When Jax was that little, I didn't have a choice because I was in a full leg brace and on crutches (one crutch when we walked), but he didn't need to go far anyway. I just got him accustomed to the leash inside, and when we did go outside (several times a day because he needed to potty), I would walk him back and forth in the driveway or around the perimeter of the yard (also did X's through the yard and lines across) on the leash. I hated that I couldn't take him walking around town (that was for about two weeks), but by the time he and I could both go (I guess he was 11& 1/2 weeks when I could lose both crutches), he knew the leash and trusted me. Of course, I would have done more if I could have, but my point is, for a little while, it didn't "put a dent" in him learning to enjoy walking on a leash with me.
When I did start getting him comfortable away from home, he and I rode in the car about 3 blocks away to my Mom's school so I could do lesson plans, and then he and I would walk the 3 blocks back home.
He was totally fine after that, and when we put the leash on at home, he was ready to go out the door and away from home with me. I think as long as they are with you and they start knowing they can trust you, that is the main thing.
It really did end up that...if I just had to have surgery, it was a good time to bond with my baby and be "home bound!" I think I'll do it the same in the future (without the crutches/surgery, of course!) Although, come to think of it...maybe the pain pills made it less frustrating!...
