We now have new addition, SWMBO met Logan. He was due to be going
> into a rescue centre, but it was decided that "we" would save him
> before that happened.
>
>formatting link
> He is an 8 month old German Shepherd, not a pedigree mind, and is very
> loving. His previous owner is an old lady who is going into a
> retirement home, and can't take him with her.
>
> He has never been on a lead in his life, as she had a paddock that he > could run in.
>
> Decided to get a choke chain to train him to walk on a lead. I'm not
> a huge fan of them, but they are useful for training.
snip
Not read the rest of this thread .... just your post .... so you may already have been given this advice (BTW good luck with your new friend). Imo you should ditch the choke chain asap (and buy an easyleader or similar). They are about £10 and worth their weight in gold .......... extremely effective, the animal will very quickly get used to it, and it is kind to the dog/bitch ..... no neck pressure and instant control. I use them to train young labs and have recommended them to many other dog owners (including a neighbour that re-homed an Alsatian) and without exception they have all been very impressed. You should be able to pick them up at any good pet centre/vets.
HTH ........... Richard