I am torn when it comes to the leash. There's a double edged sword here that I don't know how to deal with. One side - do not let your puppy get away with things at this age that you do not intend to allow as it gets older. The other side - the pup is young and needs to explore the world, and should be allowed to pull.

I give her opportunities to "go sniff" and then have her return to heel to walk on. I do not let her decide the sniff (I may backtrack to it and give the OK so she thinks it was my idea). If she starts to pull I stop in my tracks wait for her to return to my side, which she will usually do..if not I snap and point and she returns, I have her sit a moment and then we move on in "heel"

She is getting much better...but now I fear if I expect it in the neighborhood, I must expect everywhere. Say, the puppy park. I have started keeping her on a retractable at the puppy park because I am working on her Jumping manners. it also comforts her when meeting larger dogs. But I worry I am confusing her by allow her to go ahead on the retractable, and not allowing it on home turf.

Should I relax a little and deal save "heel" for a little later, and allow her to explore the world at her pace right now?

She also does great off leash in the woods and fresh powder (her fav), though she is regressing a bit on recall as she builds more confidence.