... heavy vs light choke chains non worked she would choke her self everytime. I reccomend getting a head collor gental leaded is what I use the first few times I walked my lab with this she wasn't pulling \I was shocked! she was slightly stunned that she wasn't aloud to control the walks now but after a week she was fully used to it. Halti makes a head collor also but I have found the shape of the gental leaded head collar to be much much better for controling the dog without having to bug them with many strapes in there face. They range around 20-40 bucks but they should last for 5/6 years or life, Hope this helps if you need more info or have more questions feel free to ask, thanks.