Hi, somehow missed this thread yesterday, despite the word "lead" which usually flashes at me as its THE biggest issue, like with LG I've shed more tears over the blinkin dog lead than any of the puppy problems! We have a hall cupboard full of leads, collars,and harnesses, all of which have tbeir advantages and disadvantages but none of them work wonders and in the end its down to the handler/dog and consistant training, I believe, is the only real long term answer. We're no where near there yet but since I learned to accept that it IS a cocker trait and globally, there must be thousands of us in the same boat, I've become more accepting and try not to get into such a lather about it, - although I agree, it can be embarressing in a crowded street. We train it all the time HUmphrey's on the lead and alrhough progress is slow, we're definately making headway. LG's videos have been a great help, I've also found the lighter the lead the better (off lead is no problem, so less of a burdon it is for the dog, the better I think), the best one I have is a cheap elasticated thing I bought in Aldi!!
Also, try to avoid extending your arm, - it is tiring but if you can manage to keep your arm straight at your side, it does seem to help - in a crowd I tend to hold it with both hands, infront of my body. And if anyone disputes the fact that its NOT in the breed, ask them if they've ever seen a training video featuring a cocker! I've yet to find one!!!