Walking, chain

I use one of four tools when I walk the different dogs. These four tools are a chain, a halter type collar, a regular collar/leash combo, or a leash clipped onto the collar with the other end looped around the dogs neck much like a chain.
Each of these tools can be very affective if used correctly. From my experiences I have found that different tools can work better with different dogs. With Boomer, a dominant boxer mix who tends to hold his head high, I usually use a chain. Because he already holds his head high he makes it easy to keep the chain at the base of his head and right behind his ears. In this position I am able to maintain the most control over his behavior on the walk. I also require him to keep his parallel with me or behind me, never in front of me.
At this point Boomer is far too dominant to be let to roam in front of me. As soon as I allow him to do this his tail goes straight up in the air as he tells me through his body language that he has taken the role of pack leader away from me.
The combination of the chain kept high on Boomer's neck and his body position next to, or behind me gives me the opportunity to give quick, gentle corrections whenever he tries to take over the leader role or when he starts to become aggressive toward other animals, people or cars.
The longer the walk the better the leader follower relationship can develop. This only works when the walk is done with a definite structure and consistent boundaries and corrections.

Boomer Progress

Today Boomer started to show some improvement with his dominance and was becoming a little more submissive. One of the other men that volunteers at the Brown County Humane Society worked with Boomer this morning on his food aggression. He used techniques like holding the bowl of food while Boomer ate to show Boomer the whole time that the only way he can have his food is through the human who is caring for him. This makes it the human's food and not Boomer's and allows the human ownership rather than Boomer. If Boomer does not see the food as his he won't become possessive over it.
I was also able to work with Boomer this morning in the area of dominance on the walk. I keep him on a very short leash and I use a chain. This way he is only allowed to have his head next to me and the rest of his body behind me. This makes me the leader and him the follower. The chain helps make corrections. When he starts to go too far forward or if he shows excessive interest in cars, people, or other animals a short quick tug on the chain corrects and refocuses his action and mind.
Another very good way to achieve dominance over a dog is to show the dog that you own the house, door, and everything else, specifically in dealing with going through doors, for example on your way out for a walk. In this area it is important, especially with a dominant dog like Boomer to own the door by going through it first. The only way for this to work is to make sure that the dog, in my case Boomer, is calm and submissive before he is allowed to follow you through the door. This may take some time but the results of being strong, assertive, and consistent are far better than giving up to avoid the initial struggle.

These techniques are all techniques that Cesar Millan uses.