We do similar things, just in reverse: I breed dogs that latch onto the head and then, hopefully, shoot for the throat
I prefer to try to establish control immediately, which almost invariably comes from a head-hold.
To me, a head-hold is like the jab of a good boxer ... and going into the throat a right cross to finish.
It is harder to land your right cross, if you've not first established control/range/timing with your left jab.