being around other dogs

[Anjapop]

Our puppy, Desmond, who is about 10 month old, has some issues walking on a leash. We have good walking days and bad...most of them are ok but he is usually pulling me in every direction. He is so strong, and I am a very pettit person so it makes it very difficult. I have a choker on him but he doesn't really care, he just chokes himself. I have also tried carrying treats but he gets so distracted and it really doesnt matter.
When we see other dogs they go to the other side of the street b/c they know Desmond gets so overly excited. He whines and howls at every dog and won't stop pulling and looking back after they have passed over a few blocks.
He came from an adoption center and was always around dogs so I am not sure if this is where it stems from.
We are going to puppy school soon but any advice or thoughts would be helpful.

[MafiaPrincess]

I'd loose the choke chain. It's to make the sound as a correction, not to actually choke the dog. So while not your fault, if he is pulling to the point of choking himself, he may end up with lasting damage.

You may find a anti pull harness, or head harness a better means to walk your dog until you start classes and can get professional help.

[Herschel]

Halti, Gentle Leader, Newtrix (Dr2Little?)

[Rubylove]

Your dog needs some socialisation with dogs outside his comfort zone, and you will need to start working on desensitising him to those `other dog' triggers.

Firstly, though, you need to sort out his leash manners and that will make the other things easier. Whilst doing this, a Halti or a gentle leader for his outside walks will help you handle him better until his manners get better.

How did you intially start to leash train him? He's a rescue and therefore may not have got any formal introduction to a leash. He's also a puppy and in adolescent stage so that will make it harder for him to concentrate. Consistency and patience really is the key - as he gets older and bigger he will only get stronger which could leave you with real problems when you take him out.

Can you run through how you got started with him?