I also use a "pinch" when walking Apollo. He's just so rambunctious when we go for "Walkies" and simply must sniff/greet/herd every moving thing, and as he weighs 135lbs, I feel like a kite in a windstorm without it. My father, who has raised, trained and shown champion Dobies suggested it, as I have an aversion to choke chains. (The poor pups look like they're trying to hang themselves on the end of those devicies.)
I find it to be a great "training" (not punishment!) tool, and look forward to the day when he's old enough to realise that not everyone *must* love him.